Tag: Skills

Best Trades to Learn Online
Take advantage of online learning! Here’s our guide to the best trades to learn online and start or expand your skill set. Use HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and more.

Best Trades to Learn Online: A Comprehensive Guide

In the digital age, online learning has opened up opportunities for individuals to acquire new skills and embark on exciting career paths. Trades, traditionally associated with on-site work, are no exception. Online platforms offer a wide range of trade courses that can be pursued from the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re looking to switch careers or expand your skill set, here is a comprehensive guide to the best trades you can learn online:

Photo from ilearnlot.com

1. Web Development

In today’s interconnected world, web development skills are in high demand. Learning HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other relevant programming languages can equip you with the knowledge needed to create interactive websites, develop web applications, and even start your own freelance or remote work business.

2. Digital Marketing

With businesses increasingly relying on online platforms to reach their target audience, digital marketing skills have become essential. Courses on search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, content marketing, and email marketing can provide you with the tools to promote products and services effectively in the digital realm.

3. Graphic Design

If you have a knack for creativity and visual communication, graphic design may be the trade for you. Online courses allow you to learn software tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, enabling you to create stunning graphics, logos, and branding materials for businesses or clients.

4. Copywriting

Copywriters play a crucial role in crafting compelling and persuasive content for websites, advertisements, and other marketing materials. Learning persuasive writing techniques and honing your storytelling skills can open up opportunities in advertising agencies, content creation companies, or as a freelance copywriter.

5. Virtual Assistance

Virtual assistants provide administrative support to businesses, entrepreneurs, and busy professionals remotely. Taking online courses on organization, time management, and communication skills can help you become an efficient virtual assistant, offering services such as email management, appointment scheduling, and data entry.

6. E-commerce

The world of online retail continues to grow rapidly, making e-commerce knowledge highly sought after. Courses on setting up and running an online store, understanding digital payments, and implementing effective marketing strategies can pave the way for a successful e-commerce venture.

7. Video Editing

With the rise of video content across various platforms, video editing skills have become increasingly valuable. Online courses on video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro can teach you the art of editing, enhancing, and delivering high-quality videos for diverse purposes.

8. Plumbing and HVAC

While many trades require hands-on experience, some aspects can be learned online. Plumbing and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) basics, for instance, can be grasped through online courses, allowing you to understand the fundamentals before seeking practical training in the field.

9. Electrical Work

Similar to plumbing and HVAC, online courses can provide you with a theoretical understanding of electrical work and safety guidelines. However, it’s important to complement this knowledge with hands-on experience and apprenticeships to ensure mastery of the trade.

10. Carpentry and Woodworking

While certain aspects of carpentry and woodworking necessitate hands-on practice, online courses can provide foundational knowledge on topics such as woodworking tools, joinery techniques, and project planning. This can serve as a starting point before transitioning to hands-on practice in a workshop.

Remember, learning a trade online is the first step. Mastering these skills often requires practice, real-world experience, and continuous learning. Embrace the opportunities offered by online learning platforms, and seize the chance to embark on a fulfilling career in your chosen trade.

10 Secrets to Becoming an Expert Online

In today’s digital age, becoming an expert in any field is more accessible than ever before. With a plethora of online resources at your fingertips, you can develop your knowledge and skills in virtually any area. Here are 10 secrets to help you become an expert online:
- Identify Your Passion: Start by identifying the field or subject that truly ignites your passion. When you are genuinely interested in what you’re learning, the journey to becoming an expert becomes more enjoyable and fulfilling.
- Set Clear Goals: Define clear and measurable goals for your online learning journey. Also, Establishing specific objectives will help you stay focused and motivated throughout the process.
- Choose High-Quality Resources: Select reputable online learning platforms, courses, and resources that offer reliable and accurate information. Look for courses with positive reviews, experienced instructors, and comprehensive content.
- Create a Learning Schedule: Treat your online learning journey as you would a traditional classroom course. Create a consistent learning schedule that aligns with your daily routine. Also, Dedicate specific time slots to study and practice.
- Practice Active Learning: Avoid passive learning by actively engaging with the material. Take notes, highlight key points, and ask questions. Applying what you learn through practice exercises and real-life scenarios will greatly enhance your understanding and retention.
- Join Online Communities: Participating in online communities and forums related to your field of interest is a great way to connect with like-minded individuals. Also, Engage in discussions, share knowledge, and seek guidance from experts already established in the field.
- Find a Mentor: Look for mentors who are experts in the field you want to master. Many experienced professionals are open to mentoring aspiring learners. Also, Their guidance and insights can provide invaluable support on your journey to becoming an expert.
Additional ways
- Network and Collaborate: Expand your network by attending online conferences, webinars, and workshops. Collaborate with others who share similar interests. Building relationships with professionals in your field can open doors to new opportunities and provide further learning resources.
- Stay Updated: In rapidly evolving fields, staying updated is crucial. Follow industry blogs, subscribe to newsletters, and join professional associations to keep yourself informed about the latest trends, research, and advancements in your chosen field.
- Never Stop Learning: Lastly, remember that becoming an expert is a lifelong journey. Embrace a growth mindset and never stop learning. Continuously seek new information, explore different perspectives, and challenge yourself to acquire deeper knowledge in your field of expertise.
By following these secrets and leveraging the power of online learning, you can embark on a path to becoming an expert in your chosen area. Remember, consistency, dedication, and a genuine passion for learning will be the key factors in your success.

