21st century skills in foreign language teaching

We live in an interconnected, diverse, and rapidly changing world. Emerging economic, technological, digital, cultural, demographic, and environmental forces are shaping young people’s lives around the planet. Diversity has never been as important a topic as today, and the mobility of young people is incomparable with that of previous generations. Intercultural encounters are increasing and have become a steady part of our everyday lives. This complex environment presents opportunities and challenges for young people in the 21st century. They must not only learn to live and participate in an interconnected world but also appreciate and benefit from cultural differences. (OECD 2018). Our students need 21st century skills if they want to thrive not only at school and later on in their workplaces but also in society in general.

            After an introduction of the general concepts of global competence and 21st century skills, this interactive seminar focused on the following skill areas:

• communication and collaboration skills
• creativity and critical thinking skills
• intercultural competence and citizenship skills
• emotional self-regulation and wellbeing skills
• digital literacies.

The seminar was aimed at in-service teachers of English and other foreign languages who want to explore how they can integrate 21^st century skills in their teaching. In addition to the input by the lecturer, the seminar provided opportunities for a professional exchange of experiences and ideas as well as the development of practical concepts. The seminar was taught in English.