UNPACKING THE 4CS: THE QUALITATIVE CONTENT ANALYSIS OF 21ST CENTURY LEARNING SKILLS IN PHYSICS TEXTBOOK (GRADE IX)

Abstract

This study examines representation of 21st century learning skills, namely 4Cs: critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity, within physics book for Grade IX published by Punjab Curriculum and Textbook Board. This study employed qualitative content analysis using purposive sampling to select the book. It examined how these essential competencies cut across textbook and assessed both facilitative and restrictive teaching and learning strategies. The study demonstrates that 4Cs are neither fully realized nor equally emphasized, with critical thinking focused on problem -solving assignments, conceptual questions, and creativity being the least stressed. The textbook prioritizes the traditional, content-driven instruction over integrated development of 21st century competencies. These findings highlight the need for curriculum designers and textbook writers to more consciously incorporate 4Cs into instructional materials, enabling students to not only acquire scientific knowledge but also develop essential skills for modern scientific inquiry and interdisciplinary collaboration. In this regard, more balanced and intentional integration of the 4Cs is needed to align physics education with contemporary educational and professional demands.