New Perspectives in Science Education

Keeping in view the importance of 21st century skills in today’s science education this research study was set to explore the answer of following questions 1) Whether or not our National learning outcomes focus on the development of 21st century skills in our students and 2) Whether or not our National learning outcomes are aligned with respect to 21st century skills? National Learning outcomes written in National curriculum were examined. Curriculum alignment was checked by exploring taught and tested curriculum keeping in view the requirements of 21st century skills. Under the head of taught curriculum text books and teachers attitude towards teaching of science was examined. Past five year papers were observed to explore the alignment of tested curriculum. The result reveals that only 40.4% of the National Learning outcomes focus on the development of 21st century skills whereas most of these National Learning outcomes were not aligned with respect to 21st century skills. The findings of this research study can be used in redesigning the curriculum, text books, teaching-learning strategies and assessment methodology. They can also be of great help in designing the course content of teacher training.

Keywords: National learning outcomes, Curriculum alignment, 21st century skills, Science;