Bottom line

In this comprehensive guide, we explore the best trades that can be learned online. The trades include web development, digital marketing, graphic design, copywriting, virtual assistance, e-commerce, video editing, plumbing and HVAC, electrical work, and carpentry/woodworking. Also, Each trade is briefly explained, highlighting the skills and knowledge required.

Additionally, we provide 10 secrets to becoming an expert online, which include identifying your passion, setting clear goals, choosing high-quality resources, creating a learning schedule, practicing active learning, joining online communities, finding a mentor, networking and collaborating, staying updated, and embracing lifelong learning. Also, These secrets offer guidance and tips for those looking to become experts in their chosen fields through online learning.
September 3, 2023
How can you improve your communication skills?

Effective communication is a crucial skill in both personal and professional life. 15 ways How can you improve your communication skills? Whether it’s a conversation with a friend, a presentation at work, or a public speech, clear and concise communication can help build strong relationships and foster understanding.

Here are the articles to explain, 15 rips How can you improve your communication skills?

Here are 15 tips for improving your communication skills:

Listen actively:

Communication is not just about speaking, but also about listening. When having a conversation, make an effort to actively listen to the person speaking and show that you are engaged. This can be done by making eye contact, nodding, and asking follow-up questions.

Be clear and concise:

Avoid using vague or overly complex language. Instead, strive to be clear and concise in your speech or writing. This will help ensure that your message is understood and helps avoid confusion.

Know your audience:

Before communicating, consider the audience you are speaking to and tailor your message accordingly. This may involve using different language, examples, or delivery methods to best connect with your audience.

Practice public speaking:

If public speaking is a part of your job or a skill you’d like to develop, consider joining a local speaking club or taking a course. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will become and the better your skills will become.

Avoid distractions:

When communicating, eliminate distractions such as your phone or computer, and focus on the person you are speaking with. This shows that you value the interaction and helps you maintain your focus on the conversation.

Be confident:

Confidence is key to effective communication. Believe in yourself and your message, and try to relax and be natural.

Seek feedback:

Finally, seek feedback on your communication skills. Ask friends, family, or colleagues for their thoughts and suggestions for improvement. This can be a valuable learning experience and help you continue to grow and develop as a communicator.

Empathy:

Try to put yourself in the shoes of the person you are communicating with. This can help you better understand their perspective and respond in a way that shows you care.

Nonverbal communication:

Nonverbal communication, such as body language and facial expressions, can greatly impact the way your message receive. Pay attention to your nonverbal cues and ensure that they are in line with your words.

Preparation:

Preparation is key to effective communication. Before giving a presentation or having an important conversation, take the time to gather your thoughts, practice your delivery, and anticipate potential questions or objections.

Tone:

The tone of your voice can greatly impact the way your message is received. Try to use a tone that is appropriate for the situation and that conveys your intended message.

Avoid judgment:

Avoid making assumptions or being judgmental when communicating. Instead, strive to be open-minded and respectful.

Ask questions:

Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you don’t understand something. Asking questions demonstrates your interest and helps ensure that you have a clear understanding of the situation.

Be adaptable:

Be willing to adjust your communication style based on the situation and the person you are communicating with. What works well in one situation may not be effective in another.

Write effectively:

If you need to communicate in writing, take the time to write clearly and effectively. Use clear, concise language, and avoid using technical jargon unless it is necessary.

By incorporating these tips into your daily life, you can develop stronger communication skills and improve your ability to connect with others. Remember, effective communication is a lifelong process, so keep practicing and seeking feedback, and you’ll continue to grow and evolve as a communicator.

How can you improve your communication skills? Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay.

February 9, 2023
How to negotiate Promotion and Salary Increase Skills

How to talk about promotion and salary increase, the new skills of negotiating salary increases. In the development of the workplace, everyone must understand how to talk about promotion and salary increases and the skills of negotiating salary increases. Let’s take a look at what to do with the job search editor.

Here are the articles to explain, how to talk about promotion and salary increase, the new skills of negotiating salary increases

The first trick: talk about promotion if you have no position, talk about salary increase if you have talent but no money

In the workplace, who doesn’t care about their promotion and salary increase? Then who will propose promotion and salary increases to the boss? Those who have no position will ask their boss for a promotion, and those who have talent. But no money will ask their boss for salary increases. Promotion and salary increases are a kind of affirmation of people’s work, and the boss thinks. That your contribution is directly proportional to the existing position and salary. In layman’s terms, the boss reflects your value with your position and buys your value with your salary.

The second trick: promotion and salary increases are not easy things

Everyone is eager for a promotion and a raise at the end of the year. Generally, companies will adjust their salary once a year, and the average salary increases by about 8.5%. The company will comprehensively consider factors such as industry level, corporate profitability, and CPI, and finally, decide how much to increase the salary. The same is true for promotion. The company will have a clear promotion system. For example, when the person in the original position retires or dismiss. They can be promoted from the personnel in subordinate positions.

This series of systems and regulations have provided the company with a transparent platform for promotion and salary increases. Therefore, within the scope of the regulations, if there is a situation consistent with it, the boss will take the initiative to propose a promotion and salary increases. Therefore, promotion and salary increases are not easy things. They are not things that the boss has the final say in. Some of them are determined by the company’s system regulations.

The third trick: talking about promotions and salary increases must be carefully thought out

Many professionals are full of desire for promotion and salary increases in their hearts, ignoring their reasons for proposing promotions and salary increases. Therefore, many professionals do not think about it, go to the boss’s office, and simply propose promotions and salary increases to the boss. Salary, even some threatening communication, if you don’t give a promotion and salary increase, you will resign or something.

