A Pragmatic and Eclectic Approach to 21st Century Learning

“The two –‘isms’ that perhaps best describe Singapore’s approach (to governing in the 21^st Century) are: Pragmatism – an emphasis on what works in practice rather than abstract theory; and eclecticism – a willingness to adapt to the local context best practices from around the world.”

-    Ravi Menon, the Permanent Secretary of Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry (as quoted in the January 2011 New York Times article, Serious in Singapore)

The way in which we access information has changed radically in the past decade.  All indicators point to even more dynamic interfaces with information in the future.  The pragmatic yet eclectic philosophy by the Singapore government seems an apt approach for education as well in this shifting landscape.

The pragmatism in our schools should be based in understanding the pre-adolescent and adolescent brain, its development, function and potential; the potential to learn as well as to take risks.  Learning should build on the innate talents of each child while identifying and addressing their areas for improvement.  For most children between the ages of 10 and 16 this is inextricably entwined in motivation, confidence and a desire to establish identity.

Enter eclecticism as defined by Secretary Menon.  Pre and Intra Adolescent students have instant access to information.  Therefore, schools no longer have the luxury of housing the learning as it relates to content.  Stanford University and M.I.I. (as well as the Khan Academy) are setting the educational world on fire by offering their education online – FOR FREE!  Education’s response must be in the form of skills.  Information without purpose & application is akin to growing food without recipes & tables on which to serve the meals.  The raw ingredients are transformed into nourishing and, potentially, delectable dishes designed to satiate our palates.

21^st Century Skills are the iron chef for the essential, purposeful and applicable skills necessary for today’s students.  They build confidence by Setting the Stage for Effective and Efficient Academic Success.  Generating & Synthesizing and Organizing & Prioritizing Information utilizes templates and intuitive procedural strategies for managing information.  The Packaging of Information to Inform and Influence addresses the purpose and audience targeted for the information.  Finally, Presentation, Critique and the Revision Cycle involves real motivation through the application of purposeful information molded by critique and revision with peers.