Teaching 21st Century Skills: Oxford Discover Sample Lesson Level 3 (Part 1)

Introduction

This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide to teaching 21st-century skills in the English language classroom, as demonstrated in the "Oxford Discover" sample lesson. The focus is on enhancing students' communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking skills through structured activities. These skills are essential for preparing students to be responsible and knowledgeable members of their communities.

Step 1: Understand 21st Century Skills

• Familiarize yourself with the four key competencies:
  • Communication: The ability to express ideas clearly and effectively.
  • Collaboration: Working effectively in teams and understanding group dynamics.
  • Creativity: Encouraging innovative thinking and problem-solving.
  • Critical Thinking: Analyzing and evaluating information to make informed decisions.
• Reflect on how these skills can be integrated into your lesson plans.

Step 2: Design Engaging Activities

• Incorporate a variety of activities that promote the four competencies:
  • Group Discussions: Facilitate open dialogue on relevant topics to enhance communication skills.
  • Project-Based Learning: Assign projects that require collaboration and creativity, such as group presentations or creative writing tasks.
  • Debates: Use structured debates to develop critical thinking and argumentation skills.
• Ensure activities are relevant to students' lives and interests to maintain engagement.

Step 3: Implement Structured Lessons

• Structure your lessons to include:
  • Warm-Up Activities: Start with an icebreaker to get students comfortable and engaged.
  • Main Activities: Implement the designed activities, allowing for student collaboration and creativity.
  • Reflection: Conclude with a reflection session where students can discuss what they learned and how they applied the skills.
• Use the Oxford Discover resources to guide lesson structure and content.

Step 4: Foster a Supportive Environment

• Create a classroom atmosphere that encourages:
  • Open Communication: Make sure students feel safe to express their thoughts and ideas.
  • Teamwork: Promote respect and cooperation among students during collaborative activities.
• Use positive reinforcement to motivate students and recognize their contributions.

Step 5: Assess Student Progress

• Use various assessment methods to gauge students’ development of 21st-century skills:
  • Peer Reviews: Have students evaluate each other’s contributions in group projects.
  • Self-Assessment: Encourage students to reflect on their own performance and skill development.
  • Teacher Observations: Observe group interactions and participation during activities to assess collaboration and communication.

Conclusion

By incorporating these steps into your English language lessons, you can effectively teach 21st-century skills while enhancing students' language proficiency. Start by understanding the skills, designing engaging activities, implementing structured lessons, fostering a supportive environment, and assessing progress. As you practice these strategies, you'll empower your students to become skilled communicators and critical thinkers ready to thrive in a global community. Consider exploring more resources, such as those available through the Oxford Discover program, to deepen your understanding and enhance your teaching practice.