Certain level of literacy and scientific-technological knowledge is key for successful participation in all aspects of a modern society. These skills have become even more important since digital revolution produces new forms of reading and writing, as well as the diversification of information sources.

Literacy and numeracy are usually considered as basic skills within a syllabus. The term may encompass a range of skills that are needed by individuals so as to successfully live in contemporary society.

The list of useful lifelong learning skills is wide and diverse, and it is beneficial to constantly upgrade it. Such skills transform our society in positive way as they stem from what is best in us. In a nutshell, the acquisition of useful lifelong learning skills help us work, learn and live better. Certainly, the best list of the basic skills has been provided by Wabisabi lerning dealing with critical thinking.

Lifelong learning skill may be very similar to numerous soft skills. They are related to the manner we mutually connect with the world around us. In various ways, they also tackle the building of relationships. Taking this into account, these are the skills that are useful to everyone – student, teacher, parents, etc.

1. Creativity

It is not surprising that creative people are listed. This is not only a quest for learning; it is also important for the success at school and work. Therefore, creativity is used in thousands of schools worldwide.

2. Problem solving

Regarding useful lifelong learning skills, this one is probably the most important. Problem solving in real world by the process such as fluctuation of solutions is key for survival and progress in present and future.

3. Critical thinking

The ability of critical thinking is necessary for future success in a changing world. It is an independent, responsible and productive thinking.  Why is it important? The way we think about the world, ourselves and others has more than influence on our personal experience. Its role is to define the future of everything, everyone and the whole world.

4. Leadership

The understanding of leadership is one of the useful lifelong learning skills that may change the life of people. Finally, the one who leads is not only the one who manages the things. What a leader does is to inspire, motivate and empower. True leaders see the best in people and learn to use their potential in everything they do.

5. Communication

In digital society, communication was transformed out of face-to-face interaction. We communicate by technology more than ever. Despite this fact, whichever medium we chose, there are the skills which may help us communicate more efficiently. 

6. Cooperation

This means that you may work in groups that are physical or virtual. This includes communication skill, empathy and leadership values. This also means that you may work with someone worldwide in the same way and as productively as at somebody’s room. 

7. Information management

Information are everything on the Internet, they live and grow. According to VCloud News, approximately 2.5 quintillion data are created on the network every day. Moreover, this statistics will even grow with the time. There are so many data that we need a range of skills to decipher them and make them useful. 

8. Adaptability

As we know, the world is changing. However, it is not only the world we have to care about; we have to be more flexible in our own life. The life is fluid – sometimes it is a flow, sometimes a river, and sometimes a tide wave. Learn to keep your head above everything. 

9. Curiosity

Lifelong learning favours curiosity. Beyond the strictness of the school, there isn’t any teacher or peer who would motivate us to learn and widen our thoughts. Development of interest is undoubtedly one of the most favourable skills of lifelong learning we may possess.

10. Reflection

As we learn, we acquire new skills and knowledge for various purposes. However, such knowledge is not good if we do not consider the way it helped us or others. If we should focus our attention on learning something, we have to consider the advantages of learning before, during and after learning. Otherwise, we dealt with blank learning with no reason. Asking reflection questions is always important in any type of learning.

Being teachers, we don’t want our students to do the job good only when in classroom. The basic purpose of education is probably to encourage the wish for learning beyond school years, as well as encourage exceptional skills of critical thinking. Finally, critical thinkers are also lifelong learners.