Abstract

This study investigated the impact of robotics integration on the development of twenty-first-century skills and competencies within the context of Grade 5 natural sciences classrooms. As the twenty-first century unfolds, the demand for learners to acquire skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and digital literacy has never been more imperative. Robotics, given its interdisciplinary nature, holds significant potential as a tool for fostering these essential skills. In this research, an explanatory sequential mixed-methods approach is employed to explore the experiences of Grade 5 learners as they engage with robotics in the context of natural sciences education. The study entailed the intentional selection of four fifth-grade teachers and 202 learners from four primary schools in South Africa. The study involved the design and implementation of robotics-based activities, complementing the existing curriculum. Data collection methods included observations, surveys, and interviews with teachers. The findings from this study shed light on the ways in which robotics integration influences the acquisition of skills such as creativity, communication, adaptability, and technological proficiency in Grade 5 natural sciences classrooms. The results demonstrated that the incorporation of robotics has a beneficial impact on the acquisition of twenty-first-century skills, leading to increased learner engagement, enhanced creativity, and improved teamwork among the learners. The implications of this research are twofold: first, it contributes to the understanding of how emerging educational technologies can enhance twenty-first-century skills development within a specific educational context, and, second, it informs teachers and policymakers about the potential benefits of robotics integration in fostering a holistic and forward-thinking approach to science education. Ultimately, this study serves as a stepping stone in the ongoing dialogue concerning the integration of robotics as a catalyst for preparing learners for the challenges of the twenty-first century.