We are at the dawn of what some call the "Fourth Industrial Revolution" ( 4IR). As reported in 2016 by World Economic Forum, 65% of children entering elementary school will have jobs that do not yet exist (Lewis, 2020). Because the transformative nature of technology will lead to jobs with new skill structures yet to be determined, it is impossible to identify specific skill sets (Wrahatnolo & Munoto, 2018, Lewis, 2020). Although we cannot predict what skill will be needed in future decades, the common theme is an increased need for skills that robots cannot replace.
To achieve this objective, I propose creating student technology teams in my innovation plan. One skill that team members need to be taught and develop is listening. Without good quality reciprocal listening, successful communication is virtually impossible. Without communication, there is no productive collaboration, practical problem-solving, or positive movement toward a shared vision (Grigoropoulos, 2020). In a 21st-century world of work, core leadership skills involve being present to others, listening intently to their concerns and issues, and advancing the other person’s interests through dialogue. Creating opportunities for middle school students to feel a need to dialogue regarding common issues enables students to experience the dynamics of leadership firsthand (Bowman, 2013).
We are now 23 years into the 21st century, yet we still talk about preparing for the 21st century as if it is still in the distant future. Today’s students live in a world that is changing as fast as they are growing. Thus, as educators, can we think of a better time to prepare them for the future? Can our students afford to wait any longer? We must prepare students for the realities of living their lives as continuous learners, gaining skills and competencies to prepare themselves and others for the unknown future (Grigoropoulos, 2020, Wrahatnolo & Munoto, 2018).
My "Why" for Student Technology Teams
Why - What is your purpose, cause, or belief?
I believe that educators must prepare students for 21st century work environments by acknowledging of their talents and interests therefore nurturing a relationship of trust that will promote student engagement, and foster students’ sense of belonging.
How - Specific actions are taken to realize the Why.
To do this, I will create a student technology team at my school, providing an outlet that acknowledges their talents and interests while providing an opportunity for intellectually challenging real-world work and opportunities to have purposeful interpersonal interactions with teachers and their peers.
What - What do you do? The result of Why. Proof.
Members of the student technology teams realize that their words and actions count for something by have a positive impact on their school, therefore cultivating the 21st century ideas of servant leadership.
REFERENCES
Bowman, R. F. (2013). Learning leadership skills in middle school. The Clearing House, 86(2), pp. 59–63. http://www.jstor.org.libproxy.lamar.edu/stable/43999318
Grigoropoulos, J. E. (2020). How can manifesting leadership skills infused with ethos, empathy, and compassion Better prepare students to assume leadership roles? International Journal of Progressive Education, 16(1), 54–66.
Lewis, K. (2020). Technology in the workplace: Redefining skills for the 21st century. The Midwest Quarterly, 61(3), 348.
Sinek, S (2019) Star with why: How great leaders inspire action. TEDXPuget Sound. A. https://youtu.be/sioZd3AxmnE
Wrahatnolo, T., & Munoto. (2018). 21st centuries skill implication on educational system. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering ; 296 (012036) , ISSN 1757-8981 1757-899X. https://doi-org.libproxy.lamar.edu/10.1088/1757-899x/296/1/012036
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