Student Perceptions of Learning in the 21st Century: An Evaluation of the 4Cs

Student perspective of current teaching and learning approaches in the classroom is an essential component of evaluating the degree to which the needs of learners are being met for success in a global economy and a 21st-century world (Hillman, 2012). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to use a student-reaction survey to evaluate high school students’ perceptions of 21st-century learning in the classroom as they relate to communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity (4Cs). Positive perceptions were found from students regarding the importance of all 4Cs for use beyond high school (94.2%, 84.9%, 79.9%, 89.3%, respectively). However, there was a significant gap in experiencing the teaching and practice of these skills in the majority of students’ classes (54.1%, 67.6%, 40.9%, 39.2%, respectively). Findings from the study suggest that it is essential that educational leaders acknowledge and continue to support the incorporation of the 4Cs into daily instruction