Areas of Knowledge for the 21st Century Student Magic Post

by TeachingThe Staff of Thought

Thinking in the 21st century is just different.

This is not to say that we are all suddenly omnipotent cyborgs, nor that we all become mindless social media addicts who spend our cognitive power tapping, swiping and drooling on the screens of our smartphones and tablets.

But just as the 19th century presented unique information processing challenges compared to the 18th or 20th, the 21st century is different from the one that came before it or the one that will follow it.

punyamishra.com recently published the following graphic, which I found interesting. He identified types of knowledge for modern learning, drawing on fundamental, humanistic and meta knowledge.

3 areas of knowledge for the 21st century student

1. Fundamental knowledge (knowledge)

Digital/ICT knowledge, basic content knowledge, interdisciplinary knowledge

Summary

This field encompasses the fundamental concepts and principles that form the basis of various fields of study. It includes subjects such as mathematics, natural sciences, history and language arts. Foundational knowledge provides the framework for understanding more specialized areas of knowledge and is crucial for critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills.

Examples of fundamental knowledge

Example 1: In a mathematics classroom, students can learn fundamental concepts such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division through hands-on activities such as visualizing mathematical operations using objects manipulation (such as blocks or counters).

Example 2: Teachers can introduce fundamental chemistry knowledge by conducting hands-on experiments to explore the properties of different elements, compounds and chemical reactions, such as mixing acids and bases to observe changes in pH.

Example 3: Teachers can introduce fundamental knowledge about world history by analyzing timelines and maps to trace the major events, movements, and empires that shaped the world’s civilizations over time.

Example 4: Teachers can integrate humanistic knowledge by analyzing the characters, motivations, and ethical dilemmas presented in literary texts, thereby encouraging students to empathize with diverse perspectives and experiences.

Example 5: Students can learn about fundamental physics concepts by conducting experiments to understand Newton’s laws of motion, using simple materials like ramps, balls, and spring balances.

2. Humanistic knowledge (value)

Life/professional skills, ethical/emotional awareness, cultural competence

Summary

Humanistic knowledge focuses on the study of human experiences, values, and cultures. It includes the disciplines of literature, philosophy, art, religion and ethics. Humanistic knowledge helps individuals explore issues of meaning, identity, morality, and social justice, fostering empathy, creativity, and a deeper understanding of the human condition.

Examples of humanistic knowledge

Example 1: Students can use creative writing exercises to express their thoughts, emotions and ideas, drawing on literary works and personal experiences to explore themes of identity, belonging and self-discovery.

Example 2: Teachers can facilitate philosophical discussions about timeless questions such as the nature of reality, the meaning of life, and the existence of free will, thereby encouraging students to critically examine their own beliefs and assumptions.

Example 3: Students can participate in Socratic debates and dialogues to explore ethical dilemmas and moral reasoning, applying philosophical concepts to real-world problems and ethical decision-making.

Example 4: Teachers can integrate humanistic knowledge by encouraging students to create works of art inspired by beauty, love, struggle and transformation, using various media and techniques to express their ideas and emotions.

3. Metaknowledge (to act)

Creativity and innovation, problem solving and critical thinking, communication and collaboration

Summary

Metaknowledge refers to knowledge about knowledge itself – the processes, structures and strategies involved in acquiring, organizing and evaluating information. It encompasses critical thinking skills, information literacy, research methodologies and metacognition. Metaknowledge enables individuals to learn throughout their lives, adapt to changing environments, and make informed decisions in a rapidly changing world.

Examples

Example 1: In any subject, teachers can incorporate critical thinking skills by asking open-ended questions that require students to analyze information, evaluate evidence, and construct reasoned arguments supported by evidence and logic.

Example 2: Teachers can use case studies or real-world scenarios to inspire students to apply critical thinking skills to complex problems and decision-making situations, encouraging them to consider multiple perspectives and weigh implications of their choices.

Example 3: Students can use metacognitive tools such as concept maps, graphic organizers, or learning journals to organize and revise their thoughts, connect new information to prior knowledge, and identify trends or gaps in their understanding.

Use this model in your classroom

The easiest way to use this type of model in your classroom is to think of it as a planning framework, whether at the unit, lesson, or activity level. This way, you can try to have a balance between all three areas of knowledge, or one unit heavily focused on humanistic knowledge (a new study of To Kill A Mockingbird, for example), while another unit of Project-based learning focuses on meta-knowledge.

But on a broader and perhaps more subjective level, this graphic can serve as a simple reminder that our job as teachers is to help students understand how to know, value, and act, even if the majority of them seem to go beyond the ordinary classroom. assessment tools.

The concept of knowledge domains can support the development of critical thinking. Students can learn to analyze and evaluate information, identify patterns, and draw conclusions by tackling areas (one of many) such as foundational knowledge. Humanistic knowledge promotes empathy, perspective taking, and the ability to consider diverse points of view, while metaknowledge promotes metacognition, information literacy, and the ability to thoughtfully reflect on one’s process of reflection.

The big idea of ​​all learning can then begin with knowledge, which leads to valuation, which informs action in relevant and authentic communities.