The four Cs

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

Teaching critical thinking and problem solving is vital for our students. Critical thinking enables students to become self-directed and reflective thinkers. In addition to working through problems, solving puzzles and similar activities, critical thinking also includes an element of skepticism.

Examples of critical thinking skills include interpreting, analysing, evaluating, explaining, sequencing, reasoning, comparing, questioning, inferring, hypothesising, appraising, testing and generalising.

Creativity and Innovation

Creative minds enables students to preserve, be resourceful innovators and think out of the box. Creativity flourishes in an environment where students can take risks and fail, where they can develop an interest and have the capacity to explore ideas and then act on new ideas with confidence. Students develop curiosity, flexibility and confidence. The creative student asks what is possible. Teachers facilitate students to taking risks and using imagination and various resources for self-expression.

Collaboration

Collaborative skills enables students to become effective communicator’s and group members. Collaborative strategies enable students to constructively deal and resolve conflict and to fulfil group responsibilities including supporting other team or group members. Practicing collaboration and teamwork helps students understand how to address a problem, pitch solutions and decide the best course of action.

Effective Communication

Complex communication involves explanation, negotiation, effectively analysing and processing the overwhelming amount of communication in students’ lives today. Communication forms include digital/multimedia, interpersonal, written, oral and graphics.  Development of effective communication strategies includes attentive listening to consider others’ ideas, views and opinions. Students are expected to explain their thinking, persuade others of their opinions, and engage readers and listeners.