Soft Skills On-Line Development in Times of Crisis

Lior Naamati Schneider,Adaya Meirovich,Niva Dolev

doi:10.18662/rrem/12.1sup2/255

Lior Naamati Schneider, Adaya Meirovich + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.18662/rrem/12.1sup2/255

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Abstract

While the 21st century is typified with constant change, over the past few months, with the break of the COVID-19, the world is undergoing tremendous changes at a pace and magnitude that have not been seen before. It has been argued that coping and succeeding in the changing reality of the 21st century globally requires a wider set of skills than before, many of which are soft, social-emotional skills. This is particularly true in the uncertainly of the current times worldwide. Incorporating the development of soft skills in the current academic systems, which still hold a mainly cognitive focus has been found challenging and efforts are relatively scarce and isolated. This is becoming even more challenging as the current situation has forced the academy to adapt quickly to digital teaching methods and the use of various platforms for E learning. Aim: to presents a unique method and tool for cultivating soft skills in students, which can be integrated in the general curriculum through digital and E learning. Method: presenting the theoretical basis of the model and exemplifying the ways it can be used in different subjects and as part of higher education institutions (HEI) strategy. Result: although pilot studies are still undergoing, it is believed that integrating soft skills development using online learning and linking them to course subjects will help HEI to stay relevant in a changing world and fulfil their role in preparing students to the 21st century reality, in the times of the recent health crisis COVID-19 and beyond.

Highlights

Global crisis as an opportunity for leveragingIn the last few decades, there has been an increased realization that the 21st century is characterized by constant, frequent, rapid and profound changes, which entails different demands and expectations and requires a wider scope of capabilities than ever before in adapting to the changing world
Integrating soft skills development processes into the curriculum, including in distance learning is of high importance
This paper proposes a model and tool for developing these skills using distance learning platforms and without the need for major changes in the curriculum and teaching methods, making it more applicable and practical in the current reality

Summary

Global crisis as an opportunity for leveraging

In the last few decades, there has been an increased realization that the 21st century is characterized by constant, frequent, rapid and profound changes, which entails different demands and expectations and requires a wider scope of capabilities than ever before in adapting to the changing world At this specific point in time of the COVID-19 global crisis, the professional and academic worlds these changes are presented with new and unfamiliar challenges to on macro and micro levels which require adapting to a new and dynamic reality. With the outbreak of the COVID-19 and the transition to distance learning, this problem seems to be exacerbated It is precisely at this stage of quarantine and social isolation, worries and anxieties, economic and professional uncertainty, that soft skills are important. While especially suited to the current COVID-19 crisis, it can later serve as a milestone in preparing learners to the needs of the 21st century, without any major change to the academic curriculum

Emotional-social intelligence

Emotional-social education

Model for implementing soft skills

Summary