Carole Cowan on "Educational Question of the Year"
What knowledge or skills will students need most to be effective citizens of our world in the future?
First and foremost, students of today need to be global citizens. It is critically important that they see their role as American citizens in the context of the global environment. By doing so, they will have an understanding of our country's economy and what it will take to be successful in their chosen field.
Skill sets will by necessity include the "desire to learn." Much of what businesses and companies are looking for are individuals who can contribute in a variety of ways. The ability to work in teams with common objectives; the ability to problem solve; critical thinking; and the ability to see the bigger picture will be among the most important skills individuals can bring to the table.
Carole A. Cowan is President of Middlesex Community College, Bedford and Lowell, MA