Page 25 - EdViewptsSpring2018-web_Neat
P. 25
Complex Thinking Is Essential
for the 21st Century Learner,
Now What?
By Clifford R. Burns, Ed.D., Principal, Randolph Township Schools
Some commentators in Economic Forum, 2015). pace of change in today’s global econo-
the education and busi- In addressing the personal charac- my, investments to promote innovation
deserve more emphasis than at any
ness literature state it is teristics most critical for employees’ other time in the past” (U.S. Depart-
future success, CEOs from 1,700 of
important to develop skills the world’s best businesses ranked ment of Commerce, 2012, pp. 2–3).
and dispositions related creativity above being opportunity Commentators on global competitive-
ness use the terms cognitive complexity,
seeking, technology-savvy, and
to complex thinking in stu- globally oriented in a recent survey creativity, innovation, analytical thinking,
dents in order for them to (International Business Machines and problem-solving skills as proxies for
the overall basket of future-ready skills
[IBM], 2012). CEOs most frequently
become globally competi- stated they need employees who can known as 21st century skills (Binkley,
tive (Standard Chartered problem solve, think creatively, and Erstad, Herman, Raizen, Ripley, Miller-
Ricci, & Rumble, 2011). Creativity,
work well with others on key tasks.
Global Focus, 2010; World The Competitiveness and Innovative innovative thinking, critical thinking, and
Capacity Report states that “given the problem solving are examples of com-
Educational Viewpoints -23- Spring 2018
