EXPLORING 5CS OF LEARNING SKILLS

RANIEL L. SANTOS

Education equips the lives of an individual to become functional members of society. It allows them to obtain the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes through their actions and decisions acquired in school. Twenty first century learning is more than just focusing on the 3Rs (reading, writing and arithmetic) but also emphasizes the importance of the 5 Cs (critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, and character) skills essential for learners to thrive in the 21st century education. A 21st century education is about giving the foundational skills they need to succeed and grow in this modern world by practicing those skills learned in school. The readily available information focuses on the smart ways of using, sharing, and getting information. Adapting to the rapidly changing technological advancement of the 21st century provides teaching and learning effective in the classroom setting. The integration of knowledge and skills too encourages learners to motivate themselves towards the current trends in education that go beyond the perspective of learners applying the learning skills. Learning these skills develops one’s critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity, and character. Critical thinking works through solving problems. Creativity means thinking freely and embracing big-picture planning. Collaboration focuses on working together in a classroom to achieve a common goal. Communication means conveying clear ideas, among others. Finally, the character sets and motivates the behavior development of an individual. When these five Cs are put into practice, deeper understanding takes place among learners. The growing learning experiences enable them to achieve quality instructions. They also prepare learners for the world’s future by knowing the true goal of education. Furthermore, these skills help them to connect, participate, and engage in classroom instructions. It leads them to a purposeful sense of learning, taking pride in their learning and becoming successful in a global economy. It also builds better understanding in life that hones one’s endeavors in the future.

-oOoThe author is Teacher III of Tacasan Elementary School, Macabebe District