Investigation of preservice teachers' opinions about the inclusion of 21st century skills to Science Education undergraduate program

The aim of this study was to examine preservice teachers' opinions about the inclusion of 21st century skills to science education undergraduate program. For this purpose, the survey model, one of the quantitative research designs, was adopted. The population of the study consisted of junior and senior students studying in the science education undergraduate program in the 2021-2022 academic year. The sample of the study, on the other hand, consisted of a total of 380 preservice science teachers (from 10 universities determined by convenience sampling), who voluntarily participated in the study. The findings of the study showed that, in science education undergraduate program, activities that will develop preservice teachers' 21st century skills (such as critical thinking, collaborative work, communication, creativity and innovation, self-direction, making global and local connections, and using technology) are generally included several times a month. When the skills are examined in detail, on the other hand, it is seen that the activities that will improve the skills of using technology are most frequently included; however, activities that will improve pre-service science teachers' ability to communicate and establish local and global connections are less commonly included in science education undergraduate program.