THE IMPORTANCE OF 4C SKILLS IN MODERN ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING

Abstract

The rapid transformation of education in the twenty-first century has significantly reshaped expectations of teaching and learning, particularly in the field of English language education. Traditional teacher-centered approaches focused on memorization and grammatical accuracy are increasingly insufficient in preparing learners for complex global communication and problem-solving demands. In response to these changes, the framework of 4C skills—Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Creativity—has emerged as a central component of modern educational discourse. This theoretical article explores the importance of 4C skills in contemporary English language teaching by analyzing their conceptual foundations and pedagogical relevance. Drawing on international educational frameworks and scholarly literature, the study discusses how each component of the 4C framework contributes to effective language instruction and meaningful learner engagement. The paper argues that integrating 4C skills into English language teaching enhances instructional quality, supports learner-centered pedagogy, and prepares learners for academic, professional, and social participation in a globalized world. The findings highlight the necessity of embedding 4C-oriented practices into teaching methodologies to meet the evolving demands of modern education.