The Integration of Problem Based Learning in Generating 21st Century Skills

Producing quality graduates with relevant skills are now becoming the limelight of our education. Skills such as 21st century skills that comprise skills, abilities, and learning dispositions have been identified as requirement for the future sustainability. Problem solving skill is being stated as one of the upmost important skills needed by a student. Therefore, this study seeks to investigate the lecturer’s perception of Problem Based Learning (PBL) and how this practice could elevate the 21st century skills among the students. 60 respondents were selected for this study to participate in the online survey. Nine (9) items were asked regarding PBL using 5-point Likert scale ranging from strongly disagree to strongly agree and 12 items regarding the effect to student’s performance based on the 21st century skills. Descriptive and Pearson Correlation were used in this study. The results showed that the students were more engaged in PBL approach compared to conventional way which had affected the mastery of their 21st century skills. There was a strong correlation between PBL and 21st century skills. In conclusion, the PBL approach could improve Teaching and Learning (T&L) sessions in producing quality graduates. The researchers hope that PBL can be further developed by future researchers to attract students towards the subject that prepare graduates to be ready for workforce in accordance to the suitability of world globalization.