21st Century Skills Research Articles

Problem-Based Learning in Science Education: A Mixed Meta Method Study

A mixed-meta analysis of research on problem-based learning in science education was the goal of this study. In this instance, document analysis utilizing the mixed-meta method—which combines meta-analysis and meta-thematic analysis procedures-was used to investigate both quantitative and qualitative data. Using CMA and MetaWin programs, studies from certain databases that fit predetermined criteria were analyzed for a meta-analysis. Of the 78 studies that were included in the study, the effect size was found to be large, with g = 0.909. It has been suggested that science education benefits from the problem-based learning approach. Within the framework of the established criteria, 15 researches based on document analysis were subjected to a meta-thematic analysis using the Maxqda program in accordance with content analysis. Codes were acquired based on specific topics. By calculating the compliance values of the relevant codes under the relevant themes, a good degree of agreement was found regarding the effects of problem-based learning in science education on academic achievement, the affective-social dimension, 21st century skills, and the negative aspects of problem-based learning in science education. The research results indicate that there is a consensus among the researchers regarding the benefits of using problem-based learning techniques in science education.

It’s a Woman’s World: Exploring the Role of Female Qualities in the Evolving 21st Century Workplace

As the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR/Industry 4.0) continues to be realised through technological advances and social shifts, it has become evident that the future job market remains unpredictable and will continuously evolve. To accommodate the inevitable changes future generations will experience, teaching and learning environments are adapting their approaches. Instead of purely focusing on hard skills, the importance of conveying soft skills is increasingly recognised. Pedagogical experts have pulled the 4 C’s into focus as important 21st-century skills: critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration. The connection between these soft skills, lateral, right-brain thinking, and female qualities is often drawn. This study's methodology explored and synthesised literature across various fields to map key concepts, establish new connections, and explore whether women may inherently possess skills aligned with future workplace demands shaped by the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Digital native characteristics are examined through Generational Theory, highlighting the benefits that soft skills will have for future generations. Additionally, literature on 21st-century skills is examined, and the differences between left and right brain characteristics are analysed to assess the importance of right-brain thinking in future workplaces. Lastly, gender-related qualities are evaluated to determine whether women may have an advantage in the evolving job market. By connecting these perspectives, the study aims to evaluate whether or not women may have the upper hand in the future working world. The study finds no concrete evidence that women inherently possess superior traits for future workplace demands, though the 4IR's emphasis on soft skills and inclusivity could enhance female participation. However, challenges like the lack of role models and digital echo chambers may still impede progress.

Reimagining English Language Teaching in Nepal: Educators' Insights on Paradigm Shifts

The field of language teaching has undergone significant transformations, with advancements reshaping traditional methodologies and incorporating innovative techniques.The present study aimed to explore educators’ insights on a paradigm shift in English Language Teaching (ELT). The researcher adopted interpretivism as a philosophical ontology and subjectivism as an epistemology of the research paradigm as the researcher believes on the multiple views of the respondents. Here, the present research was based on the insights and experiences of secondary-level English teachers. The researcher selected three secondary-level English teachers from Rupandehi district using purposive sampling. Here,he prepared an interview guideline and interviewed the sampled teachers for in-depth information.The results reveal that English Language Teaching (ELT) has shifted from content-focused, authoritarian approaches to more student-centered methods, emphasizing skills such as communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. Teachers now act as facilitators, leading to improvements in classroom management, ICT integration, and continuous assessment.Professional development is prioritized, and new concepts such as 21st-century skills, global Englishes, and technological advancements are shaping the modern ELT.This study highlights key trends in traditional and modern ELT, making it useful for educators seeking to adapt their teaching strategies to current best practices. ELT practitioners, who want to enhance their expertise, can benefit from this study.

Design Thinking: A Creative Teaching Practice

Design Thinking is an ideology and a process; it’s all about solving complex problems in a user-centric way. It was created as a way of taking the processes and approaches that designers use and applying them to problems that designers don’t typically encounter. This approach is been widely used in the food and healthcare industry even in the design field or any field where the consumers and their needs are at the core. Various studies showed design thinking as an effective instructional methodology to develop students' creativity, innovation, collaboration, and non-linear problem-solving skills, among the 21st-century skills. In a typical classroom scenario, the teacher asks students questions accepting a ‘right answer’ from them without giving any importance to the creative and holistic development of the students. NEP 2020 primarily focuses on the conceptual understanding of the students. It is a teacher’s responsibility to provide students with an interactive classroom environment for developing 21st-century skills and competencies among them. The author’s ubiquitous goal is to present Design Thinking as an effective and creative teaching practice.

