Philippine E-Journals

Education and Competitiveness: How Maritime University Students Perceived their 21st-Century Learning Skills

Brian Gil S. Sarinas

 

Abstract:

This descriptive research was conducted because there is a dearth of information on the 21st-century learning skills of maritime students hence create an appropriate intervention for the enhancement of skills. This study aimed to determine the level of 21st-century learning skills among maritime students, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and evaluate the significant difference of the 21st-century learning skills when classified according to student level. The respondents were the Grades 11 and 12 and BSMT 1 to 3 students of JBLFMU-Arevalo enrolled during the second semester of the school year 2017-2018. A total of 350 respondents were utilized through stratified proportional random sampling. The instrument used was a 143-item validated questionnaire with a reliability index of 0.97. Mean, standard deviation, and One-way ANOVA were used as statistical tools set at .05 level of significance. The results reveal that the level of 21st-century learning skills was “High” when taken as an entire group among the six learning skills such as Personal and Social Responsibility, Communication, Critical Thinking, Making Decision in Everyday Life, Solving Problems, and Assessing Teamwork. This means that the skills are evident and often practiced but not always in many situations. Meanwhile, a different indicator was presented in each skill. The top three highest skills were also presented in each major skill. Furthermore, there is no significant difference in the perceived 21st- century learning skills of students when classified according to grade/year level. This might be attributed to family orientation, exposure to school activities, peer influence, social media, and many others. Constant positive behavior and appropriate direction in life is required to attain these skills with the help or support of family, school, and community.