Examination of Secondary School Mathematics Curriculum in Terms of 21st Century Skills

Abstract

Abstract The curriculum is the whole system that enables them to develop and renew their school education system. With the transition to the constructivism model in the schools of the world countries, many countries have revised their curricula according to this model. The mathematics curriculum taught in secondary education in Turkey was first revised by the Ministry of National Education in 2005 and then renewed in 2018. The aim of this research is to examine the secondary school mathematics curriculum in 2018 (achievements and activities) within the context of 21st century skills. Achievements and activities determined will be evaluated and examined in terms of learning and renewal skills. In line with this purpose, the research analyzed how much 21st century skills were included in the learning outcomes of the 2018 secondary school mathematics curriculum and its effects in the textbooks In addition, in the research, it was analyzed how much problem solving, critical thinking, creative thinking and communication skills of the P21 framework learning and innovation skills were included in the 2018 secondary school mathematics curriculum achievements and textbooks. The research model was conducted with document analysis, one of the qualitative research methods. In the document analysis, 21st century skills were selected by taking into account the P21 framework for 21st century skills. These skills are grouped in three areas: learning and innovation, information, media and technology, and life and professional skills. At the end of the research, it was determined that, due to the nature of the mathematics course, problem solving skills are included in almost all achievements and activities, while skills other than problem solving skills are not included in the achievements, these skills are included in the coursebook activities. Keywords: 21st century skills, Secondary school mathematics curriculum, Mathematics curriculum, P21