This kind of communication about promotion and salary increase is the most unwilling situation for the boss. Everything is about to cause and effect. How can a request without any reason lead to the desired result? Therefore, the first taboo when discussing promotion and salary increases in the workplace is to talk about promotion and salary increases without thinking. The second taboo is not to choose an inappropriate time and place to communicate this issue.

The fourth trick: clever communication, workplace win-win

Professionals are most concerned about promotion and salary increases. But how to ask their boss for a promotion and salary increases is more of a concern for professionals. Clever communication can often achieve a win-win situation in the workplace. Actions and achievements at work are the most favorable evidence and reasons for promotion and salary increase.

Therefore, first, take stock of your actions and achievements or affirmations at work. Communicate with your boss with these well-thought-out reasons, list your work performance for the boss, and at the same time highlight your new skills and techniques, so that the boss can see the pace of your progress. In addition, dare to tell your boss about your future work plan. So that the boss can see a positive employee.

After reading the above content, you will know how to negotiate a promotion and salary increase and the new skills of negotiating salary increases.

How to negotiate Promotion and Salary Increase by new Skills; Photo by Sebastian Herrmann on Unsplash.

November 11, 2022
New methods and skills improve learning efficiency

New Learning methods and skills, ways to improve learning efficiency. After going through a job search and recruiting, you should keep the habit of studying regardless of whether you have found the job you like. How to achieve good learning results in busy work, let’s learn some practical learning methods and skills and ways to improve learning efficiency with the editor.

Here are the articles to explain, learning methods and skills, ways to improve learning efficiency

Knowing the most straightforward strategies for a way to research will let you maximize your efforts when you are attempting to examine new thoughts, concepts, and skills. If you’re like many human beings, a while restrained. So it is essential to get the most educational price out of the time you have.

Speed of getting to know isn’t always the only vital thing. It is important with a view to appropriately keep in mind the information that you study, remember it at a later time, and use it efficiently in extensive kind of situations. Knowing how to study properly is not something that happens in a single day, but putting some of these getting-to-know strategies into day-by-day exercise allows you to get extra out of your have-a-look-at time.

The first study:

It distributes learning, which requires us to study in depth at different periods, which is a more effective learning method. In addition, if you want to remember this information permanently, you need to extend the time interval of distributed learning. Which is a process of reviewing the past and learning new things and taking out the knowledge that needs to learn from time to time. The second learning technique is practical testing, through which you can learn about your mastery and fill in the gaps through testing.

And in the process of recalling the information in the mind, the knowledge can strengthen and the impression can strengthen. The third way of learning: using flashcards, the benefits it brings are similar to the actual test. And now memory cards can become digital. Both distributed learning and practical testing are rated as “highly useful” study skills by academics and experts. Finally, making summaries or listing the main points of an article can be helpful for those who are good at doing these things, but like the previous tips, other techniques are far better and make better use of your time than summarizing.

How to improve learning efficiency?

The first one is to concentrate. It is very taboo to multitask when learning. If you are thinking about other things, you cannot guarantee the efficiency of your study. The second is the combination of work and rest. If you just study and don’t relax, your spirit will always be in a tense state. Over time, it will inevitably reduce our learning efficiency. The third article is to cultivate interest. They say that interest is the best professor. If you are very repulsive to studying, then no matter how long you sit at the desk, you will not concentrate on reading and studying.

Do you know how to study after work?

First, take full advantage of the company’s platform to learn. Many companies have internal training mechanisms and will organize their training or send employees for further education. While we work for the company, we can also use all the resources of the company to arm ourselves. You can also find books yourself. Books are the easiest and most direct source of knowledge. You can search for any book with the content you want by entering a keyword on major websites.

The key is whether you are willing to settle down. See and think more. You can go to the same city lectures/online lectures/exchange meetings. The most important reason for participating in lectures and exchange meetings is that you can get in touch with a lot of people and get a lot of important information. You can test or refresh your highest degree. A certificate is at some point proof of your ability. After work, although the certificate is not necessary, it is best to have it, but it should not be blindly taken.

After reading the above content, you will know the learning methods and skills and the methods to improve learning efficiency.

New methods and skills improve learning efficiency; Photo by Nubelson Fernandes on Unsplash

October 7, 2022
Communication and Workplace Skills for the 21st Century

7 best Communication and Workplace Skills for the 21st Century for leaders essay. After on-campus recruitment, the transition from college life to work life requires adapting to social interaction in the workplace. For workplace communication, if you are not good at it. You must be a little worried, afraid that you will not be good enough at social communication, or even fail. But, as long as you master some skills and pay attention to details. It will be easier to socialize in the workplace.

Here are the articles to explain, Communication and Workplace Skills for the 21st Century

The following 7 points are some skills in workplace communication, I hope everyone can easily learn.

Understand people’s needs

In workplace communication, the first step is to understand people and understand each person’s needs. Rather than imposing one’s subjective consciousness on others. What everyone is most interested in is not others, but themselves, or things related to themselves. Therefore, focusing on the demands of others is far more significant than thinking about yourself.

Avoid talking too much about yourself

Similar to the point mentioned earlier, in the specific communication process. You should choose a topic that the other party is interested in, and take the other party as the protagonist instead of yourself. Social talk is not about showing others what you are capable of, but more about leading others to talk about themselves and find the information they need.

Make others aware of their importance

If you want to have good relationships in the workplace, you must make others aware of their influence and importance to them. Of course, this is not unilateral but is based on the premise of mutual interaction between the two parties. If you communicate with sincerity and enthusiasm, you will gain more friendships and connections.

