| Session Title: Evaluating Twenty First Century Skills |
| Think Tank Session 765 to be held in BONHAM D on Saturday, Nov 13, 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM |
| Sponsored by the Pre-K - 12 Educational Evaluation TIG |
| Presenter(s): |
| Sophia Mansori, Education Development Center, smansori@edc.org |
| Discussant(s): |
| Alyssa Na'im, Education Development Center, anaim@edc.org |
| Abstract: Twenty-first century skills—critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, as well as “soft skills” like communication and collaboration—have received increasing attention in recent years as more educational programs and initiatives have included them in curricula and goals. The lack of academic research regarding how 21st century skills are developed or assessed leaves evaluators to create ways to understand these skills. Presenters will review existing frameworks for documenting and assessing such skills and share methods used in the evaluation of Adobe Youth Voices, an international youth media program that promotes 21st century skills. Participants are invited to share their experiences in evaluating 21st century skills, specifically: 1) How do we measure and assess 21st century skills; and 2) How do we understand these skills in the larger context of education and learning? Through facilitated small group discussions, participants will explore successful approaches, strategies, and practices for their own evaluation work. |