Skill Development for the students in the 21st century

A skill can be defined as personal excellence in academics or any other field or domain.

The primary education teaches the foundation and basics of the language and other subjects. And, the secondary and higher secondary education follows an academic-centric model. At this stage, skill development and education should go hand in hand for skilling to take wings.

There are different categories of skills needed to survive and excel in this competitive world. The first and foremost is LIFE skills. As we all know, “Change is constant “. Change is the only thing permanent in this world. Everything around us keeps changing or evolving into a better shape.

Problem-solving & positivity skills: In a constantly changing world, the students should be taught to look out for the positive things and to get adapted to them to handle the life challenges and situations efficiently. This helps them to overcome the negative mindset or the disappointments they come across while facing everyday practical difficulties. At an early age, they learn to train their mind and understand that life will not be a smooth journey always. Life skills help them to manage the uncertainties and remain successful in their lives. Hence it is rightly said that “Practice makes us perfect”.

Communication skills: Thanks to innovation, a wide variety of gadgets are available. The students make use of them to improve their cognitive(intellectual) skills. They must be taught to communicate effectively (i.e) in an organized manner and to resolve the conflicts that arise while trying to solve the real-world problems. In this way, it bridges the gaps in sharpening their collaboration or team skills.

Creativity and Innovation: New Innovations have improved our lives significantly. The students should learn to look at things from a different perspective or dimension. There is no limit to imagination and the human mind can make wonders with the available resources. Demonstrations showing the useful products made out of waste, science exhibition using related technology (software), etc can be conducted in schools regularly to hone their creative skills.

Technological skills: These skills can be learned with regular practice. Learning how to operate a computer system, making it work for us through different available software ( programming, multimedia, database, networking, etc) are some of them. New advancements emerge so fast and one must keep himself updated with them consistently. He /She has to upgrade himself regularly or they will be outdated. Out of their own self-interest, these can be mastered with self-help books, online courses, coaching centers, etc. These can be evaluated using a qualifying test or certification.

Conclusion :

When the above employable skills are taught in school at an early stage, the students have ample amount of time to explore, select & undergo training or college studies and build up their careers. It eases the transition from the student phase to the professional phase.