Learn to agree with others

During the conversation, unless there are issues of principle, you can choose to agree with other people’s ideas appropriately. After all, when a person’s ideas are affirmed by others. There will be more communication and common cognition between the two. This is undoubtedly the best for socializing.

Learn to listen

One of the first things you need to do well to become a popular talker is to learn to listen to others. It’s not just about showing respect for others, it also gives you more time to think.

Understand the other party’s focus

If you want to make communication easier. You must understand the key point of the other party the first time, that is, the ultimate goal. This not only makes the conversation smoother but also reduces roundabout words or unnecessary misunderstandings and troubles.

Learn to let others speak for you

When you say something in your favor, people usually doubt you and what you say. Which is a representation of human intuition. A better way to do this is: rather than expounding directly, to mention someone else and let someone else do the talking for you, even if those people aren’t there. Therefore, talk through the mouth of a third individual.

Communication and Workplace Skills for the 21st Century; Photo by Mimi Thian on Unsplash.

October 6, 2022
Group work Skills 5 Benefits and Tips in Learning

Group work Skills with their 5 Advantages or Benefits and Tips in Learning; Group work is an effective way of learning and cooperation with others; and, the aim is to learn through group cooperation and encourage all students to participate in the learning process. This approach defines in the classroom as a group (Usually 2-6 people). The members obtain useful information from each other to extend their knowledge and abilities through cooperation. Also, this method can help by transferring implicit knowledge to explicit knowledge, and gaining some satisfaction by self-improvement and competence through sharing. This essay is going to explain some benefits held from the group work experience; and also introduce two important tips for being successful in group work.

Advantages or Benefits of Group Work Skills:

Group work requires students to ask questions and explain their points of view to others. This not only assists students to increase the opportunities to apply their knowledge but also enhances their interest and ability of learning. Moreover, it enables them to accept different opinions, extends their insights, and promotes the sustainability and development of thinking.

Group work helps to improve learning efficiency. That would refer to every member of the group to actively participate in the learning process and activities; each member should have great enthusiasm and learn from tasks shared by everyone. Also, it encourages that each member should brainstorm, and express their point of view. Everyone is also encouraged to share their efforts and do their best with the energy created, so the problem can solve.

Other benefits;

Group work can enhance the cooperative feelings among students, and develop students’ interpersonal skills. Group work is a process of exchanging information and knowledge between students; which refers to the progress of directing the emotion and senses by communicating and helping others and especially understanding the cultural differences which refer to different backgrounds. They should learn that to take care and help each other by recognizing their merits and also being tolerant of their shortcomings. Moreover, it is encouraged to listen with an open mind to learn from others and listen to their points of view. This will allow each member to integrate themselves into a collective team, and enhance their collective consciousness.

Group work assists students to develop their self-learning abilities. Group work involves students participating rather than being bystanders. It encourages the student who has mastered certain knowledge and skills to transfer and teach others who do not have themselves. Students who seek an outstanding performance in group work must carefully learn the class material and read through the textbook analyzing its content. Some contents may not be available in current textbooks; so it encourages students to find information by searching on the internet and also makes some notes. These initiatives improve student learning so that it promotes their self-learning abilities.

Group work broadens the learning space for students. It is a process that transfers the individual competition to a collaborative group effort.

Tips for Group Work Skills:

The Panel discussed the content of cooperative learning; it is not under all conditions that group work always is the best and effective. For example, sometimes we can see this kind of situation occurs; when the students in the group during cooperative learning or reporting exchanges; either say nothing or have no consensus agreement but only form their subjective points of view. The main reason this situation occurs is that students either do not study in-depth and understand the class material thoroughly or have no case preparation. Therefore, students should study in advance and understand the importance and highlights from the course. In addition, group work should have some interesting content, feasibility, and open inquiry by determining the input of content and time needs for cooperative group learning.

Do not ignore and avoid the individual accountability to think independently in cooperative group learning. In general, group work in the classroom is based on the process of this structure, that is 1). Tasks lead the way, 2). the individual independent learning, 3).group learning, 4).group exchanges, 5).collective evaluation. In other words, for new knowledge, new information, students should think independently; so the depth of thinking, quality, and originality can develop. Through, group learning, individual opinions can release; so everyone in the group has a chance to share the ideas and outcome of the discussion; then the group will summarize each of the information and contents, and report to the whole class by choosing a group representative. Finally, the group outcome can view under evaluation of the class and by the teacher.

Conclusion:

Group work is cooperative learning among students through the exchange to achieve the complementary strengths to promote knowledge of construction, fully arouse the student’s subjective consciousness, explore their subject of personalized learning, and develop students’ creativity and innovation. Also, it makes students learn in an open atmosphere, and carry out active exchanges of information and knowledge; thus enhancing self-confidence, promoting the best practice of opportunities. In addition to developing students’ sense of competition; the collective values and spirit of cooperation, so establish a corresponding development for different students.

Reference; The Benefits of Group work in Learning. Retrieved from https://www.ukessays.com/essays/education/the-benefits-of-group-work.php?vref=1

Group work Skills 5 Benefits and Tips in Learning; Image by Joseph Mucira from Pixabay.

October 21, 2021
Critical Thinking Skills PDF Meaning Definition Importance
Critical Thinking Skills PDF, their Meaning, Definition, Importance with Examples; What is critical thinking? They refer to the potential to investigate information objectively and make a reasoned judgment. It involves the assessment of assets, consisting of data, statistics, observable phenomena, and research findings. Good vital thinkers can draw reasonable conclusions from a fixed of statistics, strategies for studying and discriminating among beneficial and less beneficial information to remedy troubles or make decisions.

