Abstract:

In this study, the effects of applying the authentic learning approach in social studies course on the development of 21st century learning and innovation skills were investigated. Quasi-experimental design with pre-test/post-test control group was used in the research. The study group of the research consists of 50 students studying at the 6th grade. In this context, two groups were formed at the same grade level, one experimental (n = 28) and the other control (n = 22) group by unbiased assignment. In order for the students in the experimental and control groups to be composed of students with similar features, equalization was performed. In the study, after the 21st Century Learning and Innovation Skills Scale (21CLISS) was applied as a pre-test to each group, quasi-experimental procedure was started. The lessons were taught in accordance with in the experimental group the authentic learning approach and in the control group in accordance with the instructions in the textbook. After the quasi-experimental procedure, 21CLISS was applied to the experimental and control groups as post-tests and the results were compared and interpreted. In the analysis of the data, paired samples t-test and independent samples t-test was used. As a result of the experimental process, it was found that although there was a score increase in the 21st century learning and innovation skill levels of the students in the experimental and control groups compared to the pre-test. The score increase of the students in the experimental group was higher than the control group. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the post-test scores of the two groups. The post-test scores of the students in the experimental group obtained from the creativity and innovation skills sub-dimension of the scale differed statistically significantly from the pre-test scores. Thus, it has been determined that the teaching of social studies courses with processes in accordance with the authentic learning approach contributes to the development of creativity and innovation skills.

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