Pre-Service Teachers' Academic Performance and Competence on 21st Century Learning Skills

This study examined the academic performance and 21st-century skill competence of Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Social Studies pre-service teachers at Cagayan State University (AY 2024–2025). Focusing on the 6Cs, critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, communication, connectivity and culture, the study employed a descriptive-correlational design using surveys and academic records. Results showed that pre-service teachers had "Very Good" academic performance and were rated as highly competent in all six 21st-century skills. No significant differences were found based on profile variables such as sex, gadget ownership, or internet access. However, a positive relationship was established between academic performance and 21st-century skill competence. These findings highlight the importance of embedding 21st-century learning skills into teacher education curricula to enhance both pedagogical effectiveness and academic achievement, while also pointing to the need for focused interventions in specific areas such as feedback, conflict resolution and real-world creativity.