Digital Age Skills Framework and Teacher Education: Analysis of the Gap Between Theory and Practice
Author(s) : Muhammad Nadeem Anwar & Sung-Sang Yoo
Abstract:
The running era is called digital age because of the large appearance of digital technology which seeks education enables students to be successful in their lives and workplace. Twenty first century skill frameworks are to be considered as a key driver for success, however, its implementation needs reforms and because of economic uncertainty most of the developing countries including Pakistan unable to do so. Therefore, this research project was initiated to reach a resized skill framework that is compatible with the digital age by determining the gap between theory and practice. The gap was explored by examining the difference between the acquired level of skills being imparted in teacher education programs and the required level of skills needed for success in the workplace. Data were collected through a survey of in-service teachers’ feedback with the help of a self-developed questionnaire. The average mean score of required skills was found high as compared to acquired, which indicates a gap between the skills being imparted on-campus learning (theory) and the need of the workplace (Practice). The gap may be bridged through the integration of digital-age century skills into the curriculum and instruction of teacher education programs resultantly teacher educators would be able to develop digital-age century skills into prospective teachers.
Keywords: Teacher education, 21st century skills frameworks, theory and practice