Research on 21st-Century Skills Competency Perceptions of Generation Z

Abstract

Nowadays, Generation Z is the most discussed generation both in the world and in Turkey. With its unique aspects and skills, this generation is known to have a high potential to impact many areas of life, particularly education and work life. One way Generation Z representatives can be successful and maintain this success in a rapidly changing world is to empower themselves in a field of competency called 21st-century skills. This study aims to determine the level of 21st-century skills competency perceptions of Generation Z representatives (born between 2000-2018) and reveal whether these perceptions differ according to various demographic factors. The research covers a total of 402 Generation Z representatives who are mainly students in two foundation universities in Istanbul and one foundation university in Izmir and, other than the relevant universities, who are from the specified provinces. They were reached using the convenience sampling method. The data were collected by the survey method, and statistical analyses were conducted with the SPSS software. The research results indicate that the 21st-century skills competency perceptions of Generation Z representatives are quite high. Moreover, these perceptions of competency differ in some skill dimensions in terms of gender, age, and studied/graduated field variables. The study is expected to contribute to Generation Z representatives and individuals and institutions that assume the role of guiding these individuals. Furthermore, it is thought that the study will also be useful for the development of the literature covering a limited number of studies that have focused on Generation Z in the context of 21st-century skills.