Integration of Local Potential in Science Learning to Improve 21st-Century Skills

Science learning that integrates local culture and wisdom is an important approach that is to continue to be developed in the current educational context. Along with the growing need for qualified and competitive human resources, adjustments in learning are crucial to prepare students with 21st-century skills. This research aims to evaluate how integrating local potential in science learning to improve 21st-century skills. The method used in this study is a Systematic Literature Review (SLR), with an analysis of 13 articles selected based on relevant research criteria and focus. The study results show that using learning media based on local potentials such as cultural traditions and natural resources has an important role in improving 21st-century skills, especially critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These findings underscore the importance of integrating local potential in science curricula to facilitate the development of essential skills in the modern era.

O POTENCIAL DA INTELIGÊNCIA ARTIFICIAL NA APRENDIZAGEM EDUCATIVA

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education has emerged as a topic of growing importance as educational institutions seek to innovate and enhance their pedagogical practices. This study aims to explore how AI can reconfigure learning processes and transform traditional educational practices. In a context where personalized learning is vital, AI stands out as a powerful tool to meet the individual needs of students, promoting the development of essential 21st-century skills. The bibliometric analysis conducted reveals a significant increase in academic interest in the application of AI in education, especially in the last five years, indicating an awakening to technological possibilities. The main areas of investigation include personalized learning, intelligent tutoring systems, and educational data analysis, known as learning analytics, which allow real-time monitoring of student progress. AI offers immediate feedback, adapting to each student’s learning pace, improving academic performance, and reducing educational inequalities. However, for this transformation to occur effectively, it is crucial that educational institutions integrate these technological solutions into their pedagogical approaches. However, the research points to significant gaps, such as unequal access to AI technologies, limiting the democratization of benefits. The lack of infrastructure and specialized teacher training hinders effective implementation. Additionally, there is a shortage of studies focused on the development of socio-emotional skills. Therefore, research must advance in the search for new technologies, ensuring an equitable and enriching learning environment. The future of education, transformed by AI, promises to be a space where all students can thrive, developing skills to face the challenges of the 21st century.

Intellectual landscape of scholarly work on 21st century skills: A bibliometric and science mapping analysis

A quick search on Google Scholar for the exact phrase ‘21st century skills’ resulted in three thousand plus results. More than two-third of these are dated within the last decade, indicating growing attention to the topic in the academia. The purpose of the current study is to investigate existing literature on 21st century skills by employing techniques of bibliometric and science mapping analysis to provide a helicopter view of scholarly work on 21st century skills. The search was conducted on SCOPUS database during 2021 using the keyword ‘21st century skills’ which produced 1644 results. Further refinements were made using publication year, document type and language reducing the sample size to 1281 documents. Data were analysed employing various bibliometric indicators such as number of publications, contributing authors, institutions and countries, citation, co-citation, and keywords. The results indicated an exponential growth in the number scholarly publication on the topic since 2010. Similarly, a positive trend in average citations was also observed in recent years. USA was the biggest contributor to the number of publications, followed by Indonesia, and Malaysia respectively. With respect to author collaboration, Nussbaum, M. was found the highest collaborator, followed by Griffin P., and Sharples M. while among the institutions, University of Melbourne was at the top. Analysis of the keywords revealed that, specific 21st century skills, learning tools and processes, technological advancement, and education and training are amongst the most common research themes. Findings of the current study provide insights into future research trends on the topic of 21st century skills.

Integrating Local Wisdom with Project-Based Learning to Enhance 21st-Century Skills in the Society 5.0 Era

In the context of Society 5.0, education must equip students with essential 21st-century skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and creativity. However, traditional teacher-centered methods often fail to develop these competencies effectively. To address this issue, we developed a Project-Based Learning Model integrated with local wisdom (PBLM-e) within the Merdeka Belajar framework. The PBLM-e model enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills by embedding culturally relevant, real-world problems into the learning process. This study employed a mixed-method approach, combining Research & Development (R&D) and experimental design, with 116 junior high school students in Makassar, Indonesia. Pre- and post-tests assessed students’ problem-solving abilities across four key indicators: understanding the problem, devising a plan, executing the plan, and reflecting on the solution. Results showed significant improvements in all indicators, demonstrating the model’s effectiveness in fostering essential skills. The integration of local wisdom made learning more meaningful, connecting academic content with students’ cultural contexts. The PBLM-e model presents a practical approach to preparing students for the challenges of Society 5.0, and future research should explore its long-term impact and the potential for incorporating advanced technologies.

