Teachers’ Perceptions about the Relationship between 21st Century Skills and Managing Constructivist Learning Environments

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the associations between the perceptions of primary school teachers about their proficiencies in terms of 21st century skills and their perceptions in relation to managing constructivist learning environments by means of structural equation modeling (SEM). The sample of the study included the classroom teachers from the province of Eskişehir. One hundred eighty-four females and 88 male teacher participated to the study. 21st century skills scale and TCLES were used to derive teacher perceptions regarding their proficiencies in 21st century skills and their use of constructivist approaches in the classrooms. The results revealed that 21st century skills were positively related to teachers' perceptions of the constructivist learning environment. Based on these results, a simple implication could be that when the teachers possess strong perceptions in relation to problem solving, critical thinking, cooperation, communication and creativity, they may appear to provide their students with learning environments that are more open to students' inquiry and investigation and that are thus more conducive to positive student attitudes.

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