Recently, in my junior high classroom, during a gallery walk:
Little Johnny- “I don’t like that color blue you used”
Little Suzy- “That looks a little glitchy, maybe you should have spent more time.”
Little Johnny- “You’re a [-bleep-] I spent a whole class period on that.”
That escalated very quickly and the lesson did NOT end as planned.
In today’s fast-changing world, academic knowledge alone is no longer enough. While grades and technical skills remain important, soft skills—the personal attributes and interpersonal abilities that determine how effectively individuals interact with others—are increasingly recognized as critical to student success.
Unlike hard skills, which can be taught through textbooks or lectures, soft skills are more about behavior and mindset. They are what help students work well with others, solve problems creatively, and adapt to new situations. For students preparing to enter a competitive world, cultivating strong soft skills can be the difference between just getting by and truly thriving. During the summer, I participated in an externship at a local company and had the opportunity to visit with their interns and new hires. Over and over again, soft skills were brought up by those college students as things they felt they needed to work on.
Soft skills are not just for professionals in the workplace—they’re essential for students at every stage of their education. From group projects and class discussions to part-time jobs and internships, students constantly face situations where soft skills are tested. Being able to communicate effectively, manage time, think critically, and collaborate with others can lead to better academic performance and stronger relationships.
Moreover, employers today are placing increasing emphasis on soft skills when hiring. According to several studies, employers often prioritize communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities over technical know-how. This means that students who develop these skills early on have a head start when it comes to career readiness.
Here is a list of the most important soft skills every student should focus on developing:
1. Communication Skills
Being able to express ideas clearly—whether through speaking or writing—is fundamental. Listening actively and giving constructive feedback also fall under this skill.
2. Teamwork and Collaboration
Many school projects require students to work in teams. Knowing how to cooperate, delegate tasks, and respect others’ opinions is crucial.
3. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
Students need to analyze situations, think logically, and come up with effective solutions—skills that are vital both in school and in real-life scenarios.
4. Time Management
Juggling multiple assignments, exams, and activities demands strong organizational skills. Learning how to prioritize and manage time helps reduce stress and improve productivity.
5. Adaptability and Flexibility
Whether it’s adapting to a new teacher’s style or shifting to online learning, students must be open to change and able to adjust accordingly.
6. Leadership
Leadership isn’t just about being in charge. It’s about motivating others, making decisions, and setting a good example in both academic and extracurricular activities.
7. Emotional Intelligence
Understanding and managing one’s own emotions—and empathizing with others—helps students navigate social situations and build better relationships.
8. Work Ethic and Responsibility
Being dependable, meeting deadlines, and taking ownership of one’s actions show maturity and professionalism, even at the student level.
9. Creativity and Innovation
Students who can think creatively bring fresh perspectives to problems and are more likely to succeed in fields that value innovation.
10. Interpersonal Skills
These include empathy, conflict resolution, and the ability to build strong connections with others—skills that are key in both academic settings and everyday life.
While students must take personal responsibility for developing soft skills, schools and educators play a vital role in nurturing them. Teachers can integrate soft skill development into lessons through collaborative assignments, open discussions, and real-world problem-solving tasks. Institutions can provide support systems such as mentorship programs, leadership training, and community engagement opportunities.
Soft skills aren’t just “natural traits”—they can be learned and strengthened over time. Here are a few effective ways students can develop them:
- Participate in group work and presentations in class to enhance communication and teamwork.
- Join extracurricular activities, such as sports, clubs, or volunteer organizations, where collaboration and leadership are often required.
- Take on part-time jobs or internships, which provide real-world opportunities to practice soft skills.
- Attend workshops or take online courses that focus on areas like public speaking, leadership, or emotional intelligence.
- Reflect on personal experiences, seek feedback, and be open to growth and change.
In my classroom, I teach a lesson on constructive criticism. We discuss what it is, what it looks like, how it should sound, and what our responses should be.
- You don’t have to agree with every critique on your project.- “Thank you for your input, I’ll take it into consideration.
- Praise sandwich- Giving a positive comment, then constructive criticism, then closing positive note
- I statements – Using “I felt that…”
- Be specific – Focus on specific parts over general comments. “ I felt the font you used was hard to read.” Rather than, “I didn’t liked the it”
- Ask a question- “What made you use that font? Color? Animation technique?”
- Be respectful and supportive – Just because you do not like a part of their project does not give you permission to tear them down.
- Set a positive tone- Critique as you would want others to critique you.
- Reflect on the presentation/project – What did they learn? How did you find your sources?
By promoting a well-rounded education that includes both academic and personal growth, schools help students become not just better learners, but better people. A holistic approach to education recognizes that developing character and personal skills is just as important as academic success. As teachers we should be including soft skills in lesson plans and classroom activities, encouraging collaboration, open communication, and critical thinking, offering leadership opportunities, and creating a safe, inclusive learning environment where students can grow.
In a world where change is constant and human interaction is key, soft skills are no longer optional—they’re essential. For students, mastering these skills early paves the way for academic success, stronger relationships, and long-term career growth. A way to truly thrive in life beyond school.
We do another gallery walk this week for a new project, let’s hope to hear better things from Little Johnny. “Thank you for that input, I’ll take it into consideration.”
Teaching Re-Imagined 