The skills young people need to thrive in today’s world extend far beyond traditional subject knowledge and exam success. Employers and industries now seek individuals with a diverse range of abilities—ones that encourage adaptability, problem-solving, and creativity in an increasingly complex and connected society. These essential capabilities, often referred to as "21st-century skills," prepare learners not just for their future careers, but for life.
At the heart of these skills are six key areas that every educator should focus on: collaboration, communication, content, critical thinking, creative innovation, and confidence.
Teamwork is an essential skill in both education and the workplace. Whether learners are working on a classroom project, taking part in STEM/STEAM workshops, or preparing for a career in an increasingly globalised job market, collaboration teaches them to work effectively with others, respect different viewpoints, and contribute to shared goals.
STEM/STEAM learning naturally encourages collaboration. Hands-on activities, such as designing and testing structures or coding robotics, allow learners to develop teamwork skills while solving real-world problems together.
Strong communication skills are essential for success, both personally and professionally. Learners need to be able to express their ideas clearly, whether they are presenting in class, writing a report, or explaining a project to their peers. However, communication is not just about speaking, it also involves listening actively, interpreting information, and adapting messages for different audiences.
For educators, nurturing communication means creating opportunities for learners to engage in discussions, collaborate on projects, and explain their thinking. STEM/STEAM education provides an ideal setting for this, as learners often need to articulate their design choices, share feedback, and justify their problem-solving approaches.
While skills like teamwork and creativity are crucial, a solid understanding of subject content remains fundamental. STEM education, content refers to the core knowledge in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM adds the Arts into the equation), but it is not just about memorising facts. Learners need to apply their knowledge in meaningful, real-world contexts.
Hands-on STEM/STEAM activities encourage learners to engage deeply with concepts and make connections across subjects. Whether coding a robot, designing a bridge, or exploring physics through creative engineering challenges, learners develop a strong foundation that supports deeper learning and problem-solving.
In an age of information overload, critical thinking is more important than ever. Learners need the ability to analyse information, evaluate different perspectives, and make informed decisions.
STEM/STEAM education promotes problem-solving through trial and error, encouraging learners to question assumptions, explore multiple solutions, and think logically. From debugging code in a Micro:bit project to designing an energy-efficient structure, these activities challenge learners to apply reasoning skills, reflect on outcomes, and refine their ideas based on evidence.
Creativity is a highly valued skill in today’s economy. It is not just about coming up with artistic ideas, but also about thinking outside the box to develop new solutions, improve existing systems, and approach problems in novel ways.
Innovation is at the core of STEM/STEAM learning. Open-ended challenges (such as building mechanical systems, designing moving structures, or coding interactive projects) encourage learners to experiment, iterate, and refine their ideas. By integrating creativity into science and technology education, we equip learners with the ability to innovate across disciplines.
Confidence is the foundation for lifelong learning and success. When learners believe in their abilities, they are more likely to take risks, tackle difficult challenges, and persevere through setbacks.
Building confidence starts with hands-on, exploratory learning. STEM/STEAM activities allow learners to test ideas in a safe environment, learn from failures, and see progress through practice. By celebrating successes and learning from mistakes, educators help learners develop the resilience and self-belief needed to navigate an uncertain world.
At Strawbees, we believe that every learner has the potential to develop the skills they need to succeed in an ever-changing world. Our hands-on STEM/STEAM learning kits are designed to support collaboration in project-based learning, effective communication, content mastery, critical thinking, creative innovation, and confidence-building, the six key areas that prepare learners for the opportunities and challenges of the future.
By integrating these essential skills into everyday learning, educators can help create adaptable, innovative, and resilient problem-solvers. Whether in schools, after-school programmes, or STEM/STEAM workshops, Strawbees provides engaging, hands-on experiences that encourage critical thinking, teamwork, and creativity, all essential for thriving in the 21st century.
Let’s inspire the next generation of learners to think, create, and innovate!
Based off learnings from: Becoming Brilliant: What Science Tells Us About Raising Successful Children (Roberta Michnick Golinkoff and Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, 2016)