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Gap in critical thinking and information use (Adrijana, Croatia)

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Gap in critical thinking and information use (Adrijana, Croatia)

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I've noticed a significant gap in critical thinking and information use. Many students tend to accept information at face value without questioning its validity or considering other perspectives. Additionally, there is a challenge with self-direction and persistence; students frequently require external motivation to complete tasks and struggle with self-regulation and setting personal goals. Enhancing these skills could greatly improve their academic and personal growth, enabling them to navigate complex information landscapes and overcome obstacles more independently.

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In my opinion, the missing essentials among my students are:

• Self-direction and persistence

• Systems thinking

• Decision-making

• Emotional Intelligence

• Communication skills

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Verbal communication is one of the abilities that kids lack. Due to their extensive vocabulary, pupils today are unable to express what they are thinking.

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I realized that in primary school, our students had difficulty listening to their teachers and friends and their attention spans were short. That's why I think there should be more effective and fun activities in the curriculum.

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As most of my colleagues have mentioned, in my opinion, the missing essentials among my students would be:

communication skills, both verbal and written

complex problem solving

critical thinking

Emotional intelligence: self-regulation, empathy,...

We still have a long way ahead...

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One of the skills that students are missing is verbal communication. Today students can't talk what they are thinking because of their pour vocabulary.

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One of the skills that i think my students lack is the ability to connect many concepts together such as if they have a word problem in math more than 70% of the students can't describe this problem into a mathematical equation. Also many of them lack the ability to understand English thus the inability to understand math problems correctly.

Another aspect that i have seen in secondary students that they don't have the curiosity to ask questions or to search on subject they are interested in it, they will only accept what teachers provide them into classroom. It is due to the fact that they are only interested to get a certificate and to be able to get out of school.

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Several essential skills that are often identified as lacking among young people include:

1. Critical Thinking: Many young people struggle with critically analyzing information, distinguishing fact from opinion, and evaluating sources for credibility. Critical thinking skills are crucial for making informed decisions and navigating the complexities of the modern world.

2. Communication Skills: Effective communication encompasses verbal, written, and non-verbal forms of expression. Many young people face challenges in articulating their thoughts clearly, listening actively, and conveying their ideas persuasively.

3. Problem-Solving: The ability to identify, analyze, and solve problems is essential in both personal and professional contexts. However, some young people may struggle with adapting to new situations, thinking creatively, and persisting through challenges to find solutions.

4. Digital Literacy: In today's digital age, digital literacy is essential for navigating technology, accessing information, and communicating online. Despite being digital natives, many young people lack comprehensive skills in areas such as online safety, data privacy, and discerning credible sources on the internet.

5. Emotional Intelligence: Emotional intelligence involves recognizing and managing one's own emotions, as well as understanding and empathizing with others. Some young people may lack skills in self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and interpersonal relationships, which are vital for personal and social well-being.

6. Financial Literacy: Understanding financial concepts such as budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt is crucial for financial independence and stability. However, many young people receive inadequate education in financial literacy, leaving them ill-prepared to make sound financial decisions.

Addressing these skill gaps requires a multifaceted approach involving educators, parents, policymakers, and community stakeholders. By integrating these essential skills into educational curricula and providing opportunities for practice and reinforcement, we can better prepare young people for success in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

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Upon reflecting on my primary school students, I have noticed that they struggle with listening to their teachers and have short attention spans. Therefore, it is necessary to repeat instructions multiple times.

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In my opinion, most young people today primarily lack concentration and work ethic. They must learn to take responsibility for their own education and advancement. According to various scientific researches, the most important competencies necessary for employment are communication skills, teamwork, knowledge of foreign languages, ability to adapt, decision making, creativity and critical thinking.  It is important to understand that these skills are learned and developed throughout life.

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Skills needed to be improved: critical thinking, research and inquiry, persistence, system thinking, (self)reflection - though I do not think only young people are lack of these skills. I would even say it is typical for the majority of the population. (We often tend to think for example that critical thinking means thinking in the same way as we do and criticizing those who think outside the box. )