The 21st century skills of the students of faculty of liberal arts, Rajamangala University of Technology Pranakhon

Abstract

The purposes of the research were to study the 21st century skills of the Students of Faculty of Liberal Arts, Rajamangala University of Technology Pranakhon and compare the 21st century skills of their students categorized by the individual factors. The population was 274 students in English for International Communication, Tourism and Hotels, Faculty of Liberal Arts, enrolling in the academic year 2018. The research tool was questionnaires. The statistical data analysis was performed by frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation and Fdistribution. The results were found as follows: 1. As for the students’ personal information, more than three-quarters were female (77.40%). Most of them are in the second year (29.20%) and in Hotels (38.32%). The students’ grades were mostly 3.01-4.00 (69.60%). 2. The overall mean score of the 21st century skills among the students was at the high level (x̄=3.95). As for each aspect, the mean score of cross-cultural understanding was rated at the highest level (x̄=4.24), followed by computing and ICT literacy (x̄=4.08), collaboration teamwork and leadership (x̄= 4.07). The lowest one was writing skills (x̄=3.74). 3. In comparison between students’ personal information and the 21st century skills, it revealed that there was no significant difference between sex, years of study and grades at 0.05. As for the fields of study, it was found that the overall score was not significantly different at 0.05 while considered in each aspect: cross- cultural understanding; communications, information and media literacy; computing and ICT literacy; and career and learning skills, there is a significant difference at 0.05. 4. According to the students’ proposed guideline on the 21st century skills, the most important skill for their jobs was foreign language skill. Moreover, core course instruction and practice as well as classroom and extracurricular activities can enhance them to gain direct experiences and knowledge which will greatly promote their 21st century skills