It’s a tough time to be a student. Students are put under more pressure and required to be more competitive than ever before. To be successful in today’s academic world, you need a certain set of skills. Therefore, today we are going to look at 4 study skills that all 21st century students need to achieve their goals.
1. Avoiding Distractions
In the past, the only way students could distract themselves from their homework was to gaze out the window. Today, the possibilities for procrastination are endless. With text messages, the internet and video games, the ability to avoid distractions is more valuable than ever. The key to avoiding distractions is to be systematic about it. Therefore, successful students are the, more often than not, ones who draw a strict distinction between study time and relaxation time. Worry can certainly manifest itself as a distraction, and nothing worries people (and particularly students) more than money does. Perhaps if people got themselves low-rate student loans that have flexible repayment plans, less time will be spent stressing about money woes during study time and long after graduation. Budgeting could also be a good way to minimize the time spent worrying about whether you have enough money to get you through the week. Once you’ve got your financial situation under control, thus moving it to the back of your mind, there are still distractions to conquer as a student. For example, the allure of a big night out will be almost irresistible, as is the way of the student. Sometimes, you just have to say no and get some studying done – you can always go wild at the weekend. Lastly, if you live in student accommodation, it might be wise to keep your door shut, that way you won’t be tempted to chat with your friends and they’ll know that you don’t want to be disturbed. It isn’t antisocial, it’s just a way of remaining focused. You can set time aside to socialize in the evenings instead.
2. Flexibility
Secondly, things change quickly these days. Subjects and jobs that existed in the past no longer exist. As such, students are expected to pick up new skills and adapt to change quickly. Therefore, students who are comfortable learning in a variety of different ways, and approaching new ideas are much more likely to be successful in today’s world.
3. Digital Literacy
In today’s world, computers are everything. Students who develop digital and coding skills are more likely to find rewarding careers in tomorrow’s world. Furthermore, the ability to effectively use technology can help with research, logical thinking and problem solving. Overall, these are skills that are necessary in every subject.
To gain said digital literacy, the Internet can be an essential tool if used right. As computer competency is gaining the upper hand in most fields today, the modes of obtaining computer education are also increasing. If you explore enough, you can find many certification courses, including this ECDL Online course, that you may choose to pursue. However, it is important to first have a complete understanding of your current skills and knowledge based on which you can make a decision. A first step towards that could be taking up a Comptia practice test free and available on many websites like Certlibrary. There are many options for you to consider and begin your digital journey.
4. Independence
Overall, you can only get so far by doing as you are instructed. Successful students are the ones who are independent and self motivated. They do their own research, set their own goals and pursue their own curiosity. Particularly in a world where class sizes are getting bigger, the ability for students to set their own schedules, keep track of their own progress, and work independently is essential to academic success.
