The effects of student led conferences on the improvement of 21st century career and life skills

Abstract

This study examined the contribution of student-led conferences to students’acquisition of responsibility, self-management, self-expression, communication skills and leadership qualities, which are within the scope of 21st century life and career skills. For this purpose, the case study design was used in the study in which a total of 249 students, 280 parents and 22 teachers from primary school (4th grade), secondary school and high school levels in a private school participated. Data triangulation method was used to increase the validity of the research. In this context, the techniques of questionnaire, semi-structured interview and document review were used. Research findings have shown that student-led conferences have a positive effect on helping students acquire 21st century skills, and confirm that this is an important process for student development. In the future research, it can be focused on the effects of these student-led conferences on student achievement. The effects of the portfolio presentations made by the students at the conferences and the planning they made about learning goals at the conferences on their academic success in the long term can be investigated.