Exploring 21ST-Century Skills among Undergraduate Students in Moroccan Tertiary Education: Two English Studies Departments as a Case Study

Abstract

The demands of the 21st century have prompted educational stakeholders to equip students with the essential skills needed to thrive in a rapidly globalizing and interconnected world. Consequently, Moroccan higher education faces continuous pressure to prepare university students with the competencies necessary to succeed in today’s knowledge-based, global society. This study explored the 21st-century skills of undergraduate students in Moroccan tertiary education, drawing on a sample of 129 participants from two schools of Letters and Humanities at Moroccan public universities: Moulay Ismail University in Meknes and Hassan II University of Ain Chock in Casablanca. Data were collected using the 21st-Century Skills Inventory (21 CSI), which was adapted for the study. The findings revealed that students struggled with applying essential skills such as ICT skills, leadership, critical and creative thinking, communication, and English language proficiency. While participants expressed limited confidence in their ability to develop ICT skills, the results highlight the need for urgent interventions. These findings suggest significant implications for Moroccan university students and call on educational stakeholders to prioritize enhancing 21st-century skills in higher education.