21st Century Skills in English Language Teaching: A Study at SMPN 27 Makassar

Abstract

21st century education does not only focus on mastering academic knowledge, but also on developing essential skills to face the dynamics of an ever-evolving world.
This study aims to explore the implementation of 21st century skills in teaching English at SMPN 27 Makassar, Indonesia, and to identify the strategies used by teachers, and the challenges they face. The type of research used in this study is qualitative descriptive research, with the subjects of the study being two English teachers at SMPN 27 Makassar. The instruments used in this study include observation checklists, interviews, and documentation. The findings of the study revealed that both teachers mostly used cooperative learning strategies, especially the Jigsaw method, to encourage collaboration and communication among students. In addition, this study highlights the importance of critical thinking and creativity in enhancing student engagement and understanding. However, challenges such as time constraints, inadequate facilities, and students' language barriers were identified as significant obstacles. Overall, this study underscores the need for continuous professional development and increased resources to effectively integrate 21st century skills into the curriculum.