Universal Journal of Educational Research Vol. 8(12A), pp. 7561 - 7566
DOI: 10.13189/ujer.2020.082541
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Integration of 21^st Century Learning Skills and Teacher Characteristics in ESL Classrooms: The Case of Malaysia

Goh Hock Seng ¹, Maizatulliza Muhamad ^1,*, Richard Kiely ^2
1 English Language and Literature Department, Faculty of Languages and Communication, Sultan Idris Education University, Malaysia
² Faculty of Arts and Humanities, University of Southampton, England

ABSTRACT

One of the main foci when discussing 21^st century learning skills (CLS) in English as a Second Language (ESL) classrooms, is ensuring effective integration of its construct during the teaching and learning process. Certainly, ESL teachers play important roles in achieving the desired results. In a way, teachers are expected to possess several characteristics which are needed in ensuring successful integration of 21^st CLS in the ESL classrooms. This research examined the extent to which the teachers in the Malaysian ESL context integrate 21^st CLS in their classrooms and to investigate their perceptions of their characteristics with regards to 21^st CLS. Data were collected from 291 ESL teachers using a questionnaire which focuses on the integration of 21^st CLS as well as on the teachers' self-rating related to 21^st CLS teacher characteristics. The results suggest a satisfactory level of integration of 21^st CLS in the Malaysian ESL classrooms and the teachers generally viewed themselves as reflecting the needed characteristics of 21^st century teachers. Even though the findings indicate positive results, efforts need to be increased to ensure more consistent integration of 21^st CLS during English lessons.

KEYWORDS
21^st Century Learning Skills, ESL, Integration of 21^st Century Learning Skills, Teacher Characteristics

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Goh Hock Seng , Maizatulliza Muhamad , Richard Kiely , "Integration of 21^st Century Learning Skills and Teacher Characteristics in ESL Classrooms: The Case of Malaysia," Universal Journal of Educational Research, Vol. 8, No. 12A, pp. 7561 - 7566, 2020. DOI: 10.13189/ujer.2020.082541.

(b). APA Format:
Goh Hock Seng , Maizatulliza Muhamad , Richard Kiely (2020). Integration of 21^st Century Learning Skills and Teacher Characteristics in ESL Classrooms: The Case of Malaysia. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 8(12A), 7561 - 7566. DOI: 10.13189/ujer.2020.082541.