As educators, our role is to prepare students for the future. We are tasked with supplying them with the skills they need to succeed and prepare for the workforce. Dr. Tony Wagner has identified seven skills students need for their future, which we will compare to Ellen Galinsky's list of seven life skills everyone needs.
According to Dr. Tony Wagner, seven skills that students need for the future include: | According to Ellen Galinsky, the seven executive function life skills include: |
1) Critical thinking and problem-solving- 2) Collaboration across networks and leading by influence 3) Agility and adaptability 4) Initiative and entrepreneurialism 5) Effective oral and written communication 6) Accessing and analyzing information 7) Curiosity and imagination (Wagner, [Asia Society], 2009). | 1) Focus and Self Control 2) Perspective Taking (understanding how others think) 3) Communicating 4) Making Connections (Creatively) 5) Critical Thinking 6) Taking on Challenges 7) Self Directed, Engaged, Learning (Galinsky, [Big Think], 2013). |
Looking at these points, it is clear that there is a significant amount of crossover. This crossover shows that the skills we supply our students with are vital to their life after school. Dr. Wagner focuses on setting students up for careers and the future, while Ms. Galinsky focuses on child development and growth to become a well-rounded person. Communication is a common theme among the two perspectives, as it is essential that one can listen to or understand what another person is saying (Galinsky, [Big Think], 2013). It is also vital that students and adults are agile and adaptable; people need to be willing to take on challenges and adapt to new required skills (Wagner, [Asia Society], 2009).
Both Dr. Wagner and Ms. Galinsky highlight critical thinking as essential. Wagner associates it with problem-solving, while Galinsky focuses on using critical thinking to make connections creatively. Wagner's concept of initiative and entrepreneurialism aligns with Galinsky’s idea of self-directed, engaged learning, emphasizing the need for individuals to take charge of their own education and development (Galinsky, [Big Think], 2013).
Understanding these foundational skills and their importance prepares us to measure and evaluate innovation strategies effectively. By knowing what skills are critical for future success, we can design and assess innovative educational approaches that align with these skills, ensuring that our strategies are relevant and impactful. Considering these skills helps bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring that our innovation strategies are not only measurable but also meaningful in preparing students for real-world challenges.
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Galinsky, E. [Big Think]. (2013, July). The Seven Essential Life Skills, With Ellen Galinsky | Big Think Mentor | Big Think. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdIkQnTy6jA
Wagner, T. [Asia Society]. (2009, October). 7 Skills students need for their future. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NS2PqTTxFFc
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