These transferable skills are incredibly important. Research and statistics say that our students are preparing for jobs that don't exist yet (Karl Fisch, Scott McLeod, Jeff Brenman), so its even more important for them to learn transferable skills- core skills that can be transferred to different disciplines.
So, why aren't these in my curriculum standards? Most math curriculums cite the importance of problem solving skills. Unfortunately, teachers interpret that as meaning that students should be able to solve 2+2. While computation is certainly a worthwhile skill, problem solving is something entirely different. Problem solving allows and encourages a student to think of creative and viable solutions to an existing problem .
Some other important transferable skills are:
- Problem solving
- Critical thinking
- Effective communication
- Time Management
- Research and observation skills
- Technology literacy
- Team Player
