The effects of challenge based learning approach on students' academic achievement, 21st century skills, attitude and motivation

The aim of this research is to investigate the effects of challenge-based learning approach on students' academic achievement, 21st century skills, attitudes and motivation. A mixed research method and sequential explanatory design were used in the research. A pre-test post-test control group experimental design was used in the quantitative part of the research, and a case study design was used in the qualitative part. The study group of the research was selected according to the cluster sampling method and consisted of 30 (Challenge-based learning: 15, Non-intervention curriculum: 15) sixth grade students attending a secondary school in one of the central districts of a province in Eastern Anatolia. During the experimental application process, challenge-based learning applications were carried out in the experimental group, while the non-intervention curriculum (the current English language curriculum) was continued in the control group. The focus group interview technique was used to obtain the qualitative data. The quantitative data of the study were obtained through the Save The Planet & Democracy Themes Academic Achievement Test, 21st Century Skills Scale, Attitude Scale Towards English Course, and English Motivation Scale developed by the researcher, while the qualitative data were obtained through a semi-structured interview form developed by the researcher. Quantitative data were examined with statistical procedures, and qualitative data were examined with descriptive analysis. According to the data obtained as a result of the research, challenge-based learning in English course had a positive effect on students' academic achievement, 21st century skills, attitudes towards English course, and motivation. Students found challenge-based learning fun, interesting, endearing English, technological, and memorable. Based on these findings, challenge-based learning can be used to increase students' academic achievement, 21st century skills, attitudes, and motivation in English course.