The results of these studies add to the literature base relating to the claims of specific programs and curricula purporting to teach 21st Century skills and to the relationship between two of those skills—creative and critical thinking. Study 1 was a qualitative investigation of learning outcomes for secondary students who participated in an advanced, online, case-based course in environmental science. Growth in critical thinking outcomes was evident for most students exposed to the research-based curriculum. In Study 2, the researchers investigated learning outcomes in the areas of creative problem solving, creative and critical thinking, and teamwork for middle school students who participated in a creativity enhancement program, Destination ImagiNation. Results indicated that participation supports growth in 21st Century skills for middle school
participants. In Study 3, the relationships between critical thinking and divergent thinking in middle school students were assessed, and the researcher investigated whether there were differences in these relationships for students who participated in creativity training as compared to students who did not participate. Collectively, this research program illustrates positive development of 21st Century skills following exposure to specific curricula and programs designed to build these competencies.