Creating and implementing Soft Skills within the classroom
I am an Instructor for a healthcare related career college. Creating soft skils, and being able to implement them in the healthcare field are vital.
We as healhcare providers must exhibit exemplary hygiene, and project a constant sense of professionalism in regard to our patient interaction.
As an Instructor, I attempt to instill within my student a need to achieve these skills, so they may also lead by example for fellow healthcare workers, and their own patients.
Colleen,
Yes, so much is centered around written communication. Of course in some jobs, the ability to write clear concise stories is an essential hard skill. In the examples you cite, these are definitely soft skills that, if mastered, could potentially lead the way to long and successful careers for graduates. I'm so glad their are instructors like you who care about the importance of writing and convey that passion and ability to students.
Barry Westling
As an instructor of a subject that many students perceive as useless and dull (writing), I've found that assignments that focus on subject-related soft skills enhance student learning and engagement. In addition to creative and research-based writing, I've designed lesson plans around professional writing, giving students practice in drafting cover letters, business memos, press releases, professional emails, news stories, short blogs, etc. When students understand how essential writing is to their professional life and career goals, the stakes are a bit higher--and motivation increases.
Cynthia,
Boy, yur profession requires softe skills probably more than most other career ares due to the nature of the close contact, people skills, and relationship needed, besides the technical skill of hair preparation
Barry Westling
Teaching the importance of soft skills in the cosmetology career is vital. When students implament these skills they will find it is a great way to build a clientele and also keep them.
Christopher ,
Soft skills are so important as they ultimately determine the successfulness of a student graduate when employed in the workplace. Establishing good ground rules helps prepare the student for the real world work setting.
Barry Westling
I believe it is important to "lay down the law (rules)" day one of class... It really has to be done in order for the student get a sense of direction not only for themsevels but so they may begin to see the direction in which the CLASS will be taking them. Several periods of group discussion on the sublect of Soft Skills needs to be performed in order to see/dertermine where the students are taking the "advice".
Andrea,
Keeping matters on the employment category seems like it does ring true for many students. I like your signed statement. My students sign receipt and acknowledgement of their syllabus which has a component regarding professional development (soft skills). That helps for many, but not all. Unfortunately, I have had to dismiss students for easily correctable, preventable causes. Too bad.
Barry Westling
Barry,
At the school where I teach, the students do sign papers at the beginning of the program that they promise to have a certain attendance record, treat instructors and classmates with respect, will not commit academic fraud, and in general will attempt to be ethical and professional. If the student falls short in any of these important areas, the signed paperwork has been successful in getting the student back on track, for they do not want to face expulsion from the program.
I do believe it is important for us instructors to model the soft skills part of our work world. I often tell my students that we can train for the skills required to obtain a license, but the most important aspect of a professional is the soft skill set, the skill set that can make or break employment. This seems to get the attention of the student, for they are interested in obtaining employment at the termination of their educational course.
Cristina,
There are certainly many ways to approach this important topic. Most times, I believe students value points, and therefore the potential loss of points has some teeth to it. Some students don't care about the points and when those students also fail to demonstrate appropriate behavior, language, dress, punctuality, etc., that's a bad combination. I always tell students there may be xyz consequences for non-compliance, but I also tell them that repeated acts can lead to strong discipline beyond mere points. I agree that it's important to lay out the expectations on the first day. Some instructors have their students sign an acknowledgement stating they've read and agree to abide. Not sure if signing something makes a difference, but may come in handy if serious action needs to be taken towards a student.
Barry Westling
One way I implement soft skills in the classroom is by telling them day one that if they come in late, leave early or are not participating, I will take one point off from their final grade per day this behavior shows it self. If they miss I take 2 points off. I warn them day one and remind them, especially if their grade starts to suffer. I hope this will motivate them to we present in class.
I also do group discussions in class which gets everybody speaking, and helps bring out different points of view.
Angie,
Oftentimes, students are unaware their behavior and actions are not in line line with expectations, and simply calling attention to an area that needs attention is all that is needed. Othertimes, there are behavior issues that take more coaching (habitual tardiness, frequent chatting with classmates during lectures that cause a distration to fellow students and the teacher, use of profanity in class discussions). Without correction, these behaviors will follow them to the workplace and may lead to disciplinary actions (which if addressed in school may be prevented later on).
Barry Westling
I agree, I think with a little help and a good role model some will change. I am teaching students to become teachers, so they will defninitely need to learn and have all the soft skills listed. I am thinking of taking that list and giving it to them, maybe knowing it is coming from a different source will help.
Eddie,
This is a generation that feels entitled, want instant everything, and generally, if they feel they can get by with less, they'll strive for that, rather than do the requisite work needed to truly understand. Of course, they want high pay and low job responsibilities too. It's often a rude awakening. But many surrvive, only after conforming to the expectations of their employer.
Barry Westling
I also am in the healthcare training field, and I find that encouraging/teaching/developing soft skills is one of my MAIN points to get across in as subtle or direct a manner as need be. Am i getting old, or does it seem like this generation of students needs that more than a few years ago? Anyway, hopefully they understand, as I teach, that the soft skills are sometimes more important than the technical skills.
Jennifer,
It's interesting so many younger folks don't have a clue about how they appear, the effect their language has, or common coutesies that well mannered individuals would normally just take for granted. You're right though, as students, if we have to provide basic training regarding grooming, or courtesy, then so be it. I don't want complaints "your students look sloppy", or something similar.
Barry Westling
Yes! Soft skills are vital for our students going into the healthcare field. I have doctors tell me regularly that they would rather have an extern that has the soft skills that they can train above someone with the hands on skills and no soft skills. You ahve to emplement them in everything you do. Just from teaching them to say good morning when they come in at the beginning of class and teaching them small talk with patients. The list goes on and on.
Tammy,
True, soft skills are important. I think unless a student wants to change particular (poor) behavior, language, or dress, there is little we can say to effect change. Good role modeling can help, and good instruction can lay the ground work. Ultimately the student will have to want to change for it to be effective.
Barry Westling
I agree soft skills are one of the most talked about areas in healthcare education today. I want my students to come to class everyday dressed professionally and practicing good hygiene. We also must incorporate roll playing so that students can learn how to properly communicate with patients. Most of all instructors must be good role models for their profession as well.
Juliana,
This is true. Role modeling can help and ultimately it is the student that has to be accountable for their behavior, performance, and attitude. I think one way (of many) to coach students to think about this is by relating stories or past situations that exemplify the benefits of of superior soft skills, and conversly, the consequences of demonstrating poor soft skills. Truely, self improvement can only come from within, and an image in the students mind can do wonders.
Barry Westling
