Unlocking Success: Soft Skills beyond academic performance

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, the focus on academic grades has often overshadowed the significance of soft skills. At Morphoses, we firmly believe that soft skills are the true keys to academic success. In this blog post, we will explore why soft skills go beyond grade performance, and how they set foundations for a bright future.

Soft Skills in Everyday Life

Soft skills encompass a wide range of abilities that extend beyond the classroom. Take, for instance, communication skills. Children who can articulate their thoughts effectively not only excel in group projects but also develop better relationships with peers and teachers. This skill doesn’t just contribute to academic growth; it enhances the overall quality of life.

Let’s take a closer look at everyday scenarios where soft skills shine. Picture a family dinner where your child actively listens to everyone’s stories and responds with genuine interest — that’s active listening. Or imagine a playdate where they collaborate with others to build a towering LEGO structure — that’s teamwork in action. Ever noticed how some kids bounce back from failures while others give up easily? That’s where soft skills come into play. Take resilience, for example. It’s like a child’s superpower against setbacks. Remember when your little one fell while learning to ride a bike but got up and tried again? That’s resilience in action.

Scientific Support

Numerous studies in developmental psychology emphasize the importance of soft skills in academic success (MacCann et al., 2020), but also find that soft skills act as a shield to mental health (Panayiotou, Humphrey, & Wigelsworth, 2019). Research conducted under the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning framework (CASEL 2023; Niemi, 2020)indeed demonstrates that students with strong social and emotional skills perform better academically, with one of the reasons being better relationship management and academic stress regulation skills.

Our approach

At Morphoses, we understand that success is not solely determined by grades. Our learner’s success is measured in presence, persistence, and active participation! Through engaging activities like role plays, art challenges, and self-reflection exercises, we invite learners to assign meaning to their experiences. We adopