I believe that having positive attitude is the key to instructing students. What is your favorite soft skill?

If an individual does not have a high EQ, is this a trainable trait or is it a nature that we are born with. Some studies have been involved in teaching this to young students because their behaviors are not fully established, but is it possible for grown adults to acquire this soft skill? Generalizations such as the Myers Briggs test group people's attributes of personality into dyadic separations usually based on emotions vs information. Changes that usually occur on this scale are not pendulum like. In my experience, individuals with a low EQ can mimic behaviors of those with high EQ, but they are only emulating the behaviors as opposed to generating it themselves. Any thoughts?

Listening skills are an incredibly important skill for teachers. It is difficult for a teacher to know what needs to be taught unless he can hear what is missing, what needs clarification and what is understood. If a class of any age feels the teacher does not hear them, their needs or their concerns, then the learning will suffer whether the teacher knows it or not.

I constantly need to work on the way I deal with criticism from co-workers. There are times where I feel attacked and haven't been able to properly accept the feedback given. This is something I need to remind myself that the feedback is for the greater good and is a part of my job. After taking this course I have realized I need to be more aware of my emotions and manage them more effectively. Are there any examples of others and how they effectively deal with criticism?

Is it more important to be a good listener and empathize or have a list/offer solutions to problems students are having outside of class? Or both? I try to do both but mostly I think listening may be more imporant...I may be the only person who is listening and they just want to vent. What do you think?

Energy and enthusiasm are irreplaceable. Even with this strong statement, how do you get those with variety of ages to join togather?

Another great module! Thank you so much. The information that I have just learned (and recalled) is going to come in very handy as a part of my Job Development Course I teach. I do go over Hard versus Soft Skills, but this just adds so much more. I also enjoyed this course, because I was able to take a look at myself, as an Instructor, as to just how many of my "soft skills" I am using. In addition, how many do I need to improve on. Thanks again for a great module. Christine M.

My research uncovered 5 actors that influence organizational and individual performance - and they are all directly related to the topic of soft skills. One of these 5 factors was climate - how you feel about the way things are done around here - how do you influence someone else's feelings? The literature points to using factors in the aire such as trust, respect, flexibility, supportiveness and cohesivenss. Who wouldn't want to excel in an environment where these were the hallmarks of personal interaction. Using these as a foundation in live chat sessions, discussion board interaction and email communication will enable the instructor to be viewed as personable, warm, flexible, supportive, respectful - and in the end, the expert the students want to call on.

Does anyone know where a good test for emotional intelligence (EQ) can be found? Preferably online.

I had a student that was chronically late, didn't take notes or pay attention. On the last day, that student showed up late and then interrupted the class. Consequently, I lost my temper. The class had about 8 students in it. Should I have apologized in front of the others or waited to do it later in private? Should I have apologized to the whole class or the single student? Thanks!

WHAT IS THE BEST APPROACH WHEN TEACHING STUDENTS THE IMPORTANCE OF SOFT SKILLS

I think this module had a lot of great information about the differences and similarities between the different skills that are needed to be successful in the workplace and in life. Helping students learn about these skills and how they relate will help them succeed in their future career.

in my experience, teaching soft skills will get you far far greater in the work place (i instruct for a job that is strictly people based at college) and will net you a longer career.

Make sure their is understanding before reveiwing, no matter how much you review if a stiudent does nor understand, more than likely he or she will not pass an exam

It is always good to review and have open discussion with students before taking a test. Sometimes it helps them tobetter prepare with any last minute touch ups.

I understand and support the data that most problems and dismissals in the workplace are caused by soft skill or EQ issues. However, perhaps that is because the technical or hard skills are a given, something like compensation. I have also seen research that shows that cognitive ability tests are the best indicators of job success. However, because of the adverse impact, they are not often used. How do you integrate these two ideas?

In the workplace, there are many types of people that have many different types of personalities. One may have soft skills and display a character that another that has soft skills doesn't understand. Many people become offended too easily in the workplace. Many have underlying emotions that are brought to the workplace and taken out on other people. Soft skills are very important to have in any area of life especially when teaching. Being able to approach someone and be approachable are keys to be a successful instructor.

I really enjoyed this module. We have a annual advisory board meeting. This board discuss areas in which our students need improvement across the board. The number one topic is "Soft Skills". I can walk away with greater knowledge understanding the difference between EQ and IQ. The tips were also helpful pertaining to becoming aware of your emotions.

I think before we develop skill sets such as soft skills, we first have to know ourselves. Many instructors including myself don't know what makes us who we are. We have to list self weaknesses, strength and then figure out what makes us tick or motivate us from the start. By learning ourselves, we can then focus on development of soft skills based on ourselves. We often do these type of learning thinking that one size fits all attitude. We are all unique and diverse that by using these techniques to fit out needs. Often we are too busy with our schedules, personal issues, we often do not reflect who we are in the first place. Often, we should reflect how we got here, who we are and from within, we can develop our own unique soft skills. The "Most Interesting Man" commercial speaks volumes. Once you know who you are, done things that no one has done, we become unique and students and others around you will treat you such so that your soft skills or "hook" will make you better and effective instructor/teacher.

This is a topic that is new for me and I am very excited to learn about it