Perspectives of social studies teachers (Generation X), preservice social studies teachers (Generation Y) and 8th grade students (Generation Z) on 21st century skills

In the 21st century, individuals have to work not only in the fields they have been trained in, but also in other fields where they have not been educated. Thus, in this century, the need for qualified and well-equipped individuals with many different skills makes itself felt more. Frameworks are created for the skills that these qualified individuals need to acquire, and these skill sets are included in the curricula. Generations have different evaluations, perceptions and views on all aspects of life. Each of these generations has different duties in acquiring 21st century skills. It is important to determine which skills are seen as more important by generations and which are needed more. Social Studies has a favorable position in providing these different generations with 21st century skills. The aim of this research is to reveal the perspectives of the X, Y and Z generations in Social Studies Education about the importance of having 21st century skills. In the study, Social Studies teachers were selected as Generation X, Social Studies teacher candidates as Generation Y and 8th grade students taking Social Studies course as Generation Z. As a data collection tool in the study, the researcher prepared "Survey for Determining Opinions on the Importance of 21st Century Skills". The data were generated by the survey results collected from 1164 participants. The quantitative data of the study were analyzed with the help of the SPSS 22.0 statistics program package and analyzed with descriptive statistical methods. In the research, while revealing why a generation considers a skill important and why it is the generation that gives the most or least importance to a skill, the characteristic features and value judgments of that generation mentioned in the literature were taken into consideration. As a result of the research, among the 22 skills in the survey, the "communication" skill in all frames was specified by each of the X, Y and Z generations as the most important skill that individuals should have in the 21st century. On the other hand, "economic and financial literacy" skill, which is in a few frames, was seen as the least important skill. These results are remarkable. In addition, there is congruence between generations' views of the importance of 21st century skills and the frequency with which these skills are included in the frameworks.