In the 21st century, the skills required to succeed in any career have changed

dramatically. As a result, educators have had to adapt their teaching methods to ensure that
students are prepared for the ever-evolving job market. The 21st Century skills are divided into
three categories: Learning skills, Literacy skills, and Life skills.
The first category, learning skills, also known as the Four C's, are essential for any career.
These skills include critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication. Critical
thinking is crucial in health sciences and business settings as it helps to identify problems and
find solutions. Creativity is equally important as it encourages students to think outside the box
and come up with innovative ideas. Collaboration is essential in any workplace as it helps to
achieve compromises and get the best possible results. Lastly, communication is the glue that
brings all these skills together. Effective communication is vital in any company to maintain
profitability, eliminate confusion, and achieve objectives.
The second category, literacy skills or IMT skills, focuses on digital comprehension. It
includes information literacy, media literacy, and technology literacy. Information literacy
teaches students how to identify and separate facts from fiction. Media literacy helps students
identify credible sources of information and publishing methods. Technology literacy gives
students the basic information they need to understand the machines that run the Information
Age.
The final category, life skills or FLIPS, pertains to someone’s personal life but also bleeds
into professional settings. It includes flexibility, leadership, initiative, productivity, and social
skills. Flexibility is the expression of someone's ability to adapt to changing circumstances. It
requires humility and the acceptance that there is always more to learn. Leadership is the ability
to set goals, walk a team through the steps required, and achieve those goals collaboratively. The
initiative is the ability to start projects, strategies, and plans on one's own. Productivity is the
ability to complete work in an appropriate amount of time. Social skills are crucial to the
ongoing success of a professional, as they help in forging long-lasting relationships.
In summary, the 21st Century skills are divided into three categories, and each category
covers essential skills required for success in any career. Learning skills cover critical thinking,
creativity, collaboration, and communication, while literacy skills focus on digital
comprehension. Life skills cover flexibility, leadership, initiative, productivity, and social skills.
Educators must prioritize teaching these skills to ensure that students are well-prepared for the
rapidly changing job market.
References:
American Management Association. (n.d.). Communication Skills for Leaders. Retrieved
from https://www.amanet.org/articles/communication-skills-for-leaders/
Foundation for Critical Thinking. (n.d.). Defining Critical Thinking. Retrieved from
https://www.criticalthinking.org/pages/defining-critical-thinking/766
National Collaborative for Digital Equity. (2018). Collaboration: A 21st Century Skill.
Retrieved from https://www.digitalpromise.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Collaboration-A-
21st-Century-Skill.pdf
National Education Association. (n.d.). Why Creativity is Crucial in the 21st Century.
Retrieved from https://www.nea.org/advocating-for-change/new-from-nea/why-creativity-
crucial-21st-century
P21. (n.d.). Framework for 21st Century Learning. Retrieved from
https://www.p21.org/our-work/p21-framework
World Economic Forum. (2020). Top 10 Skills of the Future Workforce. Retrieved from
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/01/top-10-skills-of-the-future-workforce/