Soft Skills: What Are They & Why Are They Needed In Education?
Hard skills? Soft skills? These are the two key skill sets in education. While hard skills, such as math or science, are measurable and distinct, soft skills are equally crucial but more challenging to track or measure. Soft skills are interpersonal, communication-based skills that are vital for a student’s success, both in the present and the future.Â
Many people believe soft skills cannot be taught, assuming that great leaders, communicators, and creators are born rather than made. Yet studies show that these qualities are teachable. For instance, there are established pedagogies for improving critical and creative thinking skills. Educators play a crucial role in this process, as they can empower students by creating opportunities for soft skills development in their classrooms and teaching hard skills. This empowerment can make educators feel integral to the educational process and the success of their students.Â
What Are Soft Skills? Teamwork
Problem-solving
Communication
Adaptability
Critical Thinking
Time Management
Intrapersonal skills
Hard Skills + Soft Skills=Life Skills Hard skills, such as academic skills, are essential. They develop skill sets that turn into career paths and help students become contractures in society in various ways. Likewise, soft skills are also crucial, as communication skills are needed for students and adults to thrive in society, whether in school or in their chosen careers, as well as members of their communities as a whole. Hard and soft skills combined create a well-rounded set of life skills, creating a lifelong learner and a wholly-educated person.
Skills F or Success The terms’ hard skills’ and ‘soft skills’ may imply a hierarchy, but in reality, each skill set is equally important. While hard skills are often the primary focus in K-12 education, there are abundant opportunities for schools to integrate soft skill learning experiences. The ultimate goal of education is to cultivate well-rounded students who are lifelong learners and positive contributors to their communities. Achieving this requires a balanced emphasis on both hard and soft skills in K-12 and higher education. Ultimately, we want to produce educated students who can also connect and communicate with those around them.
Written By: Meredith Biesinger
Professional Writer/ Education Specialist
Meredith Biesinger is a licensed dyslexia therapist in Mississippi, in addition to being an experienced classroom teacher and K-12 administrator. Meredith also works as a consultant, where she bridges the bridge the gap between K-12 school districts and ed-tech organizations. With a passion for literacy, she is also a professional writer and syndicated author. With a M.Ed in Educational Leadership and a B.S. in English Education and Creative Writing, she has had rich and diverse opportunities to teach students and education professionals in different parts of the country as well as overseas.
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