Ex 1. Answer the following questions
1. What accounts for the change of skill demands in the 21st century?
2. What kinds of knowledge and skills are likely to be beneficial for students in the future?
3. What lies behind reshaping these skill demands?
4. Comment on the “three kinds of learning” mentioned in the text. Do you think our system of education is able to meet these requirements? Give your grounds.
5. What is necessary in order to develop “broader competencies” a-d? Comment on each competency. Which ones seem the most (the least) achievable to you personally?
Ex 2. Fill in the gaps with the words and word combinations from the table.
ability, impact, develop, “must have”, interact, activities, manage, teamwork, develop, cooperate, orally.
Employers consistently rank collaboration very high on their list of ___1___ competencies, which is not surprising given changes in the workplace. This broad competency is best understood as a cluster of related “interpersonal skills” that give one the power to ___2___ effectively with others, including the ___3___ to communicate effectively both ___4___ and in writing, to relate well to others and ___5___ with them, to negotiate and ___6___ conflicts, and to lead through persuasion. When asked about these separate interpersonal skills, employers rate graduates worst in oral and written communications. But classroom teachers should bear the only responsibility: Research shows that athletics and other student ___7___ (yearbook, student government, etc.) can help students ___8___ skills related to leadership and ___9___ and have a positive ___10___ on later earnings.
Ex 3. Make up dialogues on the major trends in the 21st century education. Use as many words from the text (in bold type) as possible.
Ex 4. Comment on the broader competencies necessary for students to succeed in work and life. Which of them are the most important, in your opinion? Which ones do you personally possess or try to develop? Discuss the issue in class.
Appendix I
Communication Skills
I. Greetings and Introductions
Introductions – Social Language
There are a number of phrases that are commonly used to introduce strangers:
(name), I don't think you've met (name).
I don't think you know (name)
May I introduce you to (name)
(name), do you know (name)?
(name), I'd like you to meet (name)
When you meet someone the first time, it is common to greet the person with "How do you do?" the correct response is "How do you do." Here is a short introductory conversation:
Ken: Peter, I'd like you to meet Mary.
Peter: How do you do?
Mary: How do you do.
Ken: Mary works for ...
A variation is also "It's a pleasure to meet you." or "Pleased to meet you."
Ken: Peter, I'd like you to meet Mary.
Peter: It's a pleasure to meet you.
Mary: How do you do.
Ken: Mary works for ...
Ken: Peter, I'd like you to meet Mary.
Peter: How do you do?
Mary: Pleased to meet you.
Ken: Mary works for ...
In informal situations, especially in North America, introductions are also made simply saying: "This is (name)." It is also common to just say "Hi" or "Hello" as a response in this informal setting.
It is also quite common to shake hands when you are introduced.
After the initial introduction, hand shaking generally takes place in more formal, business situations. Otherwise, people just say "Hi."
Once you have been introduced to someone, the next time you see that person it is important to greet them. We also greet people as we leave people. In English (as in all languages), there are different ways to greet people in formal and informal situations.
Formal Greetings: Arriving
Good morning / afternoon / evening.
Hello (name), how are you?
Good day Sir / Madam (very formal)
Informal Greetings: Arriving
Hi / Hello
How are you?
What's up? (very informal)
How are you doing? (very informal)
It's important to note that the question "How are you?" or "What's up?" doesn't necessary need a response. If you do respond, these phrases are generally expected:
Very well, thank you. And you? (formal)
Fine / Great (informal)
Formal Greetings: Departing
Good morning / afternoon / evening.
It was a pleasure seeing you.
Goodbye.
Note: After 8 p.m. - Good night.
Informal Greetings: Departing
Goodbye / Bye.
See you (later).
Later (very informal )
Travel Greetings - Social Language
Here are a number of phrases used when saying goodbye to friends or family as they depart on trips, both short and long.
Long Trips, Vacations, etc. American English
Have a good trip.
Enjoy your vacation.
Have a good time in (destination)
Long Trips, Vacations, etc. British English
Have a good journey.
Enjoy your holidays.
Have a good time in (destination)
Short Outings
Enjoy! (American English)
Have a good time at (destination place such as a restaurant)
Have a good time in (destination city)
When your friends or family return home it is common to use one of the following phrases:
How was your vacation? (holiday in British English)
Did you enjoy your time in (destination)?
How was your journey / flight / trip?