21st-century Skills Frameworks and Skills in ELT: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

The rapid advancement of science and technology has demanded the development of 21st-century skills, which are essential for employability and success in a complex human society. This systematic literature review examines 21st-century skills frameworks and explores the most researched skills in the context of English Language Teaching (ELT). Following the PRISMA guidelines, the study analyses 61 articles, six dissertations, and four conference proceedings published between 2013 and 2024. Findings reveal that the Partnership for 21st-century Skills (P21) framework is the most widely researched; however, many researchers combine elements from multiple frameworks, such as Assessment and Teaching of 21st-century Skills (ATCs21) and OECD models. Among the emphasized skills, the 4Cs: Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity, are the most frequently researched, followed by ICT literacy, initiative, self-direction, and social and cross-cultural skills. The study highlights the importance of incorporating these skills into English Language Teaching (ELT) to equip learners for global challenges. The study reveals that it is necessary to consider contextual variations in skill prioritization. Since this study only included ELT-related research, future research should explore interdisciplinary perspectives and localized adaptations of the 21st-century frameworks and skills.