PELATIHAN KEWIRAUSAHAAN UNTUK MENGEMBANGKAN UMKM DESA WIBAWAMULYA

Entrepreneurship training is training that can train participants in stages to have entrepreneurial and business competencies, train entrepreneurs and the business world, train entrepreneurs to be able to act in establishing a viable business by taking advantage of the opportunities that exist at a certain time. And in certain fields as well as developing human resources capable of creating jobs for themselves and others in accordance with development demands with the aim of creating motivation for participants so that they can improve quality and quantity. An entrepeneur has a role both internally, entrepreuner play a role in reducing the level of dependence on other people, increasing self-confidence and increasing the purchasing power of the perpetrator. Externally, an entrepreuner plays a role in providing job opportunities for job opportunities for seekers. By attacting the workforce through job opportunities provided by entrepreneurs, the national unemployment rate can be reduced. Training can also make Human Resources more critical, creative and have additional skills. Skills are an important component needed in various areas of life. These 21st century skills are life and career skills, learning and innovation skills, and media and information technology skills

Exploring the Affordances of Vernacular Digital Games in Developing 21st-Century Skills

The past decade has witnessed an unprecedented surge in technological advancements and an exponential growth in mobile device ownership world-wide. Such transformations have intensified access to digital content, opening up new avenues for non-formal learning. This was particularly true during subsequent crises such as the COVID-19 Pandemic and natural and man-made disasters which have disrupted formal learning and left many learners immobilised. This paper contends that capitalising on the intersection of formal and non-formal learning experiences is integral to innovative planning and value-added education. To dismiss engagement in non-formal leaning transactions is to exclude a significant part of learners’ cognitive processes, preferences and experiences. In particular, this paper focuses on vernacular digital games as an apt example of pervasive technology and a non-formal learning arena. Described as a popular culture text, vernacular games are originally intended for entertainment, as opposed to pedagogical, purposes. However, embedded in their designs are social and developmental affordances that render them potent tools for serendipitous learning and dynamic spaces for developing competencies. In the light of this, this paper proposes a move from gamification, i.e. adding a gaming layer to non-gaming contexts, to adding an educational layer to non-formal digital gaming contexts. To consolidate this proposal, it investigates the 21st-century competencies reportedly acquired and developed through digital gameplay. It also delves into possible design-related paradoxes. More precisely, the paper reflects on how key game design features such as multimodality, adaptivity, cultural narratives and affinity spaces can be harnessed to better cultivate much in-demand 21st-century skills. Although learning skills (in their metacognitive form of higher-order thinking) are part and parcel of 21st-century skills, literacy skills and life skills are equally important. The further longer-term aim is to map development opportunities and optimise learning in ways that are in harmony with today’s changing scenarios, demands and objectives.

Cthink.It. A Board-game for Computational Thinking in Early Years

Computational Thinking (CT) refers to a specific set of mental skills used to formulate solutions to problems by converting given inputs to produce appropriate outputs while following detailed algorithms to perform this process. Essentially, CT is broadly defined as a combination of thinking processes which include abstraction, algorithm design, decomposition, pattern recognition and data representation. Board-games can be used in the educational process as a learning tool while creating an attractive and authentic learning environment, providing an educational approach which is transdisciplinary, developing and utilizing multiple skills. Using board-games in Early Childhood Education (ECE) cultivates students' social skills, 21st century skills and cognitive skills, while helping them to increase their motivation and achieve the objectives of the curriculum framework. In this paper, the aforementioned areas are combined through the presentation of a board-game that was designed within the CThink.it Erasmus+ project (2022-1-MT01-KA220-SCH-000086903) for cultivating CT competency in the early years. The backstory is a toy, lost in a museum and through a series of activities, it is to be returned to the child-owner. Prior to designing the game, a systematic literature review was conducted so as to provide foundation for the game itself and a set of associated lesson plans. The produced materials were pilot tested in schools. The paper aims to provide preliminary data for the game evaluation, focusing on the issues of playability, age appropriateness, connection to curricula and the teachers’ perspective on the usability of the game as teaching resource for ECE. For that, the research methodology will be presented, along with preliminary findings.

