The article “Rigor Redefined” by Tony Wagner exposes the truth about what kids aren’t learning that will set them back in a twenty first century workplace.
Somehow, this article didn’t shock me that much. I was alarmed at how secluded kids can be, but I mostly knew about these types of problems. Young adults are hiding behind text rather than talking face to face. I have come in counter with many kids who won’t even look at an adult. I don’t know if it’s a matter of shame or if these students don’t want the adults to judge them. This fear is irrational because adults are “adult” enough to not read a book by its cover. I am always social with adults. I practically am one. I see myself as more mature than the average person, in the aspect of knowledge. I sometimes prefer talking to adults. Older people understand my jokes. The ability to socialize face to face is important in finding a job and being effective in a work force. Social skills are mostly associated with teamwork. Teams for companies are now across the world. That one slacker in the group can actually happen in real life. I have been lucky to be taught these social skills.
This article really stresses on critical thinking and problem solving. Many companies look for this in their employees and it is a great skill. This is where school systems have ignored their students. Students are hand fed answers without developing the mind. My 6th grade science teacher used to say, “Now this isn’t information that you regurgitate back up after learning it.” She meant that you have to retain information instead of just memorizing it long enough to write it on a test. Teachers are supposed to ask questions that make us use problem solving skills with new techniques to find answers. This is what sets us up to succeed in business.
Another core skill that students aren’t learning is adaptability. Some students do attain this skill, but most don’t. In an ever changing world workers need to be able to change with the times and roll with the punches. There are new problems every day. There has to be new thinking every day to solve these problems. Our schools aren’t preparing us enough for these challenges. It’s not just the schools fault. Students have lost the will to care. They don’t see that what they do now determines what happens to them in the future. These skills are vital to the survival of our future workforce.
