ASSESSMENT OF 21ST CENTURY SKILLS

Rationale:

Although it is difficult to write assessments of 21st Century Skills where learners can self-assess, it can be done. DepEd Bureau of Education Assessment (BEA) identifies Information Literacy, Problem Solving, and Critical Thinking as 21st Century Skills to be measured in national assessments, namely, the National Achievement Test (NAT) for Grades 6, Grade 10, and Grade 12. The design and content of these national assessments for the different learning areas are mapped to the 21st century skills framework, including the three skills mentioned. The design is progressive in nature wherein test items measure varying levels of skills.

DepEd Order No. 21, s. 2019 describes Information Literacy as a subskill of Information, Media and Technology skills which “allow learners to navigate the fluid and dynamic environment of knowledge creation and acquisition. These skills are embedded in subjects such as Technology and Livelihood Education, Science, Mathematics, Araling Panlipunan, MAPEH, and Languages, which are all subjects used as platforms for integration of these skills” (p. 6). Problem Solving and Critical Thinking are subskills of Learning and Innovation Skills which “help learners resolve daily issues and challenges be it academic, personal, social, etc. Learning and innovation skills are honed in all subject areas and across grade levels” (p. 6).

The identified 21st Century Skills being assessed by national assessments also have underlying subskills, as shown in the table below.

When teaching or assessing learners on 21st Century Skills, it can help to situate your item in the context of the MELC. To support the learners, use content that is already in the ZAD of the learners, such as that listed in the prerequisite level of your Teaching and Assessment Blueprint.