Role of Education Administrators in Implementing 21st Century Skills at National Colleges of Education

Abstract

The current changes taking place within the Sri Lankan education system focus more on integration of 21st century skills to the learning teaching approach. However, . majority of the teachers have no idea about 21st century skills and their integration to the curricular. This is research conducted to explore the role played by the education leaders to the curriculum of National Colleges of Education where pre-service teacher education is conducted. Two different questionnaires were administered for the Vice Presidents (Academic and Quality Assurance) and 50 lecturers of seven (7) National Colleges of Education where English medium courses are held. Also, semi-structured interviews for the Vice Presidents and lesson observations of (10) lecturers were conducted for data gathering. Data were analyzed both statistically and qualitatively. It was revealed in the process of data gathering that though the lecturers, prospective teachers and Vice Presidents possess a little knowledge about 21st century skills, integration of them in the curriculum has not been effectively done. The Vice Presidents lack strength and capacity of acting swiftly to achieve the expected targets in relation to the 21st century skills. A radical change to the role of Vice President is suggested to support 21st century skills. Capacity building and skill strengthening programs are suggested to help the Vice Presidents overcome their inability of making right decisions at the time of need. Further, it was suggested that the Teacher Educator service minute is revised so that more capable dynamic, young officers can come to these responsible positions.