Soft skills and learning methods for 21st-century project management: a review

This article addresses a prominent gap in the literature by investigating the crucial soft skills required by project management students, graduates, and new practitioners entering the contemporary workforce. The literature review study adopts a concept-centric approach to examine the essential soft skills and effective learning methods for new project managers in the 21st century. Five essential 21st-century project management soft skills (communication, leadership, interpersonal, teamwork and emotional intelligence) were identified, along with three learning methods (experiential, active and reflective) that can be used to develop them. The implications of this research extend to project management students, graduates, and educators alike, emphasising the importance of nurturing the identified soft skills. As the project management domain evolves, the findings highlight the need for an education that prioritises hands-on learning and reflective practices, enabling emerging project managers to excel in their roles and drive project success.

Developing Graduate Attributes Through Competitive Gameplay and Learning Theories

The term competitive gameplay or gaming is predominantly associated with esports. Esports, a synonym, or abbreviation for electronic sports is an industry that has a global outreach with a lucrative market. This is accentuated by the event driven, business model focus and organised competitive events, often involving sponsorship. These additional characteristics associated with esports is what distinguishes it from traditional or casual gaming. Though esports games can be played individually, they are predominantly viewed as a team activity. Beyond the debate as to whether esports can be classified as a sport, it is an area that has attracted a significant amount of academic research. Research areas have often included esports psychology, esports player health and nutrition and esports management. Some research studies have also reviewed how esports have the potential to e.0quip esports players with relevant 21st century skills such as critical and lateral thinking. One area where esports appears to be under researched is in the relationship between competitive gameplay and learning theories. It can be argued that this is an important consideration when delivering esports from an educational perspective. The aim of this paper is to provide a scoping review of the esports literature identifying empirical research associated with competitive gaming and graduate attributes. Esports game genres will be explored from a gameplay perspective demonstrating via learning theory examples how these games can facilitate graduate attributes in players. Exploring the domain of esports game genres, learning theories and meta-skills, the paper presents a conceptual model illustrating the interrelationship between these areas. The paper also has practical value to educators, who may be as yet unfamiliar with esports, informing them of the subject’s educational benefits from a graduate attribute and employability perspective.

A New Mathetic (The Science of Learning) and Didactic (The Science of Teaching) Concept

The concept of Learngaming integrates Darwin’s natural selection theory into a learning and teaching framework designed to prepare individuals for the demands of the 21st century. It focuses on entrepreneurial learning through play, fostering the development of key skills such as efficiency, flexibility, and creativity. In contrast to traditional educational approaches, which emphasise rote learning and exams, Learngaming promotes active, nonlinear, and collaborative learning environments that reflect the dynamic, digital context of modern life. The methodology uses digital "LEARNGames" to simulate real-world challenges, allowing learners to adapt and thrive in uncertain environments by encouraging risk-taking and instant feedback. This method proves particularly effective in teaching 21st-century skills, as demonstrated in projects with gifted children, where learners showed improved retention and engagement through play-based learning. By shifting from a teacher-centred model to a learner-driven, game-based approach, Learngaming enhances both personal and collective learning outcomes, preparing individuals to succeed in an ever-evolving society.

Development of E-Worksheet Characterized by PBL Model Integrated with 21st Century Skills to Improve Students' Science Process Skills

Development of E-Worksheet Characterized by PBL Model Integrated with 21st Century Skills to Improve Students' Science Process Skills

Implementation of independent learning campus independent certified internship program for strengthening 21st century skills

Implementation of the Merdeka Belajar Campus Merdeka Certified Internship Program in Strengthening 21st Century Skills is a way to strengthen skills in using media information as well as career and life skills. The aim of this research is to; (1) Describe the implementation of the MBKM certified internship program in universities, (2) Describe the mastery of 21st century skills among students participating in certified internships. This research is qualitative research with an analytical study approach. The results of this research show that first, in the implementation of MBKM, the certified internship program was implemented in three areas of activity, namely marketing, finance and operations, both in banking and companies. In implementing a certified internship, there are several stages, namely conversion of 20 credits, internship activities for 18 weeks, experience in the world of work and the professional world, a series of skills, mentoring, and obtaining a certificate of recognition for the skills and experience gained. Apart from that, during the implementation of the certified internship program there is an evaluation. Evaluation is carried out by following up on reports, providing mentoring, checking recaps of internship activities, sharing lessons, and conducting a final assessment of student performance. Second, the mastery of 21st century skills by students participating in certified internships focuses on the skills of mastering the use of technology, including the use of marketplace applications, the use of Microsoft office applications, the use of e-learning systems, e-commerce, design and so on. Meanwhile, mastery of career abilities and life skills is carried out through strengthening adaptation and social abilities, productivity and accountability, and providing leadership abilities and responsibility

