Knowledge, Skills and Competences of a High School Foreign Language Teacher of Today

Abstract

The way we live, work, play and learn has been greatly transformed by technology and the new inventions over the past years. Today we need more different skills than we did in the 20th century, and the educational system and institutions have a crucial role to play in developing those skills. The knowledge and performance required of teachers today, should meet the demands of the classroom of the 21st century. The 21st century will need people who have 21st century skills like problem-solving and critical thinking, creativity, analyzing, creating and offering solutions to problems, capable to live and work at home and abroad. What does it mean to be a highly effective foreign language teacher today? What are the competencies that high school foreign language teachers must possess and demonstrate to enable their students to attain high learning outcomes and be prepared for life? In this article we will try to give answers to these questions by outlining a model of knowledge, skills, and competences of a high school foreign language teacher of today.

DOI: 10.5901/jesr.2013.v3n7p118