How does learning take place? What does it look like? How do we think deeply about learning so that it is powerful, continuous and enduring? These are the questions District 41 examined in identifying its Learner Characteristics. These characteristics are essential to creating a dynamic learning community for adults and children. Their importance to academic and lifelong success in the 21st century cannot be overstated. In partner-
ship with the home and community, the district strives to create an environ- ment in which individuals make the most of their potential, take responsibility and ownership for learning and demonstrate the Learner Characteristics in their academic, social and emotional lives.
What is 21st century learning?21st century learning is the constellation of learner characteristics which equips students to enjoy a high quality of life, work and relationships by being resilient, intentional, creative and confident learners who understand the value of collaboration, the relationship of effort to results and the need to be continually growing and learning.
Habits and Attitudes
a person with these habits and attitudes is someone who is…
- Curious
- Creative
- Resilient in the face of challenges
- Able to embrace change
- Adaptable
- Collaborative
- Open to diverse viewpoints and experiences
- Respectful of others
- Respectful of the environment
- Compassionate
- Optimistic
- Nurturing
- Challenge seeking
- Engaged and enthusiastic
- Future oriented with a global perspective
- Intrinsically motivated
Skills and Applications:
a person with these skills and applications is someone who can…
- Solve complex problems
- Make connections between present and future opportunities
- Think critically, reflectively
- Communicate effectively using a variety of media and technology
- Communicate effectively to a variety of audiences
- Utilize multiple literacy skills in learning
- Utilize organizational skills to enhance learning
- Mediate conflict peacefully
- Pursue a healthy lifestyle
- Appreciate beauty and the arts
- Advocate for oneself and others
- Apply current learning to new situations
- Synthesize multiple pieces of infor- mation to create new information
- Assume responsibility for learning
