To ensure someone understood the most important points of the videos I'll mention below, I'd ask them to reflect on intangible qualities of people. The questions I would ask depend on the audience with whom I'm speaking, but still center around non-academic skills. I'd ask my classmates and teacher-friends what non-academic skills they think are the most important to cultivate in today's students. In my work colleagues, I'd ask what skills make a candidate stand out from the crowd. In my role, we review resumes and hire for our team, and for leadership roles, we may be asked to join interview panels. In most cases, it's both the academic learning and the intangibles that stand out.
Dr. Tony Wagner (Asia Society, 2009) begins by noting critical thinking as his first point of survival. Similarly, Ellen Galinsky (Big Think, 2013) notes critical thinking as one of her 7 essential life skills. Dr. Wagner focuses on the problem-solving aspect while Galinsky sees this life skill as necessary for making connections and analyzing data. Both state that communication skills are lacking in today's students and workforce and Dr. Wagner believes this is a thinking problem as he says, "Writing is fuzzy because their thinking is fuzzy."
Both speakers say today's students need initiative to survive, although Galinsky frames her thinking around taking on challenges and problem-solving. I also found a connection between Dr. Wagner's idea of leadership and teamwork and Galinsky's belief that leaders should be able to see many perspectives, which increases the ability to work well and lead teams. Next, both lists show a need for self-control and reflection as Dr. Wagner talks about adaptability and agility in students wanting to be change leaders. Galinsky's list focuses on self-control as a means to improve and adapt.
Finally, Wagner states curiosity and imagination are lacking in students and they have trouble accessing and analyzing information. He states today's students do not know how to research, question, and think. They want only to know the answer and he shared how a group of students at an Early College Prep High School had no concept of the Scientific Method or the need for a hypothesis. Galinsky also notes the need for students to be self-directed and engaged in their own learning. In contrast, Wagner says students are using technology to become self-directed learners and teachers and expand their social groups, online, to people that have similar interests.
I found that last point to be a bit contradictory as Wagner points to a lack of written and spoken communication, but then seems to praise students for finding a way to be more social via online outlets. While this may expand the interest and friend group, it doesn't actually improve the social and communication skills of students.
My action research plan requires me to reach out to my professional network and ask some hard questions, but do it in a way that allows for open communication and a willingness to take initiative, advocate for oneself, and expect and respect the unexpected. I have to be able to analyze what is and learn how to make it better. We always begin with the end in mind, then consider the resources, the timeline, and the plan. If communication skills are lacking and analytical skills need work, I may never get to the root cause or develop a helpful game plan. Living happily with my head in the sand while others innovate and adapt will not help me, my team, or my organization. Beyond the execution, there is a need for self-reflection and a growth mindset. I also have to be self-aware enough to know how I learn and not always to expect an answer to be given, or to come easy.
It's important to consider these life skills while working to implement an innovation plan because it is critical to understand the how and why behind change, not just the basic steps to be taken. Understanding your audience and how to be influence is key. Understaning your resources and how to analyze the best use of time, talent, and money are crucial. Finally, understanding how to emotionally connect and disconnect from a project is also critical because you have to believe in your goal while being able to pivot and constructively change course if necessary. Every experience is a lesson or a blessing. If things go well in my project, I have to be able to be grateful for all the people that made it so. If a change is needed, I will be able to see this as a lesson learned and a challenge to continue to analyze, adjust, and improve.
References:
Asia Society. (2009, October 1). 7 Skills students need for their future [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NS2PqTTxFFc
Big Think. (2013, July 18). The Seven Essential Life Skills, with Ellen Galinsky | Big Think Mentor | Big Think [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdIkQnTy6jA
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