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Skills Icon: Listening
Skills Icon: Speaking
Skills Icon: Problem Solving
Skills Icon: Creativity
Skills Icon: Adapting
Skills Icon: Planning
Skills Icon: Leadership
Skills Icon: Teamwork
Creative Problem Solving

Problem Solving

Receiving, retaining and processing information
Transmitting information or ideas
Finding solutions to challenges
Using imagination and generating new ideas
Overcoming challenges and setbacks to achieve goals
Setting goals and designing routes to achieve them
Supporting, encouraging and motivating others to achieve a shared goal
Working cooperatively with others to achieve a shared goal
Step
1
:

Following instructions

I follow instructions

Core ideas

A

What is meant by instructions

Instructions are clear steps or directions that tell you what to do. They help people complete tasks correctly and safely. Instructions can be spoken, written, or even shown through actions. They are used in many situations, such as following a recipe, building furniture, or learning new skills at work or school.

Good instructions are simple, clear, and easy to follow. They often include telling you the right order to do things. Some instructions also include warnings or extra details to make sure you do things safely and correctly. If instructions are not followed properly, mistakes can happen, tasks might not be completed, or people could even get hurt.

B

Why following instructions is important

Following instructions is important because it helps:

  • Ensure accuracy: Instructions guide you to complete a task correctly and efficiently.
  • Save time: Understanding and following steps properly prevents mistakes and the need to redo work.
  • Maintain safety: Some instructions are designed to prevent harm or accidents.
  • Complete the task: By following instructions, you meet the goal.

It is especially important to follow instructions when:

  • You are learning something new.
  • The task involves safety risks.
  • You are handling important or detailed work.

Ignoring instructions can lead to confusion, mistakes, or even accidents.

C

How to follow instructions well

To follow instructions properly, you need to listen carefully and be prepared. Here are some ways to get ready to receive instructions:

  • Pay attention: Stop what you are doing and focus on the person or materials giving instructions. Avoid distractions like phones or background noise.
  • Ask questions: If something is unclear, do not be afraid to ask. It is better to ask for help before you start than to make mistakes later.
  • Think about the end goal: Understanding what you are aiming towards will help you understand the instructions.
  • Prepare what you need: Gather any tools or materials before you begin so you can follow the instructions smoothly.

Once you have received instructions, following them correctly is important. Here are some ways to make sure you do this:

  • Follow the order: Instructions are often given in a specific order. Skipping steps or doing things out of sequence may cause problems.
  • Take your time: Rushing can lead to mistakes. Work through each step carefully.
  • Check your progress: If possible, pause and review what you have done to make sure you are following correctly.
  • Stay focused: Try not to get distracted while following instructions, especially if they involve safety or accuracy.
  • Ask for feedback: If you are unsure whether you have followed instructions correctly, ask someone to check your work.
  • Practise: The more you follow instructions, the easier it becomes. Over time, you will get better at understanding and following them without difficulty.

By preparing to receive instructions carefully and following them step by step, you can complete tasks correctly, safely, and efficiently.

Assessment

Reflective questions for individuals can include:

  • What are instructions and what are some examples?
  • Why is it important to follow instructions carefully?
  • How can you follow instructions well? 
  • When have you followed instructions well?

Observation cues for trainers can include:

  • Is the individual able to reliably receive and follow instructions?
  • Is the individual able to manage different types of instructions?

Evidence can include individuals’ self-reflections, evidence of having followed instructions to create a final product or output, and observations from others.

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Skills Builder Hub

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Skills Builder Hub is a complete platform for educators around the world to build their learners’ essential skills.

Join Skills Builder Hub to get free, ready-to-go resources to build essential skills today.

Skills Builder Benchmark

Access Benchmark

Skills Builder Benchmark allows individuals to discover their own essential skills.

It’s free to get started, and is used by individuals, employers, educators and NGOs across the world.

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