Unlocking the 7Cs: A Pathway to 21st Century Learning and Success

Course overview

This immersive 5-day course is designed to equip educators with a comprehensive understanding of the 7Cs – Creativity, Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, Cross-cultural Understanding, Career and Life Skills, and Computing and Digital Literacy – which are essential for preparing learners to thrive in the 21st century. Participants will explore the evolving landscape of employment and the skills needed to succeed in this era, while gaining insights into the paradigm shifts in education that align with traditional education principles.

The course will delve into the importance of fostering creative thinking and critical analysis skills in students, enabling them to generate innovative ideas, solve problems effectively, and navigate the complexities of the modern world. Participants will learn strategies to promote effective communication and collaborative learning in the classroom, fostering teamwork, leadership, and cooperation among learners.

Emphasis will be placed on cultivating cross-cultural understanding, a vital competency for navigating diverse global contexts. Participants will explore techniques to promote intercultural communication, respect for diversity, and effective interaction within diverse teams.

Additionally, the course will address the significance of career and life skills, equipping learners with the adaptability, flexibility, initiative, and self-direction necessary for lifelong learning and success.

The course will also introduce participants to the essential skills of computing and digital literacy, enabling them to integrate technology effectively into their teaching and learning practices. Participants will explore good examples of incorporating ICT, digital, and media literacy into various subject areas, empowering learners to navigate and utilize technology proficiently.

To enhance the learning experience and provide a cultural context, the course will incorporate a guided visit to a local museum, heritage site, or eco-conscious initiative. This visit will allow participants to explore the cultural richness of the area, draw inspiration from sustainable practices, and gain insights into incorporating inclusive and green dimensions into their teaching methodologies.

Tentative schedule:

Day 1: Introduction to 21st century learning and the 7Cs

Icebreakers and networking activities
Introduction to the course and participants
Overview of the course methodology and expectations
Exploring the landscape of employment and skills in the 21st century
Understanding the paradigm shift in education: What, How, and Why?
Group discussions: Integrating 21st century skills in educational contexts

Day 2: Fostering creativity and critical thinking

Understanding the creative process and promoting creative thinking
Strategies for working creatively with others and implementing innovation
Developing effective critical thinking skills for problem-solving in the classroom
Hands-on activities and group work

Day 3: Enhancing communication and collaboration

Principles of effective communication in the classroom
Strategies for collaborative learning, promoting teamwork and leadership
Explanation of basic editing techniques: cropping, exposure adjustment, color correction
Cultural visit (e.g. museum, heritage site) guided in English to explore local heritage and sustainability practices
Post-visit activities: Incorporating cultural and environmental elements into collaborative projects

Day 4: Cultivating cross-cultural understanding and career and life skills

Introduction to cross-cultural understanding as an essential global competence
Promoting intercultural communication and effective interaction in diverse teams
Exploring career and life skills for lifelong learning and adaptability
Good examples of intercultural and career learning in educational settings

Day 5: Integrating computing and digital literacy

Introduction to ICT literacy, digital literacy, and media literacy as essential skills
Good examples of integrating ICT, digital, and media literacy into teaching and learning
Mapping the 7Cs into educational contexts: Group work and presentations
Course evaluation and feedback
Certification ceremony

The classes typically run from 9 in the morning to 2 in the afternoon, with the afternoon and evening reserved for self-reflection and individual study. However, the course schedule may be adjusted to accommodate the preferences of the participants and the availability of instructors or external learning locations. Participants will receive the finalized schedule well in advance, allowing ample time for preparation and planning.

Learning outcomes:

The participants will be able to:

Analyze the evolving landscape of employment and the skills needed for success in the 21st century.
Evaluate the paradigm shifts in education and their alignment with traditional educational principles.
Develop strategies to promote creative ways of thinking and foster innovation among their students.
Implement effective strategies for enhancing communication skills and collaborative learning in the classroom.
Cultivate cross-cultural understanding and promote intercultural communication and respect for diversity.
Integrate career and life skills into their teaching practices, equipping learners with adaptability, flexibility, initiative, and self-direction.
Utilize computing and digital literacy skills to navigate and integrate technology effectively into teaching and learning.
Collaborate with fellow educators to share best practices and develop cross-curricular approaches to integrating the 7Cs.
Incorporate cultural elements and inspiration from local heritage and sustainable practices into their teaching methodologies.
Design comprehensive lesson plans and learning activities that seamlessly integrate the 7Cs, fostering 21st century skills among learners.
Evaluate their own teaching practices and develop an action plan for continuous improvement in integrating the 7Cs into their educational contexts.

Course fee:

400 euro per participant (covered entirely by the Erasmus grant)

Course fee includes:

At least 25 hours of course content;
Course materials;
Certificate of participation;
Europass, on request;
Learning / Mobility Agreement;
Visits to local institutions, if available;
Personalized support;
Free high-speed WIFI internet at the POU Čakovec premises;
Refreshments;
Administration costs;
Dissemination materials.

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