ATC21S
WCAL is responsible for developing the problem solving and collaborative problem solving
assessments for ATC21S. The project also involves the creation of innovative assessments of
collaborative problem solving and ICT literacy.
Cisco,
Intel and Microsoft have established the Assessment and
Teaching of 21st Century Skills project. The aim of the
project, managed by the University of Melbourne, is
to create world-leading approaches to the teaching and
assessment of 21st century skills. In particular, the
project is focussing on problem solving, collaborative
problem solving and ICT literacy.
This is an international project with team members drawn from many countries.
It is sponsored by Cisco, Intel and Microsoft. The products of the work will be:
- Clear, operational definitions of 21st Century Skills
- Solutions to technical psychometric
problems that confront those seeking to develop tests
of these skills
- Strategies for delivering on screen assessments
- Classroom-based strategies for helping students develop their skills
In 2009 the work of the project was based around five working
groups, each of which took the lead in producing a White Paper. The entire series is being edited into a
single book, shortly to be published.
- Working Group 1: Defining 21st Century
Skills in an assessable form, led by Senta Raizen
with Martin Ripley
- Working Group 2: Addressing the
Psychometric Issues involved in designing 21st Century
Assessments, led by Mark Wilson
- Working Group 3: The technology
opportunities and issues associated with 21st Century
Assessment, led by Beno Csapo
- Working Group 4: The Classroom Issues,
led by John Bransford and Marlene Scardamalia
- Working Group 5: Influencing Policy,
led by Linda Darling-Hammond
The project had six founding
member countries - Australia, Singapore, England, Finland,
the USA and Portugal. Schools and teachers in these
six countries will be involved in piloting and evaluating
the assessment and teaching materials produced by the
core teams.