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The 4th Istanbul Education Conference, held this year, opened a discussion on the most important topics in the education world, centered around 21st-century skills and a new skill-based curriculum model. This comprehensive evaluation of the future of Turkey’s education brought together educators, researchers, policymakers, and international education experts.

Organized by the ILKE Foundation’s Education Policies Research Center (EPAM), the conference took place on September 28, 2024, hosted by Boğaziçi University. The emphasis of the conference was the importance of 21st-century skills, which will bring transformation to Turkey’s education system and support future generations in all areas of their lives.

The opening speeches were delivered by ILKE Foundation Chairman Ahmet Sait Öner, Deputy Minister of National Education Ömer Faruk Yelkenci, Chairman of the Ministry of National Education’s Board of Education and Discipline Prof. Dr. Cihad Demirli, and Dean of Boğaziçi University’s Faculty of Education Prof. Dr. İrfan Erdoğan.

Prof. Dr. Cihad Demirli, Chairman of the Board of Education, stated that a new approach combining 21st-century skills with values has been adopted for curriculum updates and material preparation.

Deputy Minister of National Education Ömer Faruk Yelkenci emphasized the structuring phases and unique aspects of the Turkey Century Maarif Model, explaining that it embraces a holistic approach, addressing physical, cognitive, moral, and emotional development.

After the opening, Andreas Schleicher, Director of Education and Skills at the OECD, Bassem Nasir, Skills Education Specialist at UNICEF, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Taşpınar, Member of the Ministry of National Education’s Board of Education, Assoc. Dr. Mustafa Öztürk, Vice Dean of Boğaziçi University’s Faculty of Education, and Prof. Dr. İbrahim Aşlamacı, faculty member of İnönü University, conducted an in-depth evaluation of skill-based education both globally and in the context of Turkey.

The program concluded with a closing speech by Prof. Dr. Nihat Erdoğmuş, Chairman of the ILKE Foundation Board of Trustees.

Education systems must undergo comprehensive transformation with life skills

The first session of the conference began with Bassem Nasir’s speech, titled “Transforming Education Through Life Skills: A Humanistic Approach”. UNICEF Education Specialist Nasir emphasized the critical role life skills play in 21st-century education, presenting a comprehensive framework to guide policymakers, program designers, and educators. He stressed that education systems must be thoroughly transformed to prepare children and youth for changing job markets, technology, migration, and crises. Nasir noted that life skills are key to raising flexible and adaptable individuals and that systematically developing these skills would help children handle personal, academic, and social challenges.

Another speaker, Assoc. Dr. Mustafa Öztürk, in his presentation titled “The Transformative Impact of 21st-Century Skills on Learning Fields and Assessment Processes,” discussed how 21st-century skills are transforming assessment processes in education. Öztürk noted that changing skill sets directly impact learning outcomes and success in international assessments such as PISA. He focused on how Turkey’s new curricula have integrated these skills and the potential effects on PISA performance.

OECD Director of Education and Skills Andreas Schleicher, in his speech titled “Different Models of Skill-Based Learning and Examples from the World,” shared important findings on how today’s education systems should prepare young people for the future. Schleicher pointed out that in the future, having knowledge alone will not be enough; what will matter most is how people apply that knowledge. Referring to PISA evaluations, he emphasized the importance of scientific inquiry and problem-solving skills over rote memorization. Schleicher also commented on Turkey’s education system, saying, “Students in Turkey may be academically successful, but they struggle with happiness and a sense of identity. This should be a fundamental element of 21st-century education systems.”

Higher education must adapt to the changing workforce skills of the 21st century

In his presentation titled “Rethinking the Relationship Between Education and Employment in the Context of Higher Education Qualifications Framework and 21st-Century Skills,” Prof. Dr. Orhan Uzun discussed how higher education programs are being aligned with 21st-century skills. Uzun stressed the need to reshape the relationship between education and employment, addressing how higher education should respond to the changing skill demands in the business world.

Prof. Dr. Mehmet Taşpınar introduced Turkey’s Turkey Century Maarif Model, which is built on 21st-century skills. Taşpınar explained in detail how this model differs from other skill-based education models around the world, emphasizing that Turkey is creating a unique curriculum. This new model aims to adapt to the demands of the 21st century by developing students’ social-emotional learning, literacy, and vocational skills.

Are 21st-century skills a response to educational needs or an ideological direction?

In his presentation titled “A Critical Look at the 21st-Century Skills-Oriented Education Approach and Its Reflection on the Turkey Century Maarif Model,” Prof. Dr. İbrahim Aşlamacı critically examined the theoretical background of the 21st-century skills-oriented education approach. Aşlamacı raised questions about how well Turkey’s efforts to adapt to educational reforms align with its unique educational needs, offering an in-depth discussion of the model’s possibilities and limitations.

The 4th Istanbul Education Conference witnessed important discussions on how skill-based approaches in education can be implemented globally and in Turkey. Speakers emphasized that integrating 21st-century skills into education systems is crucial not only for academic success but also for social and economic achievement.