In today’s ever-evolving educational landscape, the significance of soft skills in students’ holistic development cannot be overstated. Soft skills encompass vital interpersonal, communication, and emotional intelligence abilities that are essential for navigating social interactions, fostering teamwork, and adapting to diverse situations. In the interview below, Sakina Qasim Zaidi, Senior Vice President – Academics, Orchids The International School, Bangalore and Rajasthan Regions, offers valuable insights into how soft skills are defined, prioritized, and nurtured within the academic and extracurricular framework of her institution.
A Class in progress.
What is your understanding of soft skills in the context of education, and why do you believe they are important for students’ overall development?
Soft skills are interpersonal, communication, and emotional intelligence abilities that enable individuals to navigate social interactions, work effectively in teams, and adapt to various situations. In education, these skills are crucial because they complement academic knowledge and contribute to holistic development. For example, a student who possesses strong communication skills can express ideas clearly in presentations, collaborate effectively in group projects, and build positive relationships with peers and teachers.
A Student taking part in a Public Speaking Session.
How does your school define and prioritize soft skills in its academic curriculum and extracurricular activities?
At Orchids, we define and prioritize soft skills by integrating them into both formal academic subjects and extracurricular activities. For instance, subjects like Public Speaking and SOCH (which includes aspects like empathy, kindness, gratitude, and emotional stability) are taught from pre-primary to Grade 10. These classes not only enhance communication skills but also promote emotional intelligence and social awareness among students.
Moreover, we prioritize soft skills through experiential learning opportunities such as group projects, debates, and community service initiatives. These activities encourage teamwork, critical thinking, and leadership skills, all of which are essential components of a well-rounded education. Additionally, we organize workshops, seminars, and guest lectures focused on leadership development, conflict resolution, and effective communication to further reinforce the importance of soft skills in our curriculum.
A Masterclass at TEDx.
Can you share specific examples of soft skills development programs or initiatives implemented at your school?
Our school has implemented a variety of programs and initiatives specifically designed to develop soft skills among students. One of our prominent initiatives is the inclusion of Public Speaking sessions, SOCH workshops, and TED Talks in our curriculum. These sessions cover a wide range of topics such as empathy, kindness, gratitude, emotional stability, time management, and problem-solving, which are essential components of soft skills development.
Furthermore, we organize collaborative projects and group activities that require students to work together, communicate effectively, and solve problems collectively. These projects not only enhance teamwork skills but also encourage creativity and critical thinking. In addition to these initiatives, we regularly conduct leadership workshops, conflict resolution training, and mindfulness sessions to help students build resilience, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence. These programs are integrated into our academic calendar to ensure consistent exposure and reinforcement of soft skills throughout students’ academic journey.
A ‘Mechathlon Project’ in progress.
How do you assess and measure students’ progress in developing soft skills throughout their academic journey?
While there is no specific scorecard, we employ various methods to evaluate students’ growth in these areas. One of the key indicators of progress is observing how students apply these skills in their daily lives. For instance, their ability to communicate effectively, collaborate in teams, and demonstrate empathy in interpersonal interactions serves as a good indicator of their soft skills development.
We also closely monitor students who may be facing challenges in their emotional well-being. For such students, we organize individual counselling sessions to provide support and guidance tailored to their needs. Additionally, observation reports generated by teachers and counsellors play a crucial role in assessing students’ progress in developing soft skills. These reports provide valuable insights into students’ behaviours, interactions, and overall emotional intelligence, helping us track their growth and provide targeted interventions when necessary.
A Student addressing his Peers.
What role do teachers and staff play in fostering soft skills among students, and how do you support their professional development in this area?
Teachers and staff play a crucial role as role models and facilitators in fostering soft skills among students. We provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities for educators to enhance their skills in areas such as emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and effective communication. Collaborative planning sessions and peer learning forums also enable teachers to share best practices and strategies for promoting soft skills in the classroom.
How does the integration of technology and digital tools contribute to enhancing students’ soft skills in today’s educational landscape?
Technology integration offers various opportunities to enhance students’ soft skills. For instance, online collaboration platforms enable students to work together on projects remotely, fostering teamwork and communication skills. Digital storytelling tools can enhance creativity and presentation skills, while educational games and simulations can promote problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
Students at a ‘Reading Session’.
In your opinion, what are the key challenges or obstacles schools face in effectively nurturing soft skills, and how do you address them at your institution?
Schools face significant challenges in effectively nurturing soft skills, primarily due to the rapid changes happening around us. Adaptability and resilience have become crucial skills for success in today’s dynamic world. Students must develop the ability to navigate and understand themselves amidst these changes.
At our institution, we address these challenges through various initiatives. For instance, we emphasize self-awareness and leadership development through workshops, seminars, and mentorship programs. These programs help students gain insights into their strengths, weaknesses, and values, fostering a deeper understanding of themselves and their roles in a changing society.
Furthermore, we integrate industry and society immersion programs into our curriculum. These programs provide students with real-world experiences, exposing them to diverse perspectives, challenges, and opportunities. Through such immersive experiences, students enhance their soft skills like communication, adaptability, and problem-solving, preparing them to thrive in a rapidly evolving environment.
A Student Learning Pottery.
Looking ahead, what are your school’s future plans or initiatives to further strengthen and promote the development of soft skills among students?
Looking ahead, Orchids is committed to enhancing and promoting the development of soft skills among students through various initiatives. As Oprah Winfrey rightly pointed out, ‘self-awareness and understanding one’s capabilities are fundamental to success and well-being.’
One of our future plans is to facilitate discussions and workshops that focus on self-discovery and decision-making. We believe that helping students explore their strengths, values, and aspirations will empower them to make informed choices and navigate their future with confidence. These discussions will be supplemented with guidance and mentorship to strengthen their decision-making skills and critical thinking abilities.
Additionally, we will continue to integrate experiential learning opportunities, such as internships, community projects, and leadership programs, into our curriculum. These experiences provide students with hands-on opportunities to apply and enhance their soft skills in real-world contexts. By combining these approaches and fostering a culture of self-awareness, resilience, and leadership, we aim to equip our students with the holistic skills necessary for success in both their academic journey and future endeavours.
