ESL IN THE 21ST LEARNING CENTURY IN MALAYSIA:

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Syafiqah Hasram, Vianna Felissa Kelong and Melor Md Yunus
Faculty of Eduation, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor Darul Ehsan,
Malaysia

Abstract

ICT integration in educational institutions provides opportunities for learners and educators to

adopt teaching-learning methods of the 21st century and to promote the development of skills

of the 21st century. The Ministry of Education of Malaysia has made various initiatives to

transform Malaysia’s education system to ensure students have the skills and abilities to thrive

within a changing society. The paper focuses on the challenges of 21st century learning which

are lack of TPACK skills among teachers, and society’s overemphasis on exam results; as well

as 21st century learning opportunities such as encouraging the integration of ICT and mastering

the four C’s in 21st century learning.

Keywords: 21st century learning, ESL learners, ICT