EXAMINING GLOBAL TRENDS IN 21st CENTURY SKILLS: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW AND BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS

Abstract

21st century skills have become increasingly essential in global education to prepare individuals for the rapidly evolving challenges of the modern world. This study aims to analyze global trends in the development of 21st century skills through a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis. Using data from the Scopus database up to August 14, 2025, this research explores the distribution of publications, trends, and the theoretical and practical contributions made by existing studies. The findings indicate that, while significant attention has been given to these skills, there remains a gap in understanding their practical application and measurement, particularly in areas such as critical thinking and creativity. The analysis also highlights the need for project-based and problem-based learning models to effectively support the development of these skills. This research provides guidance for future studies by identifying areas that require further exploration, and contributes to enhancing the integration of 21st century skills into global educational curricula. The findings are expected to assist in the development of educational policies and the effective implementation of 21st century skills worldwide.