The New List of 21st-Century Skills Students Should Be Perfecting

Educators and workforce experts alike warn that today’s K-12 classrooms may be overlooking many of the in-demand 21st-century skills students need to succeed. Many sources warn that without a deeper aptitude for skills not covered in traditional curriculums, students will not be set up to compete in the global economy or even in college.

A recent report published by Hanover Research sheds some light on the subject of 21st-century skills and outlines just how important their development in the classroom is to our youth’s future. While, of course, technology tops the list of essential 21st-century skills students need to succeed, there are many others listed in Hanover’s report, including:

• Critical thinking
• Collaboration
• Communication
• Creativity
• Innovation
• Self-direction
• Flexibility
• Adaptability
• Productivity
• Responsibility
• Social and cross-cultural awareness

This post will explore the 21st-century skills educators, parents, and students need to focus on as they pursue their educational paths.

13 Essential 21st Century-Skills For Students in 2024 & Beyond

The Hanover Research interviewed experienced education leadership to help identify areas of focus and improvement for developing 21st-century skills in the classroom. While each has a slightly different list of critical 21st-century skills, all agreed on four critical areas for development in the classroom:

1. Collaboration and teamwork
   Collaboration and teamwork are essential 21st-century skills because the future of the global workplace is team-driven. Learning how to work effectively with others allows for mastery of what organizations of all kinds are prioritizing - productivity and leadership. Teamwork also develops interpersonal skills, such as leadership, communication, empathy, and conflict resolution. By mastering collaboration, students are better prepared to contribute meaningfully in any environment.
2. Creativity and imagination
   Creativity and imagination are key drivers of innovation and, as such, are in-demand skills in the 21st-century workplace. These skills allow individuals to think outside the box and develop original solutions to complex problems. Creativity remains a uniquely human trait that cannot be replicated by technology. Encouraging imagination in education helps students to explore possibilities, take risks, and envision the future. Ultimately, creativity fuels economic growth and societal advancement.
3. Critical thinking
   By honing critical thinking skills, students can gain in-demand 21st-century skills like analyzing data, discerning credible sources, and making informed decisions based on evidence rather than assumptions or misinformation. This skill is crucial in a world where information is constantly changing. Critical thinking also promotes logical reasoning and problem-solving, allowing students to approach challenges systematically. Learners with critical thinking skills are better equipped to understand complex issues and contribute to informed debates and decision-making processes.
4. Problem-solving
   Problem-solving is a 21st-century skill that empowers individuals to tackle the multifaceted challenges that arise in a fast-paced, ever-changing world. In any industry or area of focus, students who are effective problem-solvers stand out by being able to identify issues, analyze potential solutions, and implement strategies that drive positive outcomes.

The Hanover Research analysis also identifies a second tier of critical 21st-century skills, including:

5. Flexibility and adaptability
   Flexibility and adaptability are essential 21st-century skills because they enable individuals to thrive in a rapidly changing world. As industries and technologies evolve, employees who can pivot and adapt are highly sought after. Employers value Individuals who can manage uncertainty, embrace change, and remain productive in dynamic environments.
6. Global and cultural awareness
   Global and cultural awareness are crucial 21st-century skills that foster understanding and appreciation of diverse perspectives in an interconnected world. Workplaces are becoming more culturally diverse, and professionals must effectively navigate cross-cultural interactions. Students with exposure to these skills can enhance collaboration, reduce conflicts, and promote inclusive environments.
7. Information literacy
   Information literacy is a vital 21st-century skill that displays a student’s ability to discern credible sources from unreliable ones. Employers value this skill as it leads to better research, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities within organizations.
8. Leadership
   Leadership is an indispensable 21st-century skill as it drives innovation, motivates teams, and navigates organizations through complex challenges. Effective leaders inspire and guide their teams toward achieving common goals, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence. In a rapidly changing world, strong leadership is crucial for managing change, addressing conflicts, and seizing new opportunities. Employers seek individuals with leadership skills to cultivate a positive work environment and steer the organization toward success. Developing leadership abilities also enhances personal growth, resilience, and the capacity to influence and inspire others positively.

An additional layer of 21st-century skills was present in the findings of the same report, including:

9. Civic literacy and citizenship
   Civic literacy and citizenship are essential 21st-century skills for students to master. These skills foster an awareness of civic duties and rights, encouraging responsible and informed engagement in community and societal issues as global challenges become more complex.
10. Oral and written communication skills
    Oral and written communication skills are fundamental 21st-century skills that contribute to efficient workflows, better customer interactions, and improved relationships with colleagues and stakeholders in workplaces of all kinds.
11. Social responsibility and ethics
    Social responsibility and ethics are essential to guiding individuals and organizations in making decisions that positively impact society and the environment. They promote a sense of accountability and a commitment to ethical practices.
12. Technology literacy
    It’s no secret that technological literacy is a crucial 21st-century skill. With technologies such as AI leapfrogging at unprecedented rates, tech proficiency is essential to success in nearly any field. Students who become tech-savvy and able to learn new technologies quickly are sure to set themselves up for success in their college and post-college lives.
13. Initiative
    Initiative is an indispensable 21st-century skill for students to learn in their k-12 education and beyond. The initiative reflects an individual's ability to take proactive steps, anticipate challenges, and pursue opportunities without constant guidance. A self-starting attitude is seen by employers to drive innovation, solve problems, and facilitate continuous improvement, making individuals valuable assets in any organization.

It’s been famously said that 65% of kids in preschool today will work in jobs or careers that do not yet exist. While none of us can truly predict the future, focusing on this list of in-demand 21st-century skills can help young people prepare for whatever the future holds.

Envision by WorldStrides was built with a vision of helping students make the world their classroom. Our programs support experiences with all the in-demand 21st-century skills, filling the gaps where traditional curriculum may fail. From experiential learning to career exploration to leadership development, we facilitate programs that offer real-world experiences to students from second grade to college age.

Learn more about our programs and start your journey with Envision today!