"Nurturing Thoughtful Minds through Collaboration and eTwinning" on the EU Academy explores the Innovator’s Mindset and 21st-Century Skills. The course covers the 6C’s, Making Learning and Thinking Visible (MLTV) strategies, and practical applications to foster critical thinking and adaptability in educators and students.
To deepen your knowledge, you can watch this TED Talk by C. Dweck. Watch the video from the beginning until minute 05:30 and reflect on the following questions:
Praise wisely, for resilience in children, change their mindsets, push them out of their comfort zones, so they get smarter in time. The bridge of yet is a way to create learning. Raise the kids for yet, not for now. they focus on grades too much. Give them a path
The innovator’s mindset by George Couros
George Couros expands on the growth mindset with the Innovator’s Mindset, emphasizing creativity, problem-solving, and challenging norms. While a growth mindset focuses on learning, the innovator’s mindset empowers educators and students to think critically, embrace uncertainty, and create real-world solutions.
Educators with this mindset drive change by integrating technology and pedagogy creatively, fostering curiosity, collaboration, and knowledge creation. Combining both mindsets cultivates dynamic, student-centered environments that prepare learners for lifelong growth and leadership.
For insightful quotes and materials, explore Daisy De Gioannini’s Innovator’s Mindset presentation.
The 6C’s of 21st-Century Skills
The 4 C's of the 21st Century were popularised as essential skills for success in education and the workplace by organisations like the Partnership for 21st Century Skills (P21), a coalition that included businesses, education leaders, and policymakers. P21, established in 2002, identified Critical Thinking, Creativity, Collaboration, and Communication as the four key skills students needed to thrive in the modern, rapidly changing world. While no single individual is credited as the sole "author" of the 4 C's, they emerged from collective efforts to address gaps between traditional education and workforce demands.
The Transition to the 6 C's
The move from the 4 C's to the 6 C's of 21st Century Learning is often associated with Michael Fullan, a renowned Canadian educator and researcher in education reform. Fullan expanded the framework in his work on "Deep Learning" by introducing Citizenship and Character Education as essential components to prepare students for the complexities of global and digital society (Fullan & Scott, 2014).
Michael Fullan's Contribution
Fullan argued that the 4 C's did not fully encompass the ethical, social, and personal dimensions of education necessary for students to thrive as responsible, empathetic, and globally-aware citizens.
His 6 C's Framework was introduced as part of the New Pedagogies for Deep Learning (NPDL) initiative, which he co-developed to help schools worldwide shift toward transformative teaching practices.
You can find more information in the article New Pedagogies for Deep Learning Whitepaper
The 6 C’s of 21st-Century Learning: A Guide for Teachers
In the 21st century, education has evolved beyond the foundational 4 C’s (Critical Thinking, Creativity, Collaboration, and Communication) to address the demands of a technology-driven and interconnected world. The introduction of the 6 C’s reflects the need for students to not only adapt to rapid changes but also thrive in a complex global society. These competences empower learners to think critically, act ethically, and innovate meaningfully, equipping them for both personal and professional success.
Critical Thinking
Creativity
Collaboration
Communication
Citizenship (Global and Digital)
Character Education
The 6 C’s reflect a holistic approach to education that combines academic, emotional, and social growth, preparing students to be responsible, adaptable, and innovative contributors to society.
The new eTwinning annual theme for 2024/2025: “Citizenship education: celebrating what unites us”.
This school year eTwinning focuses on citizenship education, with an emphasis on active citizenship, critical thinking and learning about the EU and its values.
There will also be a group which will serve as the central hub for eTwinners to find materials and resources related to the new 2025 annual theme. It will also be a place to connect, network, and draw inspiration from fellow colleagues. If you are curious to learn more, start exploring the pages now.
Comments
Post a Comment