Italian Teachers’ Beliefs on The ‘Knowledge and Information Age’ Skills and Education Practices

Abstract

This study examines the beliefs of an Italian VET schools’ teachers concerning 21st century education and practices. The school is named ‘Cattaneo-Deledda’ and is located in Modena. The research investigates three questions: 1) Do the teachers of the ‘Cattaneo-Deledda’ school believe that 21st century skills should be an important part of the school curriculum? Why/ why not?; 2) In what way(s) do the ‘Cattaneo-Deledda’ teachers believe 21st century skills should be integrated in student learning? To what extent do they believe in the importance of each proposed change? ; 3) Would the ‘Cattaneo-Deledda’ teachers be willing to integrate such changes in their teaching? Why/why not? Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven of the schools’ teachers. All interviews happened in Italian and were thematically coded according to the ideas reported within the ‘P21 21st Century Learning Framework’. The study’s relevance lies in digging into teachers’ opinions, rather than practices. Teacher beliefs may clarify where the Italian education system is lacking and which policies can be designed for change to occur. The results showed that the teachers are in favour of teaching 21st century skills and practices, and that their beliefs mostly match the ideas encompassed in the P21 framework.