You’ve probably heard of 21st century skills. These skills are going to be fundamental for today’s children to exploit their full potential for their future. Not all children think alike, nor do they acquire skills in the same way and at the same time, so we all understand that everyone goes at their own pace and this needs to be normalised.
However, we already know that there are certain skills that we need to develop in order to carve out a niche for ourselves in a still uncertain future. We are already seeing how some jobs are evolving and new sectors are being created that could not even have been imagined a few years ago. The area of technology and information technology is going to mark a great change in the employment paradigm, even more than what is already happening now.
But there will not only be a place for technology. Skills such as communication, creativity and soft skills will make the difference between one person and another. Let’s put ourselves in the place where a human resources manager wants to recruit a person and the two final candidates are equally qualified but one of them has better public speaking, expression, communication, expectations, confidence, and other more internal and psychological human skills.
But there will not only be a place for technology. Skills such as communication, creativity and soft skills will make the difference between one person and another. Let’s put ourselves in the place where a human resources manager wants to recruit a person and the two final candidates are equally qualified but one of them has better public speaking, expression, communication, expectations, confidence, and other more internal and psychological human skills.
What are the skills of the 21st century?
Technology skills
In an increasingly digital world, it is important that our young people have basic technological skills such as computer and internet literacy. These skills will enable them to access the information and tools they need to learn and develop in an increasingly technological world.
These skills can improve the quality of education, enabling students to learn more effectively and interactively. We should also bear in mind that they are increasingly valued in the world of work. In addition, they foster creativity and innovation, allowing for the development of original solutions with technology.
Critical and creative thinking skills
Critical thinking is the ability to analyse and evaluate information in order to make informed decisions. Any child can use the internet, a mobile phone or a tablet to search for information but learning how to search, knowing how to differentiate between fake and real news and in general, making good use of technology, will be the important points that will make the difference.
On the other hand, having the ability to think differently and not being limited by barriers and categories is an important skill that allows us to exploit our potential, generating new and original ideas.
Problem-solving skills
By solving problems effectively, children can gain confidence in their own ability and become more independent. Learning to think is a skill to be worked on like any other and also helps to retain the information solved in a more lasting way.
Communication skills
Effective communication is a fundamental part of healthy interpersonal relationships and helps children establish positive relationships with others. This communication can be oral, written, or even with gestures and movement. Any language to express oneself is good if it achieves its purpose: to relate. Listening to and understanding others will also be key.
Social skills and emotions
These skills include collaboration, learning to work in a team and coordinating with others to achieve a goal. They are key skills for achieving our goals as individuals and, together, with others. It also allows us to draw on different ideas and perspectives to enrich ourselves.
In addition, other skills such as empathy, flexibility or resilience will help us to deal with conflicts, to face changes and new challenges and, above all, to understand and value ourselves as people.
How do we help develop these skills at Apolo Kids?
At Apolo Kids we want to be a place where children learn to learn. As a complement to the school, we are also a different way of learning and getting to know the environment around us.
To begin with, with Apolo Academy we work on all the curricular skills that can be taught at school: history, geography, language and literature, art, physics, natural sciences, maths and sport. We just do it in a different way. Our educational videos are made so that children learn about what interests them most, so that they feel curiosity and motivation for what they do.
In our courses we teach them to think differently and to have a more global vision of the world, so that they are trained with all the necessary information. We work on creativity, emotional skills, teamwork and values necessary for their adult life.
Without ever forgetting to learn through play. With the Kokoro Kids app they acquire skills and competences, both cognitive and emotional, through games and educational activities. Playing is one of the most natural actions thanks to which we learn and, above all, retain information better in the long term. The little ones can start working on the 21st century skills for their future from an early age and in the best way they know how, by playing.