Here is the article to explain, Critical Thinking Skills PDF, also their Meaning, Definition, and Importance with Examples!

Critical questioning method making reasoned judgments which are logical and properly-idea-out. It is a way of wondering in which you do not take delivery of all arguments and conclusions you expose to however as a substitute have a mindset related to thinking such arguments and conclusions. It requires looking to look at what proof worries to assist a selected argument or end. People, who use crucial questioning are the ones who say matters including, “How do you know that? Is this end based totally on proof or gut emotions?” and “Are there opportunity opportunities while given new pieces of records?” The following Critical Thinking Skills, Docs PDF, Meaning, Definition, and Importance with Examples below are;

Meaning and Definition of Critical Thinking Skills;

People with critical thinking have the consistency of living rationally. He will be able to understand logical connections between ideas. Reasons will rely on instead of emotion. Thinking critically means seeing things from many perspectives in an open-minded way. A critical thinker can understand what happened, use information given to solve problems, besides seeking relevant information which will be able to help him. Also, he can identify, construct and evaluate problems faced. Critical thinking can always use to enhance the process of work and social institutions. Some believe that critical thinking will affect one’s creativity as it depends on rules of logic and rationality, as creativity might require breaking rules. Well, this is not true. Critical thinking is something to do with thinking “out-of-the-box”.

Critical thinking is the ability to think in an organized and rational manner to understand connections between ideas and/or facts. It helps you decide what to believe in. In other words, it’s “thinking about thinking”—identifying, analyzing, and then fixing flaws in the way we think.

Critical thinking is an utmost important part of creativity and we often need critical thinking to help us in evaluating and improving our creativity skills. Besides, critical thinking teaches us how to differentiate emotion and reason. No matter how logical we are, when comes to facing problems, we do have emotions and arguments on accepting ideas and solutions. Critical thinking helps us to separate the two, and as a result, we will not easily interfere.

What is the importance of critical thinking skills?

With critical thinking skills, one will be able to view and take up as many possibilities as he can. They help people to develop a positive attitude toward learning. If an autistic person feels uncomfortable in the presence of others, the first thing they will be doing is to look for a smaller place in which he will isolate himself from other people. He then will develop a negative attitude about learning in general. With the existence of critical thinking skills, an autistic person will learn how to manage his timetable besides providing materials and activities based on his own needs and interests, ignoring what the others doing.

Secondly, they help develop problem-solving skills and think critically. If a person is constantly in a state of stress, he will be more inclined of defending himself against perceived threats. When one’s brain is under stress, one cannot be creative anymore in the sense that no new things will absorb into the mind. This is because the mind will shut down the learning capacity and go into ‘classical survival mode’, which is a type of protection to what is still in the mind and ward off the possible new invasion of knowledge. As a result, a better alternative, such as relaxing critical thinking activities, will eventually come to a success.

What skills help?

Also, their skills help one to develop independence. Learning is not just about a measure of teaching; it’s a measure of capacity. A person can only learn something if his mind could do so. Students have the chance to think of themselves, to question hypotheses, and to test the alternative hypothesis against known facts. It does not only give students the ability to understand what they have been taught but also to build knowledge without step-by-step guidance. Students will build up their knowledge upon themselves. It is not just about the ability of one’s memorization or lessons’ absorb in a particular time given.

What are the components or elements of critical thinking?

Once mastering the use of critical thinking, it is as if like have well mastered many other skills as well. According to my research, there are three important components that we can find from critical thinking: theory, practice, and attitude. The theory is the first main component in critical thinking. To think precisely, definitely we have to follow the rules of concluding.

Knowledge of theory, which is also known as the basic principles of critical thinking, is one of these rules. If we could deduce the rights and wrongs, it will be a lot better to obtain an answer correctly and this usually means that knowledge has to be learned. Secondly, practice. Well, it will not be enough to only know how to distinguish good and bad. We might know how to swim, but this still needs constant practice to avoid flurrying when we encounter a flood.

That’s why to be good enough in critical thinking skills means that we have to work hard and apply the principles in our daily life. Attitudes are important in the component of critical thinking too. Knowledge, as well as practice, need in producing good critical thinking. Constant practice will result in improvement only if when one uses the right kind of encouragement and attitude. As to enhance one’s reasoning, he must be good at differentiating the importance of demonstrating reasons for appropriate actions to be made. He must also be willing to involve in debate, making mistakes, and breaking old habits.

How will you improve critical thinking?

Recently, critical thinking has become very popular in educational circles. The teaching skill in Malaysia is vogue especially among the content used for higher education. However, it does not inspire students in active learning or critical thinking. Students place in a more passive type of studying compared to the teacher will usually do all the lectures, explaining, and most of the thinking. Critical thinking helps us analyze each selection and choose out of many. We often ask ourselves: what will we do if nothing has divisibility, comparability, and satisfiability? We should understand our purpose and also the intention of which we are going to work.

So, we should know the alternatives. Work on the research that we should be viewing, criticism can only be done by the standard. Next, learn the logic. Give an example, do study how a case is made, what the things we can do about it, and how the conclusion is working out. We can try learning the critical jargon too. These will in turn help us make our judgment to be more concrete and lead us to which judgment should focus on. Well, don’t be too absolute on anything and yet not be too fearful of criticism. Try avoiding using absolutes such as never and remember to use them only when you have complete trust in something.

