Pre-service Teachers' reflection on Teaching English for Young Learners Course and their Perspectives towards Meeting the 21st Century Skills at Hebron University

Abstract

One of the important issues in learning is quality standards. Recently, many studies discussed the importance of meeting the 21st century skills to ensure the quality of the teaching and learning process. A few studies have used 21st century skills to evaluate their courses. This study looks at the extent to which a Teaching English for Young Learners course offered by the English Department at Hebron University, Palestine, met the 21st century skills. Studies on language courses using the 21st century skills are hardly known, as evidenced in the literature review. This study marks the first time such skills have been used to evaluate a language course. A quantitative research methodology was employed. Data was obtained through a questionnaire. It was completed by 38 students who attended the Teaching English for Young Learners course. 21st century skills were: (a) critical thinking skills; (b) creativity and innovation skills; (c) communication skills; (d) collaboration skills; (e) self-direction skills; (f) global connection; (g) local connections, and (h) the use of information communication technology (ICT). According to the participants, the course met the 21st century skills in varying degrees; the use of information communication technology (ICT) (M=4.62); collaboration skills (M=4.42); communication skills (M=4.38); Critical thinking skills (M=4.22); self-direction skills (M=4.08); Creativity and innovation skills (M=3.98); global connection (M=3.96; and local connections (M=3.85) respectively. The results obtained from the open ended part of the questionnaire showed that the students felt that the aspects related to 21st century skills were achieved as the course presented for them a unique opportunity for practical application such as group presentations, collaborative activities and microteaching. Additionally, the participants found the course to be an amazing course that contributed to their professional growth. Finally, the participants described the course and its activities as enjoyable practical, useful, delightful interesting creative, meaningful, entertaining, valuable, practical, helpful, joyful, inspiring and informative. This research demonstrated the usefulness of the 21st century skills in measuring the quality of a Teaching English for Young Learners course.