Are People Forgetting the People Skills?
There is no doubt that students need technological skills to be successful in today’s world.
Colleges have accommodated this need by implementing courses taught in computer labs, as well as online classes and assignments. Both high school and college students are repeatedly reminded that the future of job security lies within these parameters, as does economic stability. A new survey from the Association of American Colleges suggests that despite 21st century teaching methods, tests evaluating student achievement may be closer to early 1900 tactics. The Chronicle of Higher Education posted an article regarding the study. According to the piece, Tests Aren’t Best Way to Evaluate Graduates’ Skills Business Leaders Say, many employers find new college grads ill-prepared for advancement and feel that traditional student achievement tests do not accurately measure global knowledge, self-direction and writing skills.
Lack of global knowledge is not a new area of concern for me. My book titled, “Junior Guide to Senior Year Success,” features this concept. With a world becoming more connected every day via the wireless revolution, we must not only encourages students and teachers to embrace global awareness but effectively teach how to achieve this. It is important to remember that while technology is now a necessity, creative skills such as writing and the ability to show drive, give input and generate new ideas are just as important. With the technological direction the world has taken, less emphasis now seems to be placed on creative and social skills. Students should be taught how to enhance these essential skills, not replace them. In fact, being globally aware and having effective communication is even more important given that technology has broken down so many barriers to world-wide communication.
Questions to consider:
How can educators be encouraged to bridge the gap between technological and self-driven thinking?
With the emphasis being placed on technology, will we begin to see a greater need for students with stronger abilities in writing, reading and people skills?
If so, will this create a need in the job market for college students majoring in such areas to fill the need for real-world skills.
