Investigation of the relationship between 8th grade students' metacognitive awareness, causal attributions and 21st century skills (Afyonkarahisar sample)

In this study, 8th grade students' metacognitive awareness, causal attributions, and 21st century skill levels were examined in terms of various variables. The study used a correlational model from quantitative research methods. The sample of this study consists of 423 8th grade students studying in Afyonkarahisar in the 2022- 2023 academic year. In this study, "Personal Information Form", "Metacognitive Awareness Scale for Children Form B", "21st Century Skills Scale for Secondary School Students" and "Causal Dimensions Scale II" were used for 8th grade students. When the results of the study were analysed, it was determined that the metacognitive awareness levels and 21st century skill levels of 8th grade students were above the middle level. At the same time, it was seen that their mean scores were equal to each other and the highest in the locus of causality and personal control sub dimensions of their attributions towards failure. It was observed that 8th grade students' metacognitive awareness levels, 21st century skill levels and their attributions towards failure had a significant positive relationship between the locus of causality and personal control dimension. In addition, it was seen that 8th grade students' attributions towards failure had a significant positive relationship between the stability and external control dimension. At the same time, these two dimensions show a significant negative relationship with the locus of causality towards the scale, personal control dimension and students' metacognitive awareness levels and 21st century skill levels. In addition, the level of metacognitive awareness and causal attributions predicting 21st century skills was investigated and multiple linear regression analysis was performed. As a result of the analysis, it was seen that external control and metacognitive awareness level were found to be significant predictors of 21st century skills. Keywords: Metacognitive awareness, Causal attributions, 21st century skills, 8th grade students