Discuss the skills needed to develop into a successful university student - Essay Example

Skills needed to develop into a successful Academic professionals require desirable growth in various skills like, competency, hardworking, self-esteem, problem solving and developments in LSRW (listening, speaking, reading and writing) from the part of a university student. University education includes various teaching and learning strategies, assessment methods, essays, organizing and presentation of various academic programs. At present, universities have established higher level studies and research for students.

Consequently, these courses demand structured development in academic skills as well as workplace skills among the students. In the age of information technology a student should develop skills in web based learning for better academic performances.Academic skills like effective communication, effective perception, effective presentation and desirable writing and problem solving are essential factors in university level. Unlike school education, university education provides new instructional strategies and learning environment for students.

Therefore, effective communication and perception contribute better academic results and professional success. Tom burns and Sandra Sinfields made some relevant studies in the field of skills needed for a university student. They remark; “In order to help you develop successful assessment techniques, we devote a whole long section to effective communication where we look at essays, reports, presentations and seminars and other assessment engines” (Burns, Sinfield, 2008, p.18). It is significant to mention that leadership quality and problem solving ability have close association with effective communication skills.

Generally, academic skills offered a new insight and energy for a student’s academic qualities for managing new atmosphere. Self- discipline is an essential skill for a successful university student and it helps the students to manage time. Ability in critical thinking is another significant skill that needed to develop in to a successful university student. Sophia Scott and Doug Koch argue that “Government, business, vocational, and technology education leaders have increasingly called for more emphasis in the classroom on higher order thinking” (Scott, Koch, 2010).

In addition, one can see that critical thinking is essential for a university student in forming a socially acceptable behaviour. One has the responsibility to act as a good citizen for that nation. So skills of critical thinking and analysis prevent one in all kinds of illegal activities.Self-discipline and academic competency are considered as the major characteristics of university students. Work place skills and vocational skills play vital roles in the success of university students. Work based university courses demands skills in problem solving and analysis from the part of students.

Therefore it is notable that “Workplace skills have been part of vocationally-oriented degrees such as engineering for several years” (The Telegraph, 2011). Workplace skills contribute leadership quality and it also enhances self-esteem among the students. Project works, group discussion programs, and seminars in university level education demand skills in leadership quality. Critical thinking and decision making often act as a bridge between analysis and action. In web-based learning, study materials are available in the form of textbooks and written lectures, therefore effective reading and critical thinking skills are essential for academic success (Minnesota state university, 2011).

Subjects like mathematics and science underscore the relevance of critical thinking and problem solving. A university student should acquire ability in understanding ideas through others perspectives as well his own view point. Library skills and web based learning skills are highly internet use may facilitate student’s constructive learning and also it enhances their knowledge making strategies. Anil Aggarwal observes that “Students can review their class materials at any time and discuss them with other students by using bulletin boards or e-mail to communicate with each other” (Aggarwal, 2000, p.20). Skills in web-based learning and internet usage give unpredictable opportunities for students and it opens the window of knowledge explosion.

In conclusion, a university student should develop both academic and non-academic skills for better academic performance. Subject competency, critical thinking, problem solving, skills in web- based learning and effective communication are needed to develop in to a successful university student. ReferencesAggarwal, A. (2000) Web-based learning and teaching technologies: opportunities and challenges, illustrated edn, Idea Group Inc (IGI).Burns, T., Sinfield, S. (2008) Essential Study Skills: The Complete Guide to Success at University, 2nd illustrated edn, SAGE Publications Ltd.

Minnesota State University. (2011) Skills Requirements, Minnesota State University Mankato, Minnesota, United States of America. [WWW] Available at http://www.mnsu.edu/ext/online/skills.html (accessed 28 October 2011). Teaching University-Level Technology Students via the Learning Preferences and Problem-Solving. The Journal Technology Studies, 36 (1). http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/JOTS/v36/v36n1/scott.htmlThe Telegraph. (2011) Universities need to teach basic job skills, say employers, Telegraph Media Group Limited.

[WWW] Available at http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/universityeducation/8556042/Universities-need-to-teach-basic-job-skills-say-employers.html (accessed 28 October 2011).