The Importance of Following Instructions

Imagine if you will for a moment, how easy it is to make a peanut butter & jelly sandwich. Simple, right?

I bet you could even show someone how to do it in under a minute. Now, write it down, step-by-step as though someone had never seen bread, a jar of peanut butter, or jelly before in their life. Trust me; it just got a lot harder.

Following instructions and especially complicated instructions can be a very important tool that serves you well throughout your life. While it is introduced at a young age, many adults still have difficulties following them.

What Does This Have to do With Going to College?

College instruction is full of following directions. One of the most common mistakes that most students make is not fully reading and comprehending instructions. Often students skip over the steps of the instruction with the understanding that they know what tasks need to be done. And before long, they grow frustrated because the tasks they performed did not give them the result they wanted.

Why is Following Directions a Important Life Skill?

Students are not the only people who have to develop this fundamental skill. While students must follow directions when completing homework and quizzes in order to receive good grades, this skill also applies in everyday life.

Imagine having this soft skill in the office environment. Your boss rushes in with a panicked look on their face. They have a meeting in the afternoon, and need you to whip up a presentation as they hand you their sketchy notes before they rush off to another meeting. You have no one to ask. You have to do your best with what you were given.

When individuals become parents, they must also teach their children the good habit of following directions at an early age so they can be successful at school and in life. If you are teaching new skills, be sure to use visual aids and clear directions so they are able to effectively learn.

Start Your Journey Today

Ready to put your direction following skills to the test in college? If you are looking for affordable and flexible degree programs that meet you where you are at, consider Bryant & Stratton College! Request more information today!