As I think about school starting back up, I am reminded about the importance of not only the book work component of education, but also the soft skills or life skills. We learn some of these skills as a child such as sharing with others, using our manners and following directions. As we get older we are expected to manage our time, communicate effectively with others, follow rules and show up for school or work every day.
Our faculty at Flint Hills Technical College work very closely with employers to help provide the training and skills needed to help our graduates secure employment. In addition to the technical skills, employers tell us that they simply want their employees to show up to work every day and work hard. Seems pretty simple right? What we have learned from working with students at Flint Hills Technical College and employers is that basic skills such as a strong work ethic, positive attitude, effective verbal and written communication, the ability to receive feedback and adapt are just as important as any technical skill.
My husband and I currently have one child in each level of education – elementary school, middle school, high school and college. As we meet with teachers at parent-teacher conferences, soft skills are always discussed. Elementary school students are evaluated on their soft skills in addition to their academic skills on their report card. General categories include the ability to follow directions, get along with others, listen attentively and pay attention in class. At the middle school and high school levels teachers often make comments on a student’s report card regarding their attitude and work ethic. In many ways, soft skills will be reflected in a college student’s grades. Although we as parents don’t get feedback from teachers at the college level, our son or daughters grades are a good indication of the mastery of many soft skills.
At Flint Hills Technical College our students are evaluated on the technical, hands-on skills, but are also evaluated on nine core abilities or soft skills. Those core abilities include responsibility, initiative, professionalism, communication, group skills, personal growth, problem solving, information literacy and sound judgement.
In our instant gratification world I think it is important to teach students, at all levels, about soft skills and their importance. I also think it is important for all of us to remember that hardwork, a positive attitude and treating others with respectwill help us in everything we do.
I’m Lisa Kirmer and that’s something to think about.
