Students’ Self-Efficacy and Values Based on A 21st Century Vision of Scientific Literacy – A Pilot Study

AbstractThe world in the 21st century in which we live is much different than that which has been experienced in the last century. A huge shift has been the replacing of “manpower” with modern digital technology both in the world of work and in our every-day life. In turn this has led to a shift in the skills, attributes and even values needed with which no machine is able to compete, for example, attention to communication and collaboration skills. Today, the goals of education need to respect this shift in student needs and ensure students gain the skills needed for success in both a global market and an urban society. This pilot study is geared towards determining students’ self-efficacy in 21st century skills and values associated with a modern conception of scientific literacy and also explores the degree to which students recognize the importance of these skills and values, so as to be successful in their future lives