Integrating 21st-Century Skills in English Reading Materials for Eight Grade Students

Abstract

In 21st-century learning, teaching materials must integrate the 4Cs skills (collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and creativity) to empower the younger generation in facing rapid digital transformation. This study addresses the lack of student learning materials, particularly in reading skills, where students struggle to comprehend texts and apply the 4Cs due to limited facilities. The aim is to develop reading materials for teachers and students that incorporate the 4Cs, aligned with 21st-century education, using the Jigsaw technique. The methodology follows Classroom Action Research, involving data collection, analysis, interpretation, and action planning. Data were gathered from student works, grade lists, and observation sheets. Results indicate that the Jigsaw cooperative technique enabled most students to integrate the 4Cs into their learning process. This study suggests that the developed materials can be further adapted into hybrid or AI-assisted platforms to strengthen digital literacy, enhance engagement, and support sustainable education in the era of Artificial Intelligence and global digital transformation.