21st Century Skills and Tools and Approaches That Are Used to Measure These Skills

In this study, it is aimed to describe the 21st century skills and to present various tools and approaches that are used to measure them. Along with containing basic skills, the 21st century skills are seen to be composed of three main skill fields as: i) learning and innovation skills, ii) knowledge, media and technology skills, and iii) life and career skills. In the literature review, it is seen that in the measurement of such skills; rating scales, situational judgement tests, performance evaluation and simulations, portfolios, tools containing different types of item (such as multiple choice, computer-based and open response items) can be used. However, some of the mentioned measurement tools and approaches are not used in Turkey. Furthermore, in parallel with technological developments, it is seen that numerous countries started to use computer-based measurement applications. The computer environment allows the use of applications such as computer simulations based on real-life situations from these approaches, which allows both cognitive and interpersonal skills to be measured in a way that is very closely to reality. Moreover, it is suggested that measurement approaches such as the situational judgment tests which will enable students to demonstrate their interpersonal and intrapersonal skills must be given in the textbooks.