Establishing the R&D agenda for twenty-first century learning

Area of Science:

• Education Policy
• Curriculum Development
• Educational Research

Background:

• The U.S. educational system faces challenges in preparing students for a globalized economy.
• There's a recognized need to integrate twenty-first century skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication.
• Current educational trends focusing on basics and accountability require broadening to include these essential skills.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a long-term research and development (R&D) agenda for integrating twenty-first century skills into American public education.
• To examine the impact of such an R&D agenda on pedagogy, assessment, and higher education.
• To contextualize the debate around American education within a global economic reality.

Main Methods:

• Building on frameworks from the Partnership for 21st Century Skills.
• Proposing research questions to guide advancements in teaching, professional development, and assessment.
• Analyzing the necessary changes in teacher preparation programs.

Main Results:

• An R&D agenda can propel and sustain the shift towards twenty-first century skills.
• Targeted research is crucial for effective pedagogical and assessment strategies.
• Investment in teacher training and preparation programs is essential for successful implementation.

Conclusions:

• Educational reform necessitates a proactive R&D agenda focused on twenty-first century skills.
• Effective assessment tools can drive reform by measuring desired outcomes.
• Higher education institutions must adapt teacher preparation programs to support these new educational strategies.