Critical and Analytical Thinking

Critical and analytical thinking is a logical mental process of breaking down complex problems into smaller components to analyze, interpret, evaluate, and construct reasoned arguments in order to solve a problem.

Critical thinking is the ability to analyze or evaluate information clearly, rationally, and with an open-mind.

Analytical thinking is an intellectual process which can be used to break down complex information into more manageable and understandable components. Therefore, critical and analytical thinking are essential skills for complex problem-solving and rational decision-making.

Creativity

Creativity is the ability to come up with new ideas.

Creativity is not limited to artistic works such as composing music, painting a picture, writing a novel, making a film, or taking a photo.
In fact, creativity has been used in a wide variety of fields, including academic research, business, science, engineering, etc.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) will bring many complex problems that we have never before encountered. Therefore, there will be an urgent need for highly creative individuals who can think with new perspectives and develop creative ways to solve complex problems.

Complex Communication

Complex communication is the ability to communicate with a variety of audiences using visual, digital, verbal, or nonverbal interactions.

Complex communication is the first and most important step in a complex problem-solving process.
Complex communication will help you to understand what exactly others mean, deliver main ideas clearly, and interact effectively with people from different fields or cultures.

As technologies converge and transcend physical, digital and biological boundaries in the age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), the need for complex communication will be emphasized.

Collaboration

Collaboration is the ability to work together with others to achieve common goals.
An individual with strong collaboration skills will be able to manage a group to get work done by building trust and resolving conflicts.

Collaboration means more than just working with others.
Collaboration is the process of building trust and relationships with others you work with, encouraging team members to work actively with responsibility, and forging consensus in order to accomplish mutual aims.

As more complex problems occur across multiple disciplines, there will be more chances to work with disparate groups at the same time. Therefore, collaboration will play a key role in the age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).

Digital literacy

Digital literacy is the ability to not only understand digitized information but also use digital technologies to search, evaluate, analyze, create, and transmit digital information.

Digital literacy is essential to live, learn, and work successfully in the information age.
Almost all information that you seek can be found online.
The ability to distinguish between reliable and unsound information online is more important than information search skills.

Adaptive learning with digital technologies helps student achieve a higher level of subject-matter mastery. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) will provide an immersive and enhanced learning experience in both academic and vocational education.

Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is the capacity to be aware of, control, and express one's emotions, and to understand others’ feelings and form a bond of sympathy.

Emotional intelligence is associated with the social and cognitive domain, both of which are important to succeed in the age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).

Emotional intelligence helps us to understand why others react as they do, sustain an empathetic and compassionate perspective, and be sensitive to others’ feelings.

The 4IR is about empowering people, not the rise of the machines. Therefore, emotional intelligence is a significant competency to becoming a successful leader in the age of the 4IR.

Complex
Problem-Solving

Complex problem-solving is the capacity to identify the core of the problem, collect and analyze data and information, and find appropriate solutions to address complex problems.

Complex problem-solving is the process of using knowledge and creativity to solve complex real-world problems. Complex problem-solving helps us analyze and identify existing problems holistically and engage in sustained reasoning.

Cross-disciplinary knowledge and perspectives is crucial to solving complex problems. It is necessary to keep devising and testing alternative solutions using trial and error. Also, it is important to formulate meaningful and relevant questions in order to address complex problems.

Habits of Mind

Habits of Mind are personal dispositions, such as conscientiousness, curiosity, resilience, persistence, self-efficacy, stress and time management, etc.

Habits of Mind is a personality trait possessed by individuals who demonstrate conscientiousness, resilience, passion, and persistence to achieve a goal despite being confronted by obstacles and distractions.

Habits of Mind serve as a foundation for a person to determine their ways of thinking and acting. Habits of Mind help us to think positively, act responsibly, and complete any task successfully. Therefore, higher habits of mind are considered as a positive indicator of future success in life.