Always ask for others’ opinions because most properly they will offer a new angle of understanding which could change our view. Creative thinking is also a way of improving critical thinking. This exercise can translate into a creative process such as writing. Through practice, we will be able to find the ability to find new ways of challenging ourselves. Many popular games encourage critical thought. Well, games like Sudoku require good focus and critical thinking.

How will you practice critical thinking in the classroom? Demonstrate a critical thinking example in your own words.

Well, learning in a pin-drop silence is not a way to support practicing critical thinking that occurs in the classroom. We should do it in a way where thinking and sharing develop along with the class. This kind of practice will in turn approach students without any monotonous moment. This is a type of critical thinking, reasonable and reflective thinking that will lead to sound decisions to be sought. Using the mode of teaching with critical thinking, the class should start with a given topic. Discussions and dialogue can start-up among students, and the lecturer may begin to raise some questions in between, derive the students with different solutions and justify them accordingly.

I believe that critical thinking is a strategy and deep thinking. It is important not only to know how to use critical thinking in class but also to reflect this area of knowledge as a useful subject. Nowadays, critical thinking helps students to think and develop confidence ultimately. When a lecturer starts to give explanations, critical thinking acts as a process of error detection with reasons. I think critical thinking practices in class are really useful especially when the lecturer seems to be a novice in using questioning, reasoning, and providing thinking times.

In the Class;

Also, we can enhance the environment. Critical thinking in class, if facilitated with a physical and intellectual environment, will encourage a spirit of discovery. For example, seats can arrange in a way that students share the ‘stage’ with professors and all can interact with each other. This in turn will help to minimize the passive teaching where many of the students nowadays faced. Visual aids in class can encourage too! Posting signs such as ‘why do I think so?’, ‘is this a fact or opinion?’ or ‘what would happen if?’ will remind students how they should be answering questions. Most importantly, students’ attention will direct to a certain level that it’s periodically to the signs. The signs have the meaning to emphasize the idea of transferring and showing many thinking strategies and skills which apply to different topics and problems.

UKEssays, November 2018. The Importance of Critical Thinking Skills. Retrieved from https://www.ukessays.com/essays/education/what-is-the-importance-of-critical-thinking-skills-education-essay.php?vref=1

Examples of the Top Critical Thinking Skills;
1. Analysis: The potential to acquire and procedure information and know-how.
2. Interpretation: concluding what the means of processed information is.
3. Inference: assessing whether or not the know-how you’ve got is enough and dependable.
4. Evaluation: the ability to make decisions based on the available records.
5. Explanation: speaking your findings and reasoning.
6. Self-Regulation: the force to continuously monitor and correct your methods of wondering.
7. Open-Mindedness: taking into account different possibilities and factors of view.
8. Problem-Solving: the potential to address surprising issues and resolve conflicts.
The occasions that call for important thinking range from industry to enterprise. Some examples encompass:
- A triage nurse analyzes the cases to hand and makes a decision on the order by which the sufferers have to be dealt with.
- A plumber evaluates the materials that would best shape a particular job.
- An attorney opinions the proof and devises a strategy to win a case or to determine whether or not to settle out of the court docket.
- A supervisor analyzes consumer comments bureaucracy and uses this data to develop a customer support training consultation for personnel.
Critical Thinking Skills PDF Meaning Definition Importance Examples; Image by Biljana Jovanovic from Pixabay.
October 19, 2021
What is the Self-Efficacy? Meaning, Definition, and Source

Self-Efficacy Meaning, Definition, and Source; Self-efficacy, also referred to as personal efficacy, is the extent or strength of one’s belief in one’s own ability to complete tasks and reach goals. Psychologists have studied self-efficacy from several perspectives, noting various paths in the development of self-efficacy; the dynamics of self-efficacy, and lack thereof, in many different settings; interactions between self-efficacy and self-concept; and habits of attribution that contribute to, or detract from, self-efficacy.

What is Self-Efficacy? also explain their topic Meaning, Definition, and Source.

Self-efficacy affects every area of human endeavor. By determining the beliefs, a person holds regarding his or her power to affect situations, strongly influences both the power a person actually has to face challenges competently and the choices a person is most likely to make. These effects are particularly apparent, and compelling, concerning behaviors affecting health.

Meaning and Definition of Self-Efficacy?

Perceived self-efficacy define as people’s beliefs about their capabilities to produce designated levels of performance that exercise influence over events that affect their lives. Self-efficacy beliefs determine how people feel, think, motivate themselves, and behave. Such beliefs produce these diverse effects through four major processes. They include cognitive, motivational, affective, and selection processes.

A strong sense of efficacy enhances human accomplishment and personal well-being in many ways. People with high assurance in their capabilities approach difficult tasks as challenges to master rather than as threats to avoid. Such an efficacious outlook fosters intrinsic interest and deep engrossment in activities. They set themselves challenging goals and maintain a strong commitment to them. They heighten and sustain their efforts in the face of failure. Also, They quickly recover their sense of efficacy after failures or setbacks.

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They attribute failure to insufficient effort or deficient knowledge and skills which are acquirable. They approach threatening situations with assurance that they can exercise control over them. Such an efficacious outlook produces personal accomplishments, reduces stress, and lowers vulnerability to depression.

In contrast, people who doubt their capabilities shy away from difficult tasks which they view as personal threats. Also, They have low aspirations and weak commitment to the goals they choose to pursue. When faced with difficult tasks, they dwell on their personal deficiencies, on the obstacles they will encounter, and all kinds of adverse outcomes rather than concentrate on how to perform successfully. They slacken their efforts and give up quickly in the face of difficulties. They are slow to recover their sense of efficacy following failure or setbacks. Because they view insufficient performance as deficient aptitude it does not require much failure for them to lose faith in their capabilities. They fall easy victim to stress and depression.

