A Guide to Helping Students Develop Soft Skills

You may not realize it, but most employers point out that soft skills such as critical thinking, time management, and working well with others are just as crucial to getting hired as technical qualifications or “hard skills” such as computer programming. With the constant job market change, employer expectations are also adjusting. Previously, a resume that listed relevant work experience would suffice, but nowadays, employers expect more. 

Hence, schools should incorporate soft skills into their curriculum through various soft skills activities and lessons led by teachers. Such skills help students adapt and change for the better long-term when a school prioritizes developing them. Therefore, in this guide, you’ll learn about how you can develop students’ soft skills. But first, let’s know about it.

Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills: What’s the Difference?

Whatever your student’s career goals, hard and soft skills are essential to success, but what’s the difference between them?  

• Hard Skills: Hard skills comprise the abilities developed through education, degrees, certifications, and similar training programs. They’re often prerequisites to get you into a college or company, but they don’t guarantee success. Some of these skills are mastery of specific skills, like starting an essay.

• Soft Skills: Conversely, soft skills are the attributes that help you succeed in the workplace, in college, and in life. You develop them by working well with groups, solving problems, managing your time, and being responsible. These skills will keep you on top of your studies during college, and they can distinguish you from other candidates in today’s competitive job market.  

Why Should Students Learn Soft Skills?

Students should learn soft skills because:

• Workplaces and educational institutions rely heavily on interpersonal skills 

• Students with soft skills set themselves apart from their peers, complement their hard skills, and have a higher chance of being hired 

• It helps cultivate work-life balance and better handles stressful situations

• It helps organizations adapt to constantly changing workspaces and strategies

• Improves listening skills, which leads to mindfulness, empathy, and a better understanding of people and situations

How To Develop Students’ Soft Skills

Group Projects and Teamwork

Students can learn many soft skills through a group project. It usually involves interpersonal communication, discussion, problem-solving, and setting goals. Different perspectives on the same problem or topic allow students to hone their skills in analyzing and understanding a situation.

Brainstorming is an excellent way to foster teamwork, whether teaching virtually or in a classroom. Students can share opinions and ideas using a brainstorming slide and vote for the most popular ones.

Learning and Assessment

It is not enough to assume that your students are automatically familiar with the learning and assessment techniques you will use in class, regardless of their age.

It’s best to:

• Establish daily goals for your students based on what you expect them to accomplish each day

• Explain the proper etiquette for asking questions or sharing information

• Ensure that they know how to behave well when mingling with others or their fellow students

• Inform them about active listening and proper dressing

Active Listening and Introductions

Everyone must cultivate the skill of active listening. Teachers must find creative ways to help students understand what the speakers are saying and then respond correctly to what they say. One of the most exciting things in a student’s life is meeting their classmates, getting to know them, and making friends. Having students participate in group activities or feel comfortable with one another is not something you can expect from them immediately. 

Student introductions are one of the most effective methods for improving active listening skills and ensuring students have fun while learning. Online presentations can be fun and engaging for everyone using interactive tools. There could be a presentation about each student, quizzes for classmates, and a Q&A session at the end. As a result, the students could get to know and actively listen to each other.

Note Taking and Self-Reflections

How many times have you received a lot of directions for a task, only to forget much of it and not be able to accomplish it? Having a super memory is rare, and you sometimes miss out on things. Taking notes is, therefore, an essential soft skill for everyone. 

Nowadays, we are used to receiving instructions via emails or messages. Take notes during meetings or when you are receiving education. Most of the time, you can use the thoughts and ideas you get while in a situation to accomplish what you need to do.

Conclusion

Students need to learn soft skills early in life to succeed and thrive. Choosing a school that emphasizes a unique and personalized learning experience would help students find their passion for learning and prepare for life after graduation.