When it comes to addressing 21st-century skills such as problem solving, decision making, and collaboration, students have been challenged by the virtual and hybrid learning environments. We know that students develop a broader skill set when engaging in real-world challenges. How to provide outside experiences that foster engagement and interest is the goal as we create a learning environment that enriches students’ development and skills.
Expose Students to Authentic Careers and Organizations
When students have only book work and assignments, they have limited exposure to career options that exist and organizations that thrive within their own communities. They learn traditional course content, but don’t know how that learning applies to the real world, or how to identify with possible career pathways based on their academic strengths. By engaging with career professionals and organizations within their community, students can see what fields interest them and learn what skills they will need to be successful in the best career pathway for their unique interests and talents.
By enabling students to virtually engage with different organizations in their community like hospitals, corporations, public service buildings, nonprofit organizations, and local small businesses, students’ career interests are fostered.
There are resources for teachers to foster skills and provide the best experiences for their students when it comes to community problem solving partnerships. For example, the Lead4Change Student Leadership Program is the nation’s leading and fastest growing free leadership program for 6th to 12th grade students. Lead4Change gives students opportunities to learn outside the classroom by connecting with their community and putting their leadership skills into action through project management, decision-making and teamwork while competing in the Lead4Change Challenge.
Across all learning environments, Lead4Change helps students build the necessary skills to become future problem solvers and leaders in whatever profession they choose.
