Learning without thought is labor lost. ~Confucius
According to educationalists, as reported in the newspapers, students who enter tertiary institutions, such as colleges, polytechnics, and universities, are academically excellent. However, they are lacking in things that are more important in the real world:
1. Communication skills: It is more than just telling others what you want to say, it involves active listening as well. In fact, it is wise to listen more, talk less and learn more. Presentation skills are another important aspect that a student is weak in. A student needs to learn to develop the confidence to speak in a crowd and present a subject and get the message across effectively. When you are working, you need to persuade and convince others to accept your ideas and get things done.
2. Critical thinking: Beyer sees critical thinking as using criteria to judge the quality of something, from cooking to a conclusion of a research paper. In essence, critical thinking is a disciplined manner of thought that a person uses to assess the validity of something (statements, news stories, arguments, research, etc.). There is an explosion of information and a student must be able to evaluate knowledge gained and make a sound decision for the things they do.
3. Research: There will be no more spoon-feeding. A student must learn to look for the right information all by himself or herself to get assignments done.
4. Time management: A student must be able to discipline himself or herself to get things done promptly and avoid procrastination. Organize personal life in a balanced and productive way between work and play.
5. Personal money management: It is also time for a student to learn about personal budget, credit card, and debt to avoid getting into bankruptcy.
6. Current affairs: A student needs to know about the things that are happening around them because his or her life will be greatly affected and it is necessary to take a proactive approach to avoid disappointment and frustrations in life.
7. Physically fit: More likely than not, a student usually leads a sedentary lifestyle by looking at the monitor all day long. To be fit and energetic, it is essential for a student to be active physically every day. A healthy body and a healthy mind is the key to success.
8. Language proficiency: In a multi-racial society like Malaysia, it is imperative to master three languages well. However, a student is usually weak in English. There is no shortcut to be proficient in a language, but to communicate more, write more, read more and listen more in English.
9. EQ: Learn to know your own feelings as well as others and know the right time and the right things to say when you want to approach someone. It is also to avoid an outburst of your negative feelings. You want to be perceived as a pleasant, calm, and cheerful person
10. Creative: It is also time for a student to think creatively and solve personal problems. In real life and at work, you are employed to solve problems and get things done. How fast you can move up the corporate ladder depends on how creative you are.
Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow. ~Anthony J. D’Angelo
Yes! Personally, I think numbers 4 and 5 are the most important. With those many of the others just naturally come! If all of our children learn to manage money, the US might just get out of debt!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your thoughts.
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