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Here is how your studies and school is actually preparing you for the real world. Photo: ShutterstockWhen will I ever use this in the real world? That is a question many students find themselves asking. It might even make you less invested in your studies.
But is that true?
We had the pleasure of speaking to Ng Po-shing, the director of Hok Yau Club’s Student Guidance Centre, to discuss critical life skills that you do learn in school.
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1. Problem-solving
Learning the practical skills you will need later in life is not quite prioritised in a secondary school education system.
Students are trained to get high marks in examinations. However, we can pick up different ‘soft’ skills. Certain exam techniques train you to solve problems, forcing you to approach complex equations and search for a solution faster.
This helps you become logical, clear-minded and efficient. If you know how to analyse difficult questions, you are more likely to be able to handle complicated situations and tasks in a future workplace.
2. Communicating and cooperating
Ng noted that students should not overlook the importance of teamwork in school. We learn to communicate with our classmates and teachers through group work and projects.
Doing group work also teaches us how to cooperate. We also learn to take feedback for our work, and how to hold discussions and reach an agreement.
These interpersonal skills are vital when developing friendships and establishing relationships with colleagues and supervisors.
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3. Independent research
Ng shared that one thing high-achieving students have in common is that they tend to self-study. In addition to listening to their teachers’ guidance, they actively make time to find out more about what they have recently learned in school.
This can be anything from reading around the subject to searching for additional facts and practising mathematic exercises to explore a formula.
This independent learning helps them solve problems and answer questions with more confidence. It is also an essential skill to improve and better yourself.
4. To deduce and conclude
One essential skill you learn in secondary school is summarising, Ng said.
In your core subjects, you encounter a large amount of information. You should be able to digest the key points and understand the main idea.
When you summarise the key components and make a judgment, you have learned to deduce and conclude.
For example, a listening paper trains you to draw out crucial information quickly, while a speaking exam tests your ability to express your thoughts clearly.
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5. Digital skills
The education landscape has become increasingly more digital. Many students were forced to switch to virtual lessons at home during the pandemic, and have continued to use electronic devices in class to study efficiently. Even schools have adopted various online learning platforms to support teaching.
Computer lessons teach you how to use software and applications that are useful tools for organising.
Students learn these valuable skills through classroom lessons, group projects and extracurricular activities. Ng suggested schools organise more activities where students can observe new things and apply what they have learned to real life.
After all, life requires constant learning.