Examination of teachers' metaphorical perceptions regarding 21st century skills

The aim of the study is to examine teachers metaphorical perceptions of 21st century skills. The model of the study is qualitative descriptive research. Data in the study; Data were collected from 200 teachers in Turkey through a questionnaire that can be filled online. The data collected through the content analysis of 21st century skills; analyzed within the framework of meaning, usage and value dimensions. These dimensions formed the conceptual categories of the study. The distribution of the metaphors produced for skills into categories is also another research topic. According to the findings, teachers most frequently for 21st century skills; They use the metaphors of "water", "technology" and "key". The metaphors produced are mostly in the value category. When metaphors are examined in terms of meaning, usage and value; It has been determined that metaphors emphasizing the verbal aspect of skills are considered in the meaning category, metaphors emphasizing the action-oriented aspect are in the usage category, and metaphors emphasizing the necessity aspect are considered in the value category. According to the results of the study; The metaphor of the "compass" comes to the fore, teachers primarily emphasize the value dimension of skills, at the same time teachers consider 21st century skills as vital, indispensable and unlocking in many subjects. In the suggestions section; Some recommendations were made to both researchers and practitioners, such as focusing on the meaning, usage and value dimensions of skills, and giving importance to studies involving 21st century skills in the professional development of teachers. Key words: 21st century skills, meaning, usage, value, metaphor