What should our kids be learning?

“Four-Dimensional Education,” is a major book by Charles Fadel, Bernie Trilling and Maya Bialik on reforming educational curricula.

The authors argues that as a society we have put significant emphasis on how we teach, which at times is at the expense of what we teach.

The book describes the dimensions of a 21st century curriculum required to promote fulfilled individuals, sustainable societies and productive economies: Knowledge, Skills, Character and Meta-Learning (reflection).

“The foundational reason for why we find it so difficult to rebuild school curricula around the needs of the modern world is that we lack an organizing framework that can help prioritise educational competencies, and systematically structure the conversation around what individuals should learn at various stages of their development. Four-dimensional education provides a clear and actionable first-of-its-kind organizing framework of competencies needed for this century. Its main innovation lies in not presenting yet another one-size-fits-all list of what individuals should learn, but in crisply defining the spaces in which educators, curriculum planners, policymakers and learners can establish what should be learned, in their context and for their future.”

Andreas Schleicher, Director for Education and Skills, OECD.

“The content of any nation’s curriculum defines its values and reflects its hopes for future generations. In focussing on the ‘what’ of curriculum design, Four-dimensional education provides a rich and practical provocation which can inspire policymakers and practitioners.”

Joe Hallgarten, The Royal Society for the Arts (RSA)

For more information see 'Four Dimensional Education'.