6 key competences that will be essential for kids in the future

Kids of the Alpha Generation, currently in their first year of school, are characterised by a special relationship with technology, a high level of activity and a tendency to achieve fast results. However, failures in the learning process often dampen their motivation. Lack of certain competences today can make the first-graders less competitive in the labour market and make it harder for them to find jobs in advanced technological companies in the future. According to educologists, problem-solving and critical thinking competences are the ones that they currently lack. It often happens that parents do the work and problem-solving tasks for their kids. Reduced level of communication between parents and their kids, or short ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers to the questions they pose, do not encourage critical thinking in their offsprings. Thus, educational establishments and educators have to focus on competence development. In the future, it will be crucial to have the competences currently emphasised by educologists: creativity, independent problem-solving, technical intuition, critical thinking, ability to improvise, and flexibility.

  1. Creativity
    Creativity involves the ability to generate and implement ideas and develop innovative solutions. At school, kids are encouraged to generate ideas and find alternative solutions. Even simple questions such as “What would happen if all the adults disappeared?” develop the ability to think outside the box.
  2. Independent problem-solving
    Kids learn to solve challenges by following the example of adults. The role of parents is to encourage kids not to be afraid of innovation and, at school, to encourage them to find their own solutions to problems. Questions such as “What should you do first?” help develop this competence.
  3. Technical intuition
    Digital technology management is becoming a core competence. Kids are taught not only to use digital devices but also to create content: programming, robot control, interactive tools are part of their daily routine.
  4. Critical thinking
    This competence enables one to analyse and evaluate information and make informed decisions. Teachers should encourage kids to question, doubt and find arguments for their ideas. The question “Why?” is an important tool for developing critical thinking skills.
  5. Ability to improvise
    Kids have an innate ability to improvise, but it is important to support this ability. Improvisation helps to adapt to unforeseen situations, to be creative and adventurous.
  6. Flexibility
    Flexibility and the ability to react spontaneously to challenges has become a necessity. By developing self-confidence and giving space for self-expression at school, kids become better equipped to adapt to an ever-changing world.

According to educologists, developing these competences should start at an early age. Kids need to be encouraged to create, analyse, question and solve, as these are the skills that will help them to succeed in the future.

Source: www.15min.lt

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