9 Universal Skills That Your Students Must Learn

Our society is progressing at an exciting pace thanks to continuous advancements in technology and the growth of business worldwide. To keep pace with this incessantly developing world, our young learners need to acquire various skills and knowledge to keep ourselves updated. 

Here you will find a list of some universal skills which every young individual must know about- 

How To Become A Self-Directed Learner 

 

Students must know how to find and utilise resources, both in a classroom setting and online, to learn and develop their interests. Self-directed Learning helps in acquiring various skills so that our students can confidently respond to the challenges and changes in life. 

How To Search Online Effectively

 

As the internet offers a sea of information and hosts unlimited volumes of useful content, it is imperative that young learners know how to search the web in an effective way so that they can find quality and appropriate sources for their schoolwork. 

How To Improve Your Personal Learning Network (PLN)

 

Personal Learning Networks refers to network of individuals and resources which can help you learn and develop. Students need to create a global personal learning network as it will help them to learn about various topics and understand how to develop and utilise knowledge networks. 

How To Use Social Media And Manage Digital Footprint 

 

Social media can be a great place for teen students. However, they need to be cautious about potential dangers and threats which they need to avoid. They should also know about what they should and should not post on sites like Facebook, Instagram or YouTube as it might affect their academic and professional future. 

How To Assess Websites For Credibility

 

The information has loads of reliable data and information, but it also contains even more sources of inaccurate and misleading information. Hence students must learn how to evaluate the quality of resources available online. 

How To Communicate Orally Online And Face-To-Face 

 

Educators need to teach young students how to develop oral communication skills whether it is in-person or online. Oral communication instruction can help our students to verbally express themselves in an effective manner. They should also learn how to use the available digital tools like Skype, Facetime and Google Handouts to communicate with a wider group of people. 

How To Engage In Arts

 

Arts education like painting, drawing, theatre, sculpture or music, both in practice and theory, is an essential part of a comprehensive curriculum. It not only empowers students to perform better in other academic subjects and score high on critical thinking tests, but it also makes teachers happier. 

How To Identify And Solve Problems 

 

Problem-solving is one of the most essential skills of the 21st Century and it will enable young students to learn and understand various subjects, including maths, better. As the business world is changing, our students must equip themselves with problem-solving skills to build their future careers. 

How To Learn And Utilise New Technologies

 

Technology has become an integral part of our society and strongly influences different aspects of our lives from education, business to our daily lives. Hence students need to develop their understanding of computers and use them better as resource tools for learning. It is also important that we teach our students how to effectively utilise emerging technologies as well. 

Apart from these, there are many other skills that the young students must learn to get better not only in their education but also to perform effectively at the workplace. 

What other skills do you think should be added to the list? Feel free to share your ideas with us by commenting below.

6 Effective Tips To Boost Confidence And Participation Of Introverted Students

Source: bit.ly/1vvxs4C

Are you a teacher? Then you must have noticed that there are many students in the classroom who refrain from participating in brainstorming sessions. Although you take several steps, but you are still unable to get them to actively participate. However, these students are talented and can greatly contribute to the projects as their written assignments are top-notch. But still they become nervous and anxious when you call out their names. So how can you get introverted students to take part in creative projects? Let’s find out.... 

Source: bit.ly/1DldHOf

Here we have listed some effective ways that will enable you to encourage introverts to participate in brainstorming sessions in your classroom- 

Don’t Allow Extroverts To Dominate 

Although extroverted students help to get the discussion started, but you should not allow loud voices to lead or dominate the session. Encourage every learner to speak out by asking all extrovert learners to share their ideas, then by encouraging introverted students to contribute. As asking directly might not be a good idea, you come up with questions like “Would anybody who has not shared anything yet like to add to the discussion?” 

Make Smaller Groups

 

Introvert students often feel worried in crowded and loud environments. By dividing your students in to smaller groups of introverts or extroverts to can create an environment that is controlled, encouraging and free from distractions. 

Break It In Chunks

 

Introverted students can perform best when your brainstorming sessions of any group size last for only around 10 minutes on an average. If you plan on carrying out extended sessions, make sure you take adequate breaks so that students can get time to recoup. 

Conduct “Brainwriting” Sessions Instead

 

Do you think great ideas can only be presented orally? Instead of conducting brainstorming sessions all the time, ask students in your class to express their ideas for specific projects by writing them down. The simply switch the papers among students so that they can add their own ideas to it. Make sure there is silence in the classroom throughout the session. 

