Preparing Our Children for Success in an Unknown World

Written by Lara Unsworth, Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School; Photo: Fotolia.com

In this rapidly changing global economy, it is predicted that 20 years from now, many of the available jobs do not yet exist today. This poses a difficult question around how do we best prepare our children for success in an unknown world?

Also, with increasing value placed on unfounded facts and suspect news coming at us every minute, it is important to teach students to think critically and independently - to ask the right questions and evaluate information, based on a strong command of discipline-specific knowledge. In the education sector, we strive to give kids the skills they will need to be successful after high school graduation - in their chosen post-secondary pursuits, in their careers, and as active, engaged citizens.

It is thought that students must learn to be resilient, flexible, and open to creative problem-solving to be successful in a rapidly changing economy. One way of doing this is through STEAM-based projects where science, technology, engineering, art, and math are integrated to create impactful learning experiences. Students develop vital transferable skills and learning across subjects through experimentation, collaboration, and trial and error. They learn how to think while consolidating what to think by applying their learning to real-word challenges, requiring multiple solutions. This kind of integrated learning creates a deeper understanding, a love of learning, and the confidence and desire to take on new, complex challenges.

To be future-ready, we feel that students need:

• to grapple with real-world problems and to come up with possible solutions, applying the skills they are learning in the classroom. This not only gives students confidence, knowing they can make a difference now but also in future employment, when corporate organizational thinking, for example, can benefit from a student’s past experiences and ‘fresh ideas.’
  
  
• to learn how to be digital citizens so they can positively impact, steward, and create virtual spaces.
  
  
• to have a multitude of opportunities to create, make, and invent. This gives them ownership and makes learning fun.
  
  
• to have opportunities to integrate subjects because in the real world, innovation requires technical skills, multiple viewpoints, collaboration, and creativity. 
  
  
• to understand and use technology as a powerful tool to engage with an increasingly globalized, rapidly changing world.

• to collaborate with their peers because creative solutions require a variety of perspectives.
  
  
• to feel safe to push new boundaries in pursuit of creative solutions and big dreams.
  
  
• to gain confidence in communicating with clarity and conviction because these essential skills can influence meaningful change.
  
  
• to be comfortable making mistakes because one must fail to innovate.
  
  
• to embrace challenges with curiosity, confidence, and courage.
  
  
• to take care of their mind, body, and soul in order to be fully present and open to opportunities.

We all want our children to flourish and grow into curious and courageous leaders who can make a difference in the world, collaborate and solve problems, communicate with clarity and conviction, and lead with kindness and a sense of service. If we give them the right tools today, they will be ready to seize their future - whatever that may be.

Lara is the Director of Strategic Enrollment Management and Communications at Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School. They focus on excellence in scholarship, leadership, and character, developing confident, well-rounded students in Kindergarten to Grade 12. On the 220-acre natural campus and in the state- of-the-art facilities, students learn to embrace challenges with curiosity, compassion, and intent. For more information, visit strathconatweedsmuir.com.