Teaching 21st Century Skills in College

One of the hottest topics in higher education is the value of competencies that are called “soft skills,” “career readiness skills” or “21st century skills,” for students’ success in school, life, and work. Based on over 15 years of research by CCWT investigators regarding active learning, skills gaps, workforce skills needs, internships, and institutional change processes in higher education, this innovative program is a comprehensive approach to embedding career readiness across a college student’s entire experience.

In 2018, Associate Professor of Adult & Higher Education Matthew Hora developed a 7-week online faculty development course that led faculty through the history of the skills discourse and problems with generic notions of how skills like communication, critical thinking, and self-regulated learning are deeply shaped by the professions, race/ethnicity, and gender.  Participants were introduced to the “Skills as Cultural Scripts” approach to embedding these skills into course syllabi, lesson plans, or even in campus-wide strategic plans in a way that models sociocultural and equity-centered theories of learning.  

CLICK HERE to learn more or register for “Teaching 21st Century Skills in College Courses” through EdX.

For flyers and videos from the Spring 2023 workshop series offered by Dr. Hora on teaching “21st century skills” from a disciplinary and culturally responsive approach, check out the materials below!