Source of Self-Efficacy

People’s beliefs about their efficacy can develop by four main sources of influence. The most effective way of creating a strong sense of efficacy is through mastery experiences. Successes build a robust belief in one’s personal efficacy. Failures undermine it, especially if failures occur before a sense of efficacy firmly establish.

If people experience only easy successes, they come to expect quick results and easily discourage by failure. A resilient sense of efficacy requires experience in overcoming obstacles through perseverant effort. Some setbacks and difficulties in human pursuits serve a useful purpose in teaching that success usually requires sustained effort. After people become convinced they have what it takes to succeed, they persevere in the face of adversity and quickly rebound from setbacks. By sticking it out through tough times, they emerge stronger from adversity.

Second way

The second way of creating and strengthening self-beliefs of efficacy is through the vicarious experiences provided by social models. Seeing people similar to oneself succeed by sustained effort raises observers’ beliefs that they too possess the capabilities to master comparable activities required to succeed. By the same token, observing others’ fail despite high effort lowers observers’ judgments of their own efficacy and undermines their efforts. The impact of modeling on perceived self-efficacy strongly influences by perceived similarity to the models. The greater the assumed similarity the more persuasive are the models’ successes and failures. If people, see the models as very different from themselves their perceived self-efficacy is not much influenced by the models’ behavior and the results it produces.

Modeling influences do more than provide a social standard against which to judge one’s own capabilities. People seek proficient models who possess the competencies to which they aspire. Through their behavior and expressed ways of thinking, competent models transmit knowledge and teach observers effective skills and strategies for managing environmental demands. Acquisition of better means raises perceived self-efficacy.

Third way

Social persuasion is a third way of strengthening people’s beliefs that they have what it takes to succeed. People who persuade verbally that they possess the capabilities to master gives activities are likely to mobilize greater effort and sustain it than if they harbor self-doubts and dwell on personal deficiencies when problems arise. To the extent that persuasive boosts in perceived self-efficacy lead people to try hard enough to succeed, they promote the development of skills and a sense of personal efficacy.

It is more difficult to instill high beliefs of personal efficacy by social persuasion alone than to undermine it. Unrealistic boosts in efficacy quickly dis-confirm by disappointing results of one’s efforts. But people who have been persuaded that they lack capabilities tend to avoid challenging activities that cultivate potentialities and give up quickly in the face of difficulties. By constricting activities and undermining motivation, disbelief in one’s capabilities creates its own behavioral validation.

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Successful efficacy builders do more than convey positive appraisals. In addition to raising people’s beliefs in their capabilities, they structure situations for them in ways that bring success and avoid placing people in situations prematurely where they are likely to fail often. They measure success in terms of self-improvement rather than by triumphs over others.

People also rely partly on their somatic and emotional states in judging their capabilities. They interpret their stress reactions and tension as signs of vulnerability to poor performance. In activities involving strength and stamina, people judge their fatigue, aches, and pains as signs of physical debility. Mood also affects people’s judgments of their personal efficacy. A positive mood enhances perceived self-efficacy, a despondent mood diminishes it. The fourth way of modifying self-beliefs of efficacy is to reduce people’s stress reactions and alter their negative emotional proclivities and is-interpretations of their physical states.

It is not the sheer intensity of emotional and physical reactions that is important but rather how they perceive and interpret. People who have a high sense of efficacy are likely to view their state of affective arousal as an energizing facilitator of performance, whereas those who are beset by self-doubts regard their arousal as a debilitator. Physiological indicators of efficacy play an especially influential role in health functioning and athletic and other physical activities.

What is the Self-Efficacy? Meaning, Definition, and Source; Image from Pixabay.

April 30, 2021
Best age to learn Clarinet with 5 Reasons Why You Should Learn

Best age to learn Clarinet; Online free, 5 best reasons why You should learn the Clarinet? Basically, many professionals or non-professional skills are learning in the age of childhood; mostly no age fix for learning new skills. The clarinet is a woodwind instrument. It decidedly affects our general prosperity. If you are planning to learn this instrument then you will want to read these positive effects it will have on you.

Best age to learn Clarinet; Online free, Here are 5 best reasons why You should learn the Clarinet? Explain.

How about we examine why you should join a clarinet lesson.

It makes you fit:

Since it is a woodwind instrument, it expects you to have control over your breathing. Doing this likewise expands your lung limit. Also, This reinforces your center and is a great exercise for your stomach. It additionally improves your stance and amends your back. Along these lines, learning the clarinet can be incredible for your actual well-being.

Better coordination:

There are many keys on the clarinet which you will figure out how to deal with simultaneously. This requires fantastic eye-hand coordination. Haven’t you seen how rapidly the fingers of a clarinet player moves? You need to move the keys organized appropriately, read music notes, remember your right method of playing and check your stance all at the same time. This doubtlessly is an astonishing cerebral exercise.

It is renowned:

The clarinet is quite possibly the most renowned instrument on the planet. Each band or symphony requires a clarinet player since it is an indispensable piece of any group. Learning this instrument will assist you with mingling and if you get into a band, it very well may be truly useful for your music profession. Thus, if you need to add a component in your music group which makes you not quite the same as the others then clarinet can be an incredible decision.