Provide Role Models

 

Introverts like Steve Wozniak and J.K. Rowling, have significantly contributed towards the overall development of our society. You can help introverted students to boost their confidence by telling them about popular role models. You can also offer positive feedback to the ideas they shared to embrace their contribution. 

Don’t Compel Them To Speak Up

 

This is perhaps the most important piece of advice for any educator. Introverted students need to develop certain coping skills as they have to move through this extroverted world. Hence they will be required to take part and share their ideas in larger group settings. Hence you need to help them build confidence through positive reinforcement, instead of criticism. If you force them to contribute, they might feel uncomfortable which will prove to be counterproductive. 

The Bottom Line

 

Students who are introverts are often very creative who think deeply and need to be motivated during brainstorm sessions to enable them to share their innovative ideas. 

What else do you think should be done to encourage introverts? Feel free to share your own ideas and experiences in the comments box below. 

Article Source: bit.ly/1F357mB

More Jobs Predicted In Hospitality Sector By 2020. Are You Ready?

Are you gearing up to start your career in the hospitality sector? Well then it’s time that you pursue a diploma in hospitality management as the industry experts predict that job opportunities will increase exponentially in the coming years. Want to learn more? Read on... 

An Expanding Sector

 

In the past few decades the hospitality industry has reached in a whole new level in UK and Scotland. Although, previously Scotland used to be popular for following an unhealthy diet, now it has become one of the hottest food destinations in the United Kingdom. As a result a large number of world class restaurants and hotels have popped up in the recent years. Moreover the celebration of 2015 Year of Food and Drink will further promote their natural pantry. 

Business experts believe that by the year 2020, an estimated 475,000 to 660,000 jobs will be created in the hospitality industry in UK. In fact one in every 14 jobs in UK is in the hotel management and hospitality sector at present. You can also expect to earn substantially when you start working in this sector. As a hotel manager, you can expect a starting salary of around £20,000 in London and almost £18,000 in other regions. (Source: bit.ly/11wqduv)

Need For Professional Training

 

However, there is a lack of proper training and long-term development in this industry as employers are finding it increasingly difficult to find qualified kitchen staff and hotel managers. This certainly seems to be the perfect time for aspirants like you to get enrolled in diploma in hotel management courses.

 

Hospitality management programmes are designed to provide the necessary knowledge and skills which you will need to proper in this sector. You will learn various skills such as-

• Management And Leadership Skills
• Soft Skills
• Catering
• Organising Events
• Critical, Analytical And Problem-Solving Skills
• Teamwork And Negotiation And Skills
• Delegation And Skills

By gaining expertise on these skills you will be able to make a mark on your employer and build a rewarding career. But the fact is pursuing a full time hotel and hospitality management programme proves to be a serious challenge for many students due to requirements of excessively high time and money investment. You will not only delay the start of your career, but also end up with a heavy debt. 

The Ideal Solution

 

So if you wish to earn a hotel management diploma and avoid wasting money and getting burdened by debt, then going online is your best bet. Studying an online diploma in hotel and hospitality management will enable you to learn the essential skills without spending too much time or money. Online hotel management courses offer you affordable yet high quality education which will help you save money on not only course fees, but also on other living expenses.

Another remarkable advantage of online diploma in hotel and hospitality management programme is that it allows you to do an internship or even a full time job while you study. Most employers in this industry expect you to have some work experience. With the flexibility offered by online programmes you can gain hands-on practical experience and master subject-specific and transferable skills that will give you an edge over others. 

Excellent Career Prospects

 

Hospitality sector has an international scope and you can choose to work in various countries and get employed in restaurants, hotels, cruise ships, casinos, and other areas. With an online diploma in hotel management you can get employed as-

• Hotel Manager
• Restaurant Manager
• Event Organiser
• Accommodation Manager
• Tour Manager
• Fast Food Restaurant Manager
• Catering Manager
• Human Resources Officer
• Customer Service Manager
• Public House Manager
• Retail Manager

Apart from these, you can also find employment in various other areas related to the hospitality industry. You may also choose to go for further studies to specialise in specific areas and functions such as human resources (HR), events management, hospitality management etc. 

So are you ready for a booming career in hospitality sector? Share your thoughts and views on the industry and tell us how you plan to advance your career. We would love to hear from you.

Skills that Students Need on a Long-Term Basis

Globalization has really changed the way we think about education and technology has left a lasting impression on society with so many different changes and innovative discoveries. 

