2nd assign: book summary

Preparing Students for the 21st Century
Aiwa Zhu 260164918

In the book, “Preparing Students for the 21st Century”, it describes that education is the key for the development of society. American Association of School Administrators ask more than 50 distinguished experts about what students should know and be able to do to succeed in the 21st century. The research emphasizes on most essential aspects that today’s students will need to have in order to be well-educated for the next century, and these aspects are the three most breakthrough ideas of the book, which include knowledge, skills and behaviours.

First of all, academic content is one of the most important elements that better prepare children for the 21st century. Science is a language of communicating between high-technology and people. The education of science is necessary for the world that is being transformed by scientific and technological advances. So, students have to understand scientific knowledge in order to function in the high-tech age. They should not only be able to understand the basic concepts of science, but also can make good decision about the social issues. In addition, students need the ability to work collaboratively with different people. “Different people means not only color, but gender, nationality, religion, and political persuasion.” says Richard Warner, principal of Fargo South High School in North Dakota. Thus, having interpersonal skills can help students reduce conflict and increase participation in obtaining information. It is also as a measure of students’ ability to relate with others. The barrier of interpersonal skills is the ability to communicate in other languages. Students should be able to handle more than one langue in order to enjoy more history and culture of other countries.

Furthermore, skill is another important element. Because the world has become more cyberspaces that bring people and nations get closer, communication skills are critical for the 21st century. This kind of skill is at the front line of “getting you fired and hired.” Students can exchange face-to-face messages by oral skills, and exchange electronic messages by written skills. Effective communication skills are the foundation of education practice, and they let people better know each other on what they think, feel, need and want. However, every person has his own preferred style of communicating with others, and they should be flexible to adjust communication methods with distinguished people and situations. In addition, as electronic system becomes more popular based on written skills, students have to develop their skills in using computers and technologies. “These skills are essential.” says Anne Campbell, former Nebraska Education Commissioner. Her research tells that eighty percent of American schools have incorporated computer technology classes into their curriculum by the year 2000. By this way, computer technology allows students to find out information in different ways. On the other hands, on-line work encourages teachers to share ideas simultaneously.

Most importantly, behaviour is the essential part to thrive for the new century. Teachers are acknowledged guides who help students in the process of learning, so they should be respected by their students. Majority of students in schools do not respect the teachers, and they even create problems in schools. This may lead to the suspension for some students. For the 21st century, schools should to make a rule that encourages mutual respect between teachers and students. As the result, schools are able to attract more excellent teachers to teaching. Respecting teachers just likes respect for education, which will mobilize better student performance.

In summary, this book is different from others, because it is not intended to be about what schools should to teach. Instead, it is intended to tell the needs of 21st century students and school. Besides, the book gives some new content of education, such as multicultural understanding and integrated curriculum, which is deviate from traditional academic content and take more rethinking of critical linkages. The book is significant for 21st century business leaders. Because more and more steady assembly line have been replaced by high-tech machinery, business companies concern on how well students are positioned to meet the high level knowledge and skills required by the future job.
Businesspeople are responsible to hold children accountable for the school performance, and they should invest in education for developing educated workplace, improving quality of life, and promoting super market. Thus, they can use the book to value students’ school achievement and effort in order to ensure their working competency. The advantages of hiring well-educated employees are satisfying demand of employers, reducing training expenses, and improving productivity and sales revenues.

Reference:
Uchida, Donna. Preparing Students for The 21st Century. New York: Oxford Publishing, 2003.

DiStefano, Vince. "Preparing for The 21st Century." [Online] Available http://www.Preparing for the 21st Century.mht, 1997.

Lodge, George. "Communicating with Others." [Online] Available http://www. Preparing for the 21st Century.mht, 2000.