It is effectively compact:

You can pack your clarinet into a little convenient case and it is prepared to venture to the far corners of the planet with you. While going to your practices you can basically stick your clarinet on your shoulder or into your pack and off you go!

It is a flexible instrument:

The clarinet is perhaps the most flexible instrument out there. You can play an assortment of sorts on it, similar to jazz, old-style, and so forth. It causes you to try different things with different variations. Regardless of whether you don’t know which classification will suit you all that the clarinet can assist you with finding it.

These were a portion of the reasons why you ought to figure out how to play the clarinet.

It is really a superb instrument. If you wish to gain proficiency with the clarinet, you should join a clarinet lesson. They will assist you with building up your abilities and show you the correct procedure of playing the instrument. So, what are you hanging tight for enrolling yourself into a clarinet lesson now!

Best age to learn Clarinet with 5 Reasons Why You Should Learn.

April 17, 2021
Increase Your Strengthening Self-Efficacy
What knows about strengthening self-efficacy? A range of strategies that can use by teachers to enhance self-efficacy has been identified. Strategies that teachers can use to influence self-efficacy include (a) goals and feedback, (b) rewards, (c) self-instruction for verbalization of strategies, (d) participant modeling, and (e) various combinations of these strategies.

How to Increase Your Strengthening Self-Efficacy? Here is the article to explain.

Keep in mind that self-efficacy, skill development, and strategy use go hand in hand; whether it be math problem solving, soccer skills, or expository writing. Students learn strategies that enable them to develop skills resulting in increased self-efficacy strengthening.

Goals, Feedback, Rewards, and Verbalization

Because task accomplishment is the most powerful source of self-efficacy information; an important approach is to use strategies that can strengthen task accomplishment. The strategies of goal setting, feedback, rewards, and self-talk or verbalization were used in various combinations to help students categorized as LD or remedial to strengthen self-efficacy.

Schunk and Cox (1986) investigated the combination of strategy verbalization; and, effort feedback on the performance and self-efficacy of students with LD. While solving subtraction problems, students verbalized or said the task steps aloud to themselves; they were then given feedback that their successes were due to their effort. The combination of verbalization and effort feedback led to problem-solving successes, higher self-efficacy, and subtraction skills. The authors believed that the two strategies verbalization and effort feedback serve different purposes. Verbalization was useful for training students to systematically use the task strategy.

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Giving students feedback that effort is responsible for success communicated that they are developing skills and that they can continue to perform well with hard work. The importance of feedback for enhancing self-efficacy may sometimes overlook by a teacher. Pajares and Johnson (1994) conducted a study in a language arts course for preservice teachers. The students received feedback from their teacher on attempting and completing writing tasks; but, they did not receive feedback on their specific writing skills.

The end-of-course assessment revealed that, although the students improved on writing skills; their self-efficacy judgments about their skills did not increase. The authors concluded that when teachers note a growth or decline in skills (in this case, writing); they must give the students feedback about their specific skill development. As emphasized earlier, students will make future judgments not just on their actual skills; but, also on their perception of their competence in using the skill. These perceptions of self-efficacy are more likely to increase with specific teacher feedback.

Participant Modeling

Vicarious experience is the second most powerful source of self-efficacy. The most frequent form of vicarious experience for students is seeing a model (another student or teacher) perform a skill they are attempting to learn. Who is a more effective model, a peer or teacher, or a mastery or coping model?

Peer or Teacher Model?

Schunk and Hanson (1985) had students, ages 8 to 10, observe either a peer or teacher model solving fractions on a videotape. Children who had observed a peer model had higher self-efficacy and achievement scores on the math assessment than did students who had observed the teacher model. The authors concluded that the increase may have been because the children saw themselves as more similar to the peer model. The use of peer models is especially recommended for enhancement of self-efficacy among low-achieving students who are more doubtful about attaining the level of competence demonstrated by the teacher.

Mastery or Coping Model?

Which model do you think will be more effective in strengthening self-efficacy; an expert who demonstrates a high level of expertise or one who is competent, but demonstrates the strategies they used to acquire the skill? Previous research found that observer’s beliefs about competence influence by their perceived similarity incompetence to the model. Models can reflect either mastery or coping behaviors. A mastery model demonstrates a task at a high level of expertise with a high level of confidence. In contrast, a coping model demonstrates the task along with the difficulties students experienced and the strategies (e.g., effort) they used to overcome the difficulties. The effectiveness of coping versus mastery peer models was compared by Schunk et al.

Types of models

The two types of models demonstrated strategies as follows:
1. Peer coping model; Made errors at first and verbalized negative statements that reflected self-efficacy (e.g., “I’m not sure I can do this”). The teacher then gave a prompt (e.g., “What do you do when denominators are the same?”). Next, the coping model made statements about how they overcame failure (e.g., “I need to pay attention to what I’m doing”) and eventually performed at a mastery level.
2. Peer mastery models; Performed all problems correctly while working at the average rate. Verbalized high self-efficacy and ability (e.g., “I’m good at this.” “That was easy”).
The findings indicated that the subjects judged themselves as more similar to the peer coping model. Students who observed the peer coping model demonstrated higher self-efficacy for learning, greater post-test self-efficacy, and skill development compared with those who observed a peer mastery model.

Modeling is a resource that is readily available in the classroom. This is a case of positive social comparisons with others (Schunk, 2001). The important implication for teachers is to use caution in choosing peer models. An alert, the sensitive teacher can identify peer coping models in their classrooms and use them to strengthen the self-efficacy of many students.

Increase Your Strengthening Self-Efficacy; Image from Pixabay.
March 31, 2021