EFFECT OF 21ST CENTURY SKILLS OF TRAINEE TEACHERS AND THEIR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

Abstract

The development of 21st-century skills is crucial for trainee teachers, not only for their academic achievement but also for their success in the teaching profession. Research indicates that these skills significantly contribute to the academic performance of trainee teachers. Teacher education programs in Pakistan are increasingly recognizing the importance of equipping trainee teachers with 21st century skills to enhance their pedagogical practices and prepare them for contemporary classrooms. The present study was aimed to examine the effect of 21st century skills on the academic achievement of trainee teachers. The study was quantitative and correlation in nature. The population of the study was comprised of trainee teachers of undergraduate and graduate programs of Teacher Education Department/Institutions of all the universities of the Punjab. Propionate stratified sampling technique was used to collect data form 300 trainee teachers of undergraduate programs of education department/teacher education institutions of six public sector universities of the Punjab province. After detailed literature review, researchers developed a questionnaire namely (21stCSPT) 21st Century Skills of Trainee teachers to collect data from respondents. The study revealed significant differences in learning skills and literacy skills between male and female trainee teachers. Male trainee teachers had higher learning skills and literacy skills than their female counterparts. The study reveals no significant differences in learning skills, literacy skills, and life skills of trainee teachers for their residence. There were significant differences in 21st century skills among trainee teachers from different universities. PU, Lahore and GCU, Faisalabad trainee teachers scored higher in learning skills while LWCU, Lahore trainee teachers scored the lowest. It was recommended that policymakers should endeavor to incorporate 21st-century skills in the curriculum of teacher education programs to enhance total academic performance of trainee teachers.