Key Competencies

The Elements
Learning never stops, but for it to start, it must be engaging and have relevance to the learner. The process is cyclical, starting with a big idea which provides a real-world context, and continues through to reflection, where the initial assumptions are revisited and where to go next is explored.

The Big Picture is the central concept, and the reason for the challenge. It’s expansive enough to be considered from many angles. Within its context, many questions can be raised. These are usually issues that have a profound and widespread impact on a society or community. Most importantly, they have relevance for the learner.
The Big Picture
Essential Question
The Scenario
Assessment
Exploring Assumptions
Learner Resources
The Learning Process Solutions
Producing or Publishing
Reflection

The Fluencies
The 21st Century Fluencies are not about technical prowess, they are critical thinking skills, and they are essential to living in this multimedia world. We call them fluencies for a reason. To be literate means to have knowledge or competence. To be fluent is something a little more, it is to demonstrate mastery and to do so unconsciously and smoothly.

A young learner who is literate in the use of a tool, say a pencil for example, can use it to write, but does so haltingly because a great deal of focus is on the use of the tool. As time goes on, this learner will develop fluency with the use of the pen or pencil, or keyboard. No longer will it be an impediment, instead their thoughts and ideas flow directly to the paper. The use of the tool is transparent. This is the level of proficiency we will need to thrive in this digital landscape and is what we strive to develop in today’s learners.

The Digital Citizen
All the 21st Century fluencies are learned within the context of the Digital Citizen, using the guiding principles of

Leadership
Ethics
Accountability
Fiscal responsibility
Environmental awareness
Global citizenship
Personal responsibility