In a report by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), it discusses the results of a study that explores how to best prepare primary and secondary school (referred to in this report as “K-12”) students for the 21st century workplace (“the modern workplace”), where a mix of hard and soft skills are crucial for success. The research, sponsored by Google for Education, draws on a survey of 1,200 educators in 16 countries.1 It looks at the strategies most effective in developing 21st century skills and how technology can support such efforts. By focusing on successful implementation of key strategies from the perspective of K-12 educators, this research builds upon a 2015 EIU study, Driving the skills agenda: Preparing students for the future.

The innovative learning environment (ILE) enables an array of opportunities for student learning, supporting a variety of learning modes and pedagogical approaches. It gives teachers the opportunities to work to their strengths, to share practice and collaborate. But the effectiveness of the learning and teaching in an ILE is dependent on how teachers work together as a team and how the culture is shaped by the leadership.