The 21 Century Curricular

st

Landscape in the Classrooms

Module 8: Curricular Landscape in the 21st Century
Learning Objectives:
Describe the curricular landscape of the 21” century
classrooms
• Identify the 21st century skills to be developed in the
curriculum
 Emerging Curricula of the 21” Century Learners
How does the curriculum for the 21" century look like? What are the emerging
factors and conditions that will shape the curriculum of the century?

Discussion in various groups here and abroad revolve along the different issues.

• Globalization of economies and independence on international markets

• Increased concerns and actions about environmental degradation, water and energy
shortages, global warning. pandemic (HIV, Ebola, etc.)
• Nations competing for power block thus generating conflict but gives opportunities
to build alliances and cooperation
• Increased global migration and opportunities for working overseas
• Science and technological revolution
• Knowledge economy as a generator of wealth and jobs
The curriculum for this century should inspire and challenge both the
teacher and the learner. These are some of the characteristics of this
curriculum. It is a curriculum that…

provides appropriate knowledge, skills and values to face the future.

Is based on knowledge drawn from research.
Is a product of consultative, collaborative development process.
• Supports excellence and equity for all learners.
 Need to Develop 21” Century Skills of Learners in the Curriculum

What are the skills needed by 21” century learners in order to cope with the
curriculum? Will the curriculum likewise develop these skills, too? According
to the Singapore Ministry of Education, such clusters of the competencies
are seen in the matrix below:

Cluster of skills for the 21st century Specific Descriptors

Critical thinking and problem solving

Learning and innnovational skills Creativity and Innovation
Oral and written communication
Content Mastery
Knowledge, information, media, and Information literacy
technology literacy skills Media literacy
ICT literacy
 Flexibility and Adaptability
Initiative and Self Direction
Teamwork and Collaboration
Life Skills Social and Cross- Cultural Skills
Productivity and Accountability
Leadership and Responsibility

Valuing of Diversity
Global Awareness
Environmental Awareness
Citizenship Skills Values, Ethics and Professionalism
On the other hand, Howard Gardner (2006) from his book Five Minds of the
Future, sees that the five frames of thinking which would help in the
development of thinking skills. Each frame of thinking is attributed to the
type of mind the learner has to use in order to survive the future.

The Five Frames of Thinking

Five Frames of Thinking Description

Makes use of the ways of thinking necessary

The Disciplined Mind
for major scholarly work and profession

Select crucial information from the

voluminous amounts available, processing
The Synthesizing Mind
such information in ways that make senses to
self and others.
Lastly, Tony Wagner in his book, The Global Achievement Gap mentioned
the seven survival skills for the 21 century curriculum.

1. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

2. Collaboration Across Networks and Leading by Influence.
3. Agility and Adaptability
4. Initiative and Entrepreneurship
5. Effective Oral and Written Communication
6. Accessing and Analyzing Information
7. Curiosity and Imagination