Meningkatkan Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis pada PAKBP dengan Model PBL Berbantuan Media Audio-Visual Materi Allah Membimbing Umat Israel Fase B SDN 071096 Mandrehe

This study aims to improve students' critical thinking skills in Catholic Religious Education through the implementation of Project-Based Learning (PBL) models assisted by audio-visual media. The focus of this research is the material "God Leads the People of Israel" for Phase B at SDN 071096 Mandrehe. PBL was chosen for its ability to build 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and communication, as stated by Bell (2010). Audio-visual media was used to facilitate students' understanding of the historical and theological context of the material, supporting Mayer's (2009) assertion that this media helps students construct better knowledge. The research results show a significant improvement in students' critical thinking skills. These findings are expected to serve as a basis for developing teaching methods in religious education.

Penerapan Metode Proyek Dalam Kurikulum Merdeka Pada Mata Pelajaran Al-Quran Hadits

This study examines the application of the project method in learning Al-Quran Hadith class X at MAN 4 Jombang in the context of the Merdeka Curriculum. Using a qualitative approach with observation, interview, and documentation analysis methods, this study aims to understand the implementation, impact, and challenges of applying the project method. The results show that the implementation of the project method has brought significant changes in the learning process, creating a more interactive and learner-centered learning environment. The main characteristics of learning include independent completion of tasks, full responsibility of learners, and involvement of various parties. Positive impacts are seen in increased motivation, understanding of the material, and development of 21st-century skills. However, challenges such as time constraints, variations in learners‘ abilities, and educators’ professional development needs are still faced. This research provides insights into the potential integration of contemporary learning approaches in Islamic education and highlights the importance of systemic support in the implementation of educational innovations. The findings can serve as a reference for the development of educational policies and practices that are responsive to the needs of learners in the modern era while maintaining the core values of Islamic education.

The Relationship of Achievement Goal Orientations and 21st Century Skills Acquisition with the Entrepreneurship of Pre-Service Teachers.

Teachers' goal orientations and their adaptation to the 21st century determine many questions in teacher training and professional development. One of these aspects is entrepreneurship, such that the achievement goal orientations and 21st century skills of pre-service teachers have a positive role in entrepreneurship. The present study aimed to investigate the predictive role of the achievement goal orientations and 21st century skills of pre-service teachers in relation to entrepreneurship. To this end, a correlational design was conducted to analyze relationships between variables. The sample in the current study consisted of 282 pre-service teachers studying at a Faculty of Education in Anatolia Province, Turkey. The instruments were the Achievement Goal Orientations Scale, 21st Century Learning Skills Acquisition Scale, and The Scale of Entrepreneurship of College Students. The data obtained from these scales were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results showed that the structural model of the relationships between achievement goal orientations, 21st century skills, and entrepreneurship had an adequate goodness of fit, so that most of the achievement goal orientations and 21st century skills of pre-service teachers predicted either directly or indirectly their entrepreneurship skills. The conclusion was that entrepreneurial education activities related to teacher entrepreneurship can be planned by considering 21st century skills and achievement goal orientations in teacher education.

GLOBAL TRENDS IN CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF TEACHERS: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

This research presents a comparative analysis of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) models for teachers in several countries, including Singapore, Finland, Japan, China (Shanghai), Australia, Canada (Ontario), Estonia, and the Netherlands. Employing a qualitative approach and multiple case study methodology, the research identifies key features and trends in CPD. The results indicate that effective CPD models are characterized by individualized approaches, emphasis on collaborative learning, and connections to research activities. Despite variations in implementation, all models recognize the critical role of continuous teacher development in improving educational quality. Innovative approaches are highlighted, such as the Japanese Lesson Study model, the teacher rotation system in Shanghai, and personal learning budgets in the Netherlands. The study underscores the importance of creating flexible, adaptive CPD systems capable of addressing global challenges, including the digitalization of education and the development of 21st-century skills. The research findings can serve as a foundation for improving CPD systems in Kazakhstan, taking into account their unique context for detailing and enhancing the Professional Standard “Teacher”.