Education World – Jim Paterson
“One of the hottest topics in the churning world of education policy is the talk about soft skills, but there are two big problems with the concept that have nothing to do with its value: describing and measuring it. Research has shown these skills lead to success and persist when taught, and new research last month says colleges and employers are clamoring for students who have them. But soft skills are difficult to list, define and assess. And in the world of education, where definitions and data are key, it makes it hard for advocates to get traction. Beyond that, we are just beginning to find ways to impart these social and emotional skills in the classroom.” (more)