The 4Cs: Creativity, Critical Thinking, Communication and Collaboration in Schools

Description

Long heralded as key competencies for 21st-century learners, the ”Four Cs” (Creativity, Critical Thinking, Communication, and Collaboration) are often embraced in theory yet stump educators in practice.

Creativity and Critical Thinking represent inseparable attitudes and abilities for innovation which, contrary to popular belief, can be learned, taught, and implemented in any classroom.

Communication and Collaboration are fundamental life skills that students can draw from in their everyday experiences at school and shape their ability to live, connect with others, and work well in the future.

The “Four Cs” strengthen our learners’ ability to find their place – professionally, personally, and socially – in today’s fast-changing world, while fostering other life-enhancing Cs: curiosity, confidence, caring, and cooperation.

This course aims to provide teachers with the knowledge, know-how, and confidence to incorporate these stimulating skills into their curriculum and school environment.

In a true learn-by-doing environment, course participants will gain greater knowledge about what these competencies entail and not only how to teach them, but first and foremost how to tap into their own ability to create, think critically, communicate effectively, and collaborate well with others.

Concept by Susan Gagliano

Learning outcomes

The course will help the participants to:  

• Gain a clear understanding of the creative process and experience it first-hand;
• Think critically and get the most out of today’s information overload;
• Experience more effective communication abilities and techniques;
• Broaden collaborative opportunities in the classroom and encourage them in all aspects of the school community;
• Live a truly international team-building experience.

Tentative schedule

Day 1 – Course introduction & setting goals

Course introduction

• Introduction to the course, the school, and the external week activities;
• Icebreaker activities using drama for trust and ensemble building.

Setting goals

• Identification of needs and goals for each participant and relevant populations;
• Introductions, lessons, and discussion about 21st-century learners, and the current situation in Europe;
• The 4Cs in the curriculum;
• Group discussion and activities;
• Presentations of the participants’ schools.

Day 2 – Classroom communication

• Lesson and discussion regarding kinds of communication used at school, verbal, written, non-verbal, digital, artistic, musical;
• How to create and promote channels of communication and listening through collaborative work and social and emotional intelligence-building activities.

Day 3 – Encouraging creative minds

• Lesson and activities about creativity, what it means, why it is important, and how to encourage it;
• Critical thinking as fundamental to the second step of the creative process.

Day 4 – Integrating the 4Cs

• Lesson about strategies and examples of successful implementation;
• How to incorporate the 4Cs into the curriculum in a meaningful way;
• Practical activities.

Day 5 – 4Cs overview

• Simulations of good communication, and group activities to generate new ideas about collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking;
• Pitfalls to avoid when implementing the 4Cs.

Day 6 – Course closure & cultural activities

• Course evaluation: round-up of acquired competencies, feedback, and discussion;
• Awarding of the course Certificate of Attendance;
• Excursion and other external cultural activities.

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