Graland’s Future Inventors
While checking out the new Lower School playground, I had a discussion with a group of second-graders about what kind of jobs they would like to have in the future. I was expecting the usual “firefighter,” “teacher” or “race car driver.” But what I heard surprised me. Both boys and girls were very enthusiastic about an occupation that wasn’t on my radar. It was the job of “inventor.”
When I asked them what they would like to invent, the response was, “Whatever we need, Mrs. Remington!”
Future Employability
These students are right in line with the type of employees that economists, business leaders, and technology companies are seeking: employees that can offer value that goes beyond the traditional skills of showing up on time and following a set of instructions. Employers are now looking for people who can think independently as they identify and solve increasingly complex problems. A 2016 World Economic Forum report predicts, “In 2020 more than one-third (36 percent) of all jobs across all industries are expected to require complex problem-solving as one of their core skills.” Surprisingly, the report also states, “By one popular estimate, 65 percent of children entering primary school today will ultimately end up working in completely new job types that don’t yet exist.”
A Case for Soft Skills
Graland’s teachers create a school experience that allows students to develop the needed skills for careers in the future. Critical thinking, collaboration, experimentation, perseverance and empathy are all a part of an innovation curriculum that provides students the opportunities to solve problems. From preschool through Grade 8, students learn the principles of design thinking to solve problems. The process is similar to what companies and organizations are utilizing to find solutions to the challenges their companies are facing.
An innovative approach to learning develops those “soft skills” that aren’t measured on standardized tests or through a traditional grading system. “Creativity, the capacity to think differently, and soft skills which complement academic abilities are essential ingredients of innovation—a dish best seasoned with a healthy dose of motivation,” states Balvinder Singh Powar, professor at IE Business School, board member at Booster Space Industries, and chief compliance officer at Aerdron. I see these skills being developed daily throughout Graland with Morning Meetings, advisories, Tinker Time in the Gates Innovation Lab, project-based pursuits such as the Gates Invention and Innovation Program, and service-learning experiences.
In our Lower School classrooms students are learning to collaborate, take turns and negotiate with peers through dynamic classroom approaches. They are listening carefully to their peers to solve a problem together. They are learning to effectively communicate their ideas. Some are learning to slow down and enjoy the process, and others are practicing how to observe, learn and apply their knowledge to new situations.
Author Thomas Friedman, a columnist with the New York Times, feels “the only way to equip children for the future of work is develop their imagination, creativity, and emotional intelligence. If the world is changing, the best thing we can do is equip them for change. They need to be emotionally resilient with a habit of self-directed lifelong learning.”
Graland students view themselves as scientists, writers, mathematicians and problem-solvers. Now, through their innovative experiences at Graland, they can confidently add “inventor” to their list of skills and talents.
Nan uses her master’s degree in educational psychology to support young students and their families in finding the best path for a positive elementary education. Outside of school, she hikes, reads and spends time with her grandchildren.
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