Presently, people are very concerned about the impact of the needs in the global market and that has a very direct influence on the education of students in this day and age. 

Students need to develop certain skills so that they can cater to the needs of the market. Employers are always giving great importance to the three basic skills- reading, writing and arithmetic. But more is sought nowadays. Let’s have a look at what recruiters are looking for now. 

Being Familiar With Technology is a Must 

 

• Employers are appreciating those individuals who can understand how to operate a computer and continue working with the help of any form of technology. 

•  They are expected to know about the different parts of a computer.

• They should be resourceful while connecting with people, information and they should know how to send e-mails, visit relevant websites and use search engines.

• Employers love the fact that today’s candidates are trying their best to understand the concepts of word processing, spreadsheets, presentations and databases.

The next important factor is how empathetic a person can be. 

Emotional Intelligence Exhibited

 

• People are laying emphasis on the importance of EQ or Emotional Intelligence.

• How emotions are controlled by the brain happen to be a subject that inspires great curiosity nowadays.

• Social and emotional learning (SEL) is something that is sought very often nowadays.

• Students need to respond to other people’s reactions and feelings so that their own develop nicely.

• This also includes listening and communicating clearly and effectively.

When a candidate displays empathy and can connect with other human beings, it becomes less difficult to be a global citizen. 

The Glory of Being a Global Citizen

• The need to become a global citizen is crucial in this era.

• A global citizen is generally a person who identifies with the global community and contributes into making our world a better place to live in so that the entire world reaps benefits.

• There are several benefits of being a global citizen.

•  People learn to share values, ideas, art, culture, and beliefs for a harmonious growth for humanity.

• People are getting closer thanks to information and technology.

• People respond to global crisis since they have a fellow feeling for all human beings all over the world.

• People are becoming more aware of the problems of the natural environment and are trying to find ways to avoid wars and conflicts.

• Economic development and eradication of poverty is something that is desired.

You must have noticed that there are many global and regional problems in the world that need to be solved by those who are efficient and confident. Let us have a look at the aspect of problem solving. 

Solving Problems Efficiently 

 

• Solving problems is something that people look forward to since it fosters success.

• In order to do so, one needs to understand how to define a problem, find alternatives, evaluate them and use the solutions that are discovered.

• Students try to understand why the problem is such and try to analyse what is to be done.

But what is problem solving without proper communication between people? They need to recognize and understand that others around them have problems. 

‘No one would talk much in society if they knew how often they misunderstood others’. — Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe.

 

Communicative Skills

• Communication involves the exchange of thought freely from one person to another.

• The information or emotions are sent to the receiver in the form of a message with symbols.

• It is translated to make meaning by the receiver indicating that the words and the thoughts have been clearly understood.

• Listening is also a very important part of communicating.

• Frequent interruptions can be problematic.

Now, the skill that has been mentioned above is very important for people who are trying to work in a team. Let us study the aspects of team work. 

Encouraging Team Spirit

 

• Presently, individual efforts are not as appreciated as much as the work that is done in a team.

• People need to communicate with one another very clearly.

• The skills that are appreciated when people work in a team are accountability since every person is regarded as responsible and answerable to the group.

• They should also be clearly aware of their individual jobs within the group- as facilitator, creative member, summarizer, evaluator, mediator, encourager and recorder.

• They should know how to encourage and motivate each other to inspire excellent output.

We have observed how important it is to work in a team. Along with that comes the important role of a team leader. Look at the leadership skills that are so essential. 

Becoming a Successful Leader

 

• Leadership doesn’t imply that one should be supervising and dictating while others toil all day long.

• Leadership is the unique skill that people possess that motivates others and builds a strong bond of mutual trust and respect.

• A true leader is a visionary, a person who inspires and has a long-term goal.

• They have a positive attitude towards their profession and the professionals who work with him.

• Being organized, leaders inspire others to perform flawlessly.

• A real leader is assertive, charismatic and has sympathy for fellow human beings.

• Those who can build and run a successful business are those who are both successful leaders and entrepreneurs with goodwill and a desire to reach the zenith of success.

These are the various skills that people seek when they are trying to prepare themselves for a prosperous future ahead of them. Every student aspires to be successful and it is possible if the skills such as stated above can be acquired. Not only will they help someone become successful in the job that a person selects but it will make him a better human being whose behaviour, attitude and hard work will be appreciated by everyone in every sphere in life. 

If you have any statements, leave them as comments below.