2. 21st Century Thinking Skills: Conceptual Definition
Extensive analysis of literature on core skills for the 21st century reveal that inventive thinking is always being
considered within the context of rigorous academic standards and hence perceived by many as the bridge to
authentic, intellectually challenging work by students. Detail segmentation of inventive thinking and its conceptual
definitions are summarised as follow:
y Adaptability and managing complexity
Refer to the ability to modify one’s thinking, attitudes, or behaviors to be better suited to current or future
environments; and the ability to handle multiple goals, tasks, and inputs while understanding and adhering
to constraints of time, resources, and systems (e.g. organizational, technological). Complexity, within
today’s environment requires individuals to plan, think, design, and manage in new ways- taking into
account contingencies, anticipating changes, and understanding interdependencies within systems. In doing
so, resource management (time, space, materials) is increasingly required to execute a plan successfully.
y Self-direction
Is defined as the ability to set goals related to learning, plan for the achievement of those goals,
independently manage time and effort, and independently assess the quality of learning and any products
that result from the learning experience. Because change occurs constantly in our information rich society,
self-directed, continuous learning is no longer seen as an option for successful workers in the Digital Age.
What is required is self-directed leaner who can anticipate these changes and is constantly upgrading his or
her skill set is extremely valuable in the 21st century.