1. Changing job requirements in the 21st century
Mrs. Meeta Rai
DPS Indirapuram, Ghaziabad
13th November 2010

2. Yesterday’s work context
Individuals spent their entire career with one employer
Manufacturing sector provided majority of the jobs and one learnt and grew with years of service
Segmented job responsibilities that rarely changed
College degrees guaranteed a well paying job
Technical schools were perceived to be catering to less academically inclined students

3. Current work context
Service economy in a global world –IT, Healthcare, Retail, Media, Hospitality, Aviation,
Jobs are no longer siloed and require cross functional expertise
Specialized /Technical training required
Higher education does not guarantee success in jobs
Individuals must excel at life skills
The key to getting a job will be in developing a set of transferable skills

4. Critical Thinking Across Disciplines
A Snapshot….
20th Century
21st Century
1 – 2 Jobs
10 – 15 Jobs
Number of
Jobs:
Mastery of
One Field
Critical Thinking Across Disciplines
Job
Requirement:
Subject
Matter
Mastery
Integration of 21st
Century Skills into
Subject Matter
Mastery
Teaching
Model:

5. What are 21st century skills
Overview
What are 21st century skills
Critical Thinking
Problem Solving
Innovation
Effective communication
Effective collaboration
Team work
Self-directed learning
Global awareness
Civic engagement

6. How do we prepare our students?
Curriculum Model
Teacher training Model
Resource Model
Assessment Model

7. How do we prepare our students?
Curriculum Model
Curriculum to include vocational training at the school level.
Art, Music, Theatre termed as extra curricular should be incorporated into the mainstream.
Class assignments to require ethical use of the internet for research as well as collaboration with other students.

8. How do we prepare our students?
Teacher training Model
Train teachers to understand and appreciate individual differences in children – ability, preferences and interests.
Encourage application of concepts through activities and games.
Encourage participation and capture interest by practicing learning by doing.
Use IT as a teaching aid to familiarize students.
Encourage group work and collaboration.
Evaluate through unconventional means as well (field trips, quick quizzes).

9. How do we prepare our students?
Resource Model
Provide resources in the form of easy access to IT – laptops, videoconferencing, virtual classrooms.
Conduct workshops to familiarize students with vocation options.
Organize debates, seminars, open house sessions where students can interact with one another and teachers.
Provide opportunities for cultural exchange programs.
Career counselors to provide guidance.

10. How do we prepare our students?
Assessment Model
Assess student performance through group activities and collaboration.
Assess students by gauging their participation and interest in class activities and field trips.
Expand assessment criteria for schools to include participation and success in cultural activities, sports, exchange programs etc.