Soft skills in education: True identity of a successful teacher
We often think that the most important quality that makes a teacher good is knowledge of a subject. If a mathematics teacher can solve higher-order problems or a history teacher can relate dates and events, then he/she/they is the best. Unfortunately, teaching extends beyond imparting bookish knowledge.
A good teacher is recognized by how he/she connects with his/her students, parents, and colleagues. Soft skills are important in order to form that connect. These human, emotional, and behavioral skills create a positive, safe, and inspirational environment in the classroom.
Soft skills instill confidence in children, inspire them to learn, maintain classroom decorum, and help teachers navigate tough situations, giving every child an opportunity to blossom at their unique pace.
Let’s look more closely at some of the soft skills that matter in the education field and how they make a teacher a better guide.
1. Communication skills
Effective communication is crucial for teaching success. When teachers communicate clearly, respectfully, and understandably, children listen attentively and respectfully and actively participate in the lesson.
(a) Active listening
When a teacher listens, even with a little distraction, it sends a message to the children that sage few heed and understand. An illustration of this would be a student saying, “Miss, I can’t get this method,” and the teacher paying attention and explaining it right away. It builds confidence and assurance in the student.
(b) Clear instruction
At times, students don’t comprehend the lesson because of the way a teacher is explaining it. When a teacher can illustrate his/her/their explanations with simple examples and carefully break down the steps, learning becomes easier for children. An illustration during the teaching of a complex math problem for the teacher would be, “First do the first part of this, and then we can tackle the next step.”
(c) Constructive feedback
It is not enough when a teacher says, “That was wrong.” Instead, the teacher should also specify what went wrong and how to fix it next time. This motivates children to think positively about their progress.
(d) Communication with parents
While a good teacher focuses on children, he/she/they also keep the parents informed on their child’s study progress. Through regular communication, parents and teachers together play an active role in supporting a child during the learning journey.
2. Empathy and Emotional Intelligence
Empathy is the capacity to understand and feel what another person is feeling. It is a very relevant skill for a teacher.
(a) Creating a safe environment
Considerate teachers that understand students build a classroom where students feel safe. In particular, students with learning challenges or with problems outside the school require such an environment.
(b) A deeper understanding
Occasional misbehavior by students ought not to evoke anger from a teacher. It is vital for them to understand the reasons that led to it—be it stress, or even difficulty with the subject—so that effective solutions can be focused on.
(c) Connecting to students
When a teacher connects with children’s feelings, trust is built, and children engage in learning with greater vigor.
3. Patience
Patience is at the core of every profession, and teaching is no exception. Every child is unique and so he is diverse in learning pace.
(a) Allowing differences in speed of learning
Some children catch on quickly, while others take time. So, through patience in explaining the matter over and over again, the slow learner may learn.
(b) Reducing the stress level
A patient teacher will by all means remain calm and not become angry, causing all pupils to remain calm and disciplined.
(c) Sudden challenges
Sometimes there will be a blackout in the classroom or resources will not come. In this case, a patient teacher would easily come up with an alternative route.
4. Flexibility and Adaptability
A classroom is a dynamic place where something new happens every day.
(a) Changing lesson plans
If some day the students are tired, then the teacher should change the style of teaching into activity-based or games.
(b) Various learning styles
Some children learn by seeing, some by hearing, and some by doing. A good teacher teaches keeping all these styles in mind.
(c) Alternative solutions
If materials are unavailable for scientific experiments, the teacher can quickly think of an alternative way to explain the concept to the children.
5. Collaboration and Teamwork
Teachers don’t work in isolation. They are working within the entire educational system.
(a) With college teachers
This is teamwork that includes developing curriculum, sharing resources, and brainstorming between teachers; hence, it also offers reduce the workload on the teacher.
(b) With the students
Teaching students teamwork is also one of the teachers’ responsibilities through group projects and activities. This is where children learn about cooperation, shared responsibility, and collective success.
(c) With parents
When teachers and parents collaborate, both the academic and personal growth of a child is vastly enhanced.
6. Conflict Resolution
There are times when trivial brawls stir in a classroom. A good teacher would be skilled at handling such disagreements.
(a) Short-circuiting the escalation
If the teacher resolves the disagreement promptly, it prevents the matter from escalating further.
(b) Impartial listening
Pay attention to all sides of the argument and offer an unbiased perspective.
(c) Classroom management
Classroom management encompasses count management, participation and motivation of children, and organization of activities in a systematic way.
(d) Leadership
A good teacher leads by uplifting children to fulfill their potential while being a positive influence to his/her/their colleagues.
(e) Self-reflection
The self-evaluation of the teachers enables them to gain insights on areas that require improvement.
Conclusion
Soft skills are as important in education as academic knowledge. Communication, empathy, patience, flexibility, collaboration, conflict resolution, and other skills combine to create a teacher who not only imparts knowledge, but also prepares children for life.
Listening, being inclusive, and ending up inspiring a child are all tangible traits exhibited by a teacher who truly matters in the child’s lives.
