Examination on 21st -Century Skills of Preschool Teachers

Abstract

In the developing and changing world, new technologies, a virtual reality world, and new forms of communication are produced every day. All these developments create the need to develop new skills, not only to exist in the digital world but also to exist in social life and social systems. Early childhood is a sensitive period for skill development in human life. Therefore preschool teachers are one of the most important contributors in raising generations that can adapt to the changing and developing world. This research aimed to examine the 21st-century skills of preschool teachers. The research was planned with a mixed method and data were collected from 216 preschool teachers in the quantitative dimension and 20 preschool teachers in the qualitative dimension. Data were collected with a teacher demographic information form, a 21st-century learner skills scale, and semi-structured interview questions. As the quantitative results of the research, it was seen that preschool teachers have 21st-century skills such as cognitive skills, cooperation and flexibility skills, autonomous skills, and innovative skills. When the qualitative findings of the study were examined, it was seen that the "creativity" skill was frequently emphasized in 3 themes in the learning-teaching process. These themes are; preschool teachers' views on 21st-century skills they have, their views on 21st-century skills that preschool teachers should have, and their views on 21st-century skills they have. It is seen that the qualitative and quantitative results of the research support each other and it can be said that preschool teachers are good at 21st-century skills..