What students really need

Recently I read an article called “Rigor Redefined” by Tony Wagner. The article discusses the skills students need to learn in order to obtain a successful career. The author gives helpful advice for what students need to learn in order to have a successful career in the 21^st century.

In the article the author lists what he believes are the most important concepts for students to grasp in order to have a 21^st century career. I think the seven concepts that the author mentioned that student’s have to have for a 21^st century job are correct. The things the author listed are critical thinking and problem solving; collaboration and leadership; agility and adaptability; initiative and entrepreneurialism; effective oral and written communication; accessing and analyzing information; and last but not least curiosity and imagination. Major companies want someone who is able to do the job efficiently, and someone who is able to think for themselves and not need step-by-step instruction. When he was talking with Clay Parker, President of the Chemical Management Divisions of BOC Edwards, some of the thing that he looks for when he is hiring people sounded very familiar. My Dad, he is the C.O.O of Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (Chfa), says that he I looking for same things. When Clay Parker was asked what he looks for in hiring new employees he said, “I look for some one who can engage in good discussions and I look for someone who asks good questions.” When my dad is looking to hire people he is looking for relatively the same things, some one who can engage with others well and some one who asks good questions because that shows him that they are actually interested in the company. When he is interviewing someone he is looking for attitude (how you do your job) and aptitude (your skill set).

Overall, the concept that stood out to me the most was number 6 Accessing and Analyzing Information), because it reminded me of the article that we previously read, “Is Google Making Us Stupid?” I connected it in the way that students are presented with so many opportunities to access information but, are they actually learning from it? I know from my own experiences with research and studying, that I just memorize the information for a test; I don’t actually learn the material. I am sure many students do this as well, and I think that schools should help us actually learn the information instead of cramming for a test. But that is just my opinion, I think it could really help student in the long run.