The Relationship Between Intermediate EFL Learners' Awareness of 21st-Century Skills and Their Motivation

Ghalibafan, Mohammad Sadegh; Ghodrati, Homa; Ghalibafan, Hamideh; Yazdanfar, Neda

doi:10.22034/jespp.2025.532220.1012

The Relationship Between Intermediate EFL Learners' Awareness of 21st-Century Skills and Their Motivation

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Mohammad Sadegh Ghalibafan ¹

Homa Ghodrati ²

Hamideh Ghalibafan ³

Neda Yazdanfar ⁴

¹ Department of English Language, Faculty of Foreign Languages, Shahid Sattari Aeronautical University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran

² Department of English Language, IslamicAzad University, Torbat Heydariyeh Branch, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran

³ Department of English Language, Ferdowsi University, Mashhad, Iran

⁴ Department of English Language, Khayyam University, Mashhad, Iran

10.22034/jespp.2025.532220.1012

Abstract

In the 21st century, where success is quantified in terms of rapid technological and international communication advancements, the learning of core skills has been necessary for all in all sectors. These 21st-century skills like critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and digital literacy are significant for effective learning, problem-solving, and career advancement. This research examines the relationship between Iranian intermediate EFL learners' awareness of 21st-century skills and their motivation to learn English. A quantitative method was employed in this research, sampling 633 Iranian intermediate EFL learners from a number of language institutes in Iran. Two validated tools were used to gather data: a researcher-made questionnaire to measure awareness of 21st-century skills, and a modified Gardner's Attitude/Motivation Test Battery (AMTB) to measure motivation. The result revealed a statistically significant positive relationship (r = 0.53, p < 0.001) between learners' awareness of 21st-century skills and their motivation to learn English. The outcomes emphasize the importance of integrating 21st-century skills into English as a Foreign Language programs to enhance student engagement and motivation.

Keywords

21st-century skills

awareness

motivation

English language learning