6 Study-Life Skills 21st Century Students Need to Master

1. Problem solving

Students need to hone their ability to solve problems since this is a skill that they need to utilize and rely on regardless of their age, inside and outside the classroom.

They need to work quickly to make sense of problems as they are presented. They then have to work productively to propose appropriate, feasible solutions.

Problem solving is an important skill students need to be experts in once they enter the world of employment. No matter what field they enter, employers expect them to be able to solve problems of all kinds ranging from simple to complex matters, and sometimes even under time pressure.

Additionally, society expects everyone to be good at problem solving. As kids grow older, they will encounter more and more problems that they typically will have to handle on their own.

2. Critical thinking

Critical thinking typically goes hand in hand with problem solving. When presented with a problem, students have to analyze information, evaluate and reflect on designs and strategies, and come up with new ways to solve it.

By applying all these problem solving steps, students will become independent critical thinkers.

Critical thinking is a skill that teachers and parents can easily hone in kids inside and outside the classroom. Holding debates and giving students opportunities to solve real-world problems through project-based learning are excellent activities that will help them cultivate their critical thinking skills.

3. Creativity

The ability to use various approaches, including ones that are highly creative, to look at and offer solutions to a problem is already and will continue to be a highly sought-after skill.

Students need to be experts at looking at a problem from different perspectives and to think outside the box. They should also learn how to see mistakes and failed attempts as positive experiences which can give them additional opportunities for deeper learning.

Asking them open-ended questions and encouraging them to reflect and explain what they did to solve the problem at hand are great exercises that teach kids how to be creative.

4. Data interpretation

This skill refers to a person’s ability to make decisions using scientific data. Although students can take into account their experience, gut feeling or opinions when solving a problem, they have to learn that scientific data supports the most effective solution.

Data interpretation is a skill that will help individuals whether they choose a career in STEM or not. To make smart decisions, they will have to rely on and use data.

Students can hone this skill when you require them to collect, analyze, and interpret data during problem solving activities. Encouraging them to do sufficient research on their projects will help them realize the importance of data gathering and interpretation as well.

5. Flexibility

One of the most important 21st century skills students should have, flexibility pertains to the ability of a person to adapt to new and different situations.

This is a skill that everyone will use throughout their lives. Kids who learn how to be flexible are more likely to understand and master lessons faster and with fewer difficulties, communicate effectively and manage time more efficiently. Because of this, they will be attractive job candidates in the future.

Allowing students to play educational apps are simple yet great exercises that will help kids learn to be more flexible. This is because most of these apps require users to shift their game play as they advance to a higher level.

By letting kids play these games or apps, they will learn to be flexible and, at the same time, use their critical thinking skills to solve problems in order to advance in the game.

6. Collaboration

Lastly, big, complex challenges are seldom solved by individuals. As such, students will have to learn how to work smoothly with others in order to come up with the best solution for those types of problems.

Collaboration, therefore, is a crucial skill that students need to master. Whether they are still at school or already working, they will constantly be placed in situations where they will have to work with others.

In order for them to achieve their individual goals which are tied to a group or overall objective, they will need to work amicably and effectively with their teammates.