Question:
Beyond content knowledge in core academic subjects, which 21st century themes do you believe are the most essential for success in today’s society? Please check your top three.
Evaluators:
Sarah Wakeman and Suzannah Brown
Introduction:
“Success” is a relative term. Upbringing, education, age, and profession are just a few factors that can influence one’s definition of success--and this is exactly why our class thought it was vital to ask questions centered around the idea of “success.” We wanted to begin the next series of questions by asking our audience what it takes to achieve success in today’s society, and, in this case, what themes they believe are most important.
Findings:
Out of the five options listed above, here are the three 21st century themes deemed most essential for success in today’s society:
Financial, Economic, Business, and Entrepreneurial Literacy
Percent of Individuals - 80% of respondents (n=110) selected this as one of three themes
Percent Out of Total Responses - 29% of the total number of themes (n=330) selected
Frequency - 88
Civic Literacy
Percent of Individuals - 71% of respondents (n=110) selected this as one of three themes
Percent Out of Total Responses - 25% of the total number of themes (n=330) selected
Frequency - 78
Global Awareness
Percent of Individuals - 59% of respondents (n=110) selected this as one of three themes
Percent Out of Total Responses - 21% of the total number of themes (n=330) selected
Frequency - 65
Beyond content knowledge in core academic subjects, which 21st century themes do you believe are the most essential for success in today’s society? Please check your top three.
- Global Awareness
- Financial, Economic, Business, and Entrepreneurial Literacy
- Civic Literacy
- Health Literacy
- Environmental Literacy
Evaluators:
Sarah Wakeman and Suzannah Brown
Introduction:
“Success” is a relative term. Upbringing, education, age, and profession are just a few factors that can influence one’s definition of success--and this is exactly why our class thought it was vital to ask questions centered around the idea of “success.” We wanted to begin the next series of questions by asking our audience what it takes to achieve success in today’s society, and, in this case, what themes they believe are most important.
Findings:
Out of the five options listed above, here are the three 21st century themes deemed most essential for success in today’s society:
Financial, Economic, Business, and Entrepreneurial Literacy
Percent of Individuals - 80% of respondents (n=110) selected this as one of three themes
Percent Out of Total Responses - 29% of the total number of themes (n=330) selected
Frequency - 88
Civic Literacy
Percent of Individuals - 71% of respondents (n=110) selected this as one of three themes
Percent Out of Total Responses - 25% of the total number of themes (n=330) selected
Frequency - 78
Global Awareness
Percent of Individuals - 59% of respondents (n=110) selected this as one of three themes
Percent Out of Total Responses - 21% of the total number of themes (n=330) selected
Frequency - 65
Interpretations:
Take a look around Winston-Salem. What do you see? Four colleges and universities, two well-esteemed hospitals, an up-and-coming downtown area, and a community historically rooted in the tobacco business. Now what do each of these things have in common? Revenue. Winston-Salem has a thriving business community, thus it makes sense that financial, economic, business, and entrepreneurial literacy would rank first. Similarly, there has been a recent surge within the past few years to bridge the racial and economic gaps that exist in Winston-Salem through civic and community partnerships. Moreover, not only do survey participants believe that individuals should be literate regarding community issues but they also believe this is true of issues on a global scale. As a result, it is clear that in order to achieve success, citizens need to be educated on what is going on inside and outside of their own community.
Implications for K-12 Schools:
Based on the results, it is clear that respondents believe K-12 students need real-world instruction. Local schools may want to consider increased offerings that include financial and business topics, social studies courses that include current events, community service or service learning requirements, and career exploration courses to help students further investigate potential areas of interest. Implementing these types of courses and programs will not only educate students’ minds but also encourage civic engagement and global awareness.
Take a look around Winston-Salem. What do you see? Four colleges and universities, two well-esteemed hospitals, an up-and-coming downtown area, and a community historically rooted in the tobacco business. Now what do each of these things have in common? Revenue. Winston-Salem has a thriving business community, thus it makes sense that financial, economic, business, and entrepreneurial literacy would rank first. Similarly, there has been a recent surge within the past few years to bridge the racial and economic gaps that exist in Winston-Salem through civic and community partnerships. Moreover, not only do survey participants believe that individuals should be literate regarding community issues but they also believe this is true of issues on a global scale. As a result, it is clear that in order to achieve success, citizens need to be educated on what is going on inside and outside of their own community.
Implications for K-12 Schools:
Based on the results, it is clear that respondents believe K-12 students need real-world instruction. Local schools may want to consider increased offerings that include financial and business topics, social studies courses that include current events, community service or service learning requirements, and career exploration courses to help students further investigate potential areas of interest. Implementing these types of courses and programs will not only educate students’ minds but also encourage civic engagement and global awareness.