Perspectives on the future of education from Learn4Life
Creative Thinking: One of the Most In-Demand Job Skills
What sets job candidates apart from one another or from artificial intelligence (AI) in the workforce? A report by the World Economic Forum noted that creative thinking skills are a top priority – followed by problem solving, adaptability and leadership skills. AI lacks creativity because it can't match human creativity, which is fueled by emotion, experience and intuition.
“Art teaches creative thinking strategies because we’re using different parts of the brain to access information and process visuals,” explained Tara Holeman, art teacher. “Among my favorite things about teaching art is seeing students develop skills in creative thinking, working collaboratively and gaining confidence through self-expression.”
How Tapping into the Car Culture Keeps Teens Engaged in School
Can something as simple as building car models help keep high schoolers engaged and successful in school? At three Learn4Life schools in northern Los Angeles, it seems to be working. They have a robust car model program that is popular with students and hailed by teachers as a good way to keep kids engaged.
“It’s a fun elective and it has been great for mentorship and helping keep kids away from gangs,” said Anthony Castaneda, who teaches the class. “We’ve seen students who were shy and withdrawn come alive in this program, discovering new talents and boosting their self-confidence.”
Castaneda is a student retention specialist whose job is to work with teens to make sure they are coming to school, turning in their homework and completing tests.
Caleb’s journey to our school wasn’t a straight path -- it was a winding road filled with challenges, phone books and a relentless drive to succeed. Caleb spent much of his childhood bouncing between different states. Raised by his mother and traveling with family members, he never quite had a traditional school experience.
“I was everywhere, helping my grandfather deliver phone books all over the country,” Caleb recalls. “I’d go to one place, start school, then move again. It was hard to keep up.” At one point when he wasn’t in school at all and just doing odd jobs to make ends meet, his uncle suggested he try our school. But he wasn’t sure if it was a good idea. “I was nervous, shaking in my boots,” he admits. “I didn’t know what to expect or if it was the right place for me.”
