EFL instructors' self-perception of 21st century skills, the role of these skills in teaching and assessment procedures

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate EFL instructors’ self-perception of their own 21st century skills, and the role of these skills in their teaching and assessment procedures. This study exploited mixed method research design, which has a sequential explanatory approach. The participants of the study are 123 EFL instructors who teach English in various public and foundation preparatory schools. To collect the quantitative data, 21st Century Teaching and Learning Survey was utilized. Qualitative data was collected through semi-structured, face to face, online and onsite interviews with the participant instructors. Lastly, various assessment tools were collected from preparatory schools of different universities throughout an academic year as the other resources of the qualitative research data. To answer the first research question and its sub-questions, descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test and one-way ANOVA, for the second question correlation statistics was run into the data by using SPSS statistical software program. The third, fourth and fifth questions were analyzed through content analysis. Statistical tests revealed no significant differences across demographic factors of the instructors, which are gender, years of experience, educational background (BA, MA, PhD), and type of school (foundation vs. state) and 21st century skills. However, the study found a positive correlation between all the measured 21st century skills. Qualitative data results showed that instructors need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to integrate 21st century skills effectively through ongoing professional development. Also, there is a need for utilizing diverse and engaging teaching practices and implementing creative and technology-integrated assessment methods. By addressing these points, EFL instructors can create dynamic learning environments that prepare students with the skills they need to thrive in the 21st century.