I'm a massage instructor. I find that teaching some students how to be self-aware can be challenging. Massage therapists in general tend to pay very close attention to what is going on in their clients' bodies, rather than in themselves. It can be very valuable to become more self-aware. It often helps you become more client aware in the process.
Diana,
Speaking with people clearly is something that leaves an impression. Communication is important no matter if you are a student or a teacher.
Philip Campbell
Getting them to understand they need to have this to better them in life and it is not hard skills only. They actually have to speak to people they don't know in the right manor. Guess it woould be speaking clearly and making eye contact with people.
Reminding students to use please and thank you.
So many of these soft skills are so important I find it difficult to pick just one.
Many of the skills discussed in this class I had always taken for granted and assumed everyone had these abilities. Even as a young adult I tried to follow what I thought were these unwritten rules and regulations!
I think what I have noticed is a lack of dependability. I find my students sincerely do not feel obligated to make it to work or class on time or at all in some cases. That most minor of issues is sufficient reason to take a day off or arrive hours late. This nearly causes a panic attack if it happens to me because I feel a commitment to whatever I am doing, even if I would like to take the day off!
I try to relate real life stories and situations as an example to my students, particularly with the economy. By taking a day off or showing up 2 hours late you may lose your job, especially knowing that 50 other people may WANT that job!
Thanks,
Doug
In my field of work we are teaching students how to deal with people who are sick or injured. The healthcare field has an extremely high demand for soft skills. Having empathy, a positive attitude and integrity are some of the most important skills our students must obtain. These are difficult to "teach". I find that some people have it and some don't. For those who struggle with the soft skills I find myself role playing with them in the sense of putting them in the position of the patient or family member. These types of drills typically help the students to gain a better understanding of what it takes to be a healthcare professional. Not just for their patients but also for the staff they work with.
Jamie,
How have you been able to overcome this with students? What ideas do others have about teaching this?
Philip Campbell
The most difficult soft skill to teach them is general manners that should have been instilled in childhood and being curteous to others.
This is so important and they just don't seem to get it.. One of our major complaints when seending students out on externships are general manners toward others - Hello, Thank You. This is the most important part of their career communication with others..
I beleive that somethings have to start from the ground roots of the family. Teaching students how to work with others can be a challenge if it's something that wasn't instilled in childhood. The students today don't have to communicate like my era had too.. Empathy has to be explained and even when explained in depth some students still don't get the reason why.
Gina ,
What do your students say to those questions? It would be interesting to see if they take the hint?
Philip Campbell
I often have this conversation with students, can you teach a person soft skills? Can I teach you to have a positive attitude or to be dependable, as this is what the outside world is looking for when hiring! There should be a course in college for this exact topic, however, I am not 100% it can be taught when it is mostly learned as your are growing up.
I have been teaching in the vocational school setting for over ten years. Over the years one constant has been teaching students how to communicate and understand that attitude is something they can control. Teaching them to be accertive and how to handle disagreements by discussing them rather than reacting to situations. I use role playing and critical thinking senerios.
As an instructor, the most difficult soft skill to teach my students is how to effectively work with their peers. During classroom discussions or group projects, some students often dismiss their peer’s perspective on a subject matter if their perspective is not in favor of theirs.
When someone feels their idea is being critiqued, the individual will immediately insist on working by themselves.
Sherry,
I agree, examples will lead to modeling and will lead to copying.
Philip Campbell
Sherry,
So how do we emphasize good work ethic? We use examples of students who had challenges while attending school. Maybe some student can associate with them and work harder to be successful.
Philip Campbell
Sherry,
The human factor is still evident even though there is no human interaction. Great point.
Philip Campbell
Betty,
Yes, students need to have those characteristics that make them good students. By role modeling and showing them how to do that, as you explain, they will have continued success.
Philip Campbell
Within my current environment, the most challenging skill to teach students is definitely professionalism/soft skills. The majority of my students have ROUGH backgrounds and challenging personal lives at the current time. Therefore, it is a BIG learning curve to mold professionalism and proper soft skills. It is a challenging learning cycle and sometimes VERY frustrating; however, VERY rewarding at the end of their program to compare the student who began your program and who is graduating. Consistency is key!!
The most difficult soft skill to teach is respect for oneself and others. Perhaps it is best taught by example.
