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The 21st century middle school: The "softer" side of learning

It's an increasingly fast-paced world. More and more, technology controls how and where we work. Yet there are many good, time-honored skills and character-traits that continue to serve us well, despite the advances of technology. Often referred to as "soft" skills in business and education circles, these include the ability to work well with others, solve problems, communicate effectively, actively listen and question, and to manage one's time and responsibilities.

Not only do the "soft" skills make for good citizens, they are what today's employers in all professions say they value most in those they hire.

"It is impossible for us to anticipate what technical skills kids will need most down the road," says one area principal, citing the amount of change and progress that have happened in just the last 20 years. "What we do know is that kids need skills that will help them adapt. Our goal is not to have kids leave school knowing exactly what they want to be. We want them to leave knowing how to learn more, to find answers with both high-tech and old-fashioned tools, to solve problems and to be productive community members, spouses, parents and co-workers."

NURTURING CURIOSITY AND KINDNESS

As the title of the book by Robert Fulgham suggests, much of what we need to know we learn in kindergarten-or at least early on. This is especially true of the "soft" skills. Curious minds and habits of character are nurtured from a young age, and over time.

With this thought in mind, students are offered many opportunities throughout the school day, both in class and out, to practice the all-important "soft" skills.

Academically, the hands-on, project-based learning that happens in today's middle schools allows children to practice many of the soft skills at once. Consider the creation of a group foreign language Powerpoint presentation on Madrid, Spain.

This type of project would likely include:

• collaboration (working with classmates in large groups, one-on-one, and, possibly, with those in other schools or parts of the world);

• problem solving and thinking creatively ("What do I know?" "Where can we find more information?" "What would make this project shine?" "How do my ideas mesh with my group's suggestions?" "How can I get my classmates excited about what I'd like to add?");

• research, writing, speaking (both written and spoken English and Spanish words can be woven into such a presentation); and

• time management and organization (creating a timeline for completion of each part of the project and sticking to it, deciding who will contribute each element of the presentation).

Additionally, the many extracurricular and co-curricular activities that children gravitate to in the middle school years are filled with "soft" skill practice.

Sports and intramurals encourage teamwork and dedication. They encourage children to manage their time wisely to ensure that they can play and also get homework and school projects done.

In educational clubs, for example Odyssey of the Mind, students creatively solve problems that range from building mechanical devices to interpreting literary classics. They then share what they have discovered with - and may compete head to head against -other teams of students locally and from across the United States.

Music and the performing arts encourage teamwork, creative thinking and expression. They also promote dedication while working through the frustration that can come from learning something new.

Finally volunteerism, more and more a middle school requirement, can broaden a student's perspective and help develop tolerance for others. This is particularly true if the work is done with the sick, impoverished or the less fortunate in other countries. Volunteer activities introduce students to new career possibilities and let then see first hand how the "soft" skills they are practicing now are also helpful in the adult world.

EMPLOYERS ARE FIRM ABOUT "SOFT" SKILLS

Although many of the technical skills today's jobs require can be learned on-site, employers say it is much more difficult to teach workers to show up on time, write clearly and find positive ways to get along with difficult co-workers.

For permission to reprint this article, please contact the Capital Region BOCES Communications Service.

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