An assessment in the light of 21st century skills: The importance of visual literacy education in visual arts class

Abstract

The information age has some variables such as technology, environment, economic and social structure. In order to be adapted to these variables, it is necessary to prepare individuals by using education. It is the 21st century skills that direct the continuous development of the information age. 21st century skills determine the change structure of the age, which is made meaningful by technology in a sense. Societies that want the process to function properly and to be the architect of change create the programs they apply in educational institutions for this purpose. For this reason, they give priority to literacy skills in different disciplines in their schools. Visual literacy, one of the important skills, is a quiet new concept. Although it is conceptually new, it is old enough to reach the basic principles of painting. Visual literacy skill, which is increasingly important in the information age, affects an individual's competencies such as perceiving, thinking, analyzing, interpreting and designing directly. In addition, it is a skill that should be acquired to each individual as it contributes greatly for healthy communication and self-expression correctly. For this reason, visual literacy skill is an issue that needs to be focused on sensitively in the visual arts discipline while preparing students’ learning outcomes in the 21st century school environment. The aim of this study is to evaluate the process of teaching students literacy skills, whose importance is emphasized within the context of 21st century skills, through the visual arts course. 21st century skills were explained in detail in the study, the definition of visual literacy was explained and the importance of this literacy education was conveyed. The study will be a resource for academicians and individuals who research on the subject.