Content-type: text/html Downes.ca ~ Stephen's Web ~ We need more problem solvers and critical thinkers

Stephen Downes

Knowledge, Learning, Community

I agree that students need to learn "to process information, think critically or seek paths forward that are not explicitly spelled out for them." And I agree that "by tailoring learning experiences to individuals' strengths and preferred pace, personalized, competency-based learning not only fosters a deeper understanding of subjects but also cultivates independence and self-confidence." But I don't think the second thing addresses the first thing; in other words, I don't think competency-based learning by itself addresses the need to be able "to engage in real-world problem-solving scenarios." What is needed, over and above competency-based learning, is immersion and the experience of failures and success in real world environments, to develop the tacit knowledge needed to thrive in dynamic and often chaotic conditions. You learn surfing, in other words, by surfing.

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Stephen Downes Stephen Downes, Casselman, Canada
stephen@downes.ca

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Last Updated: Apr 27, 2024 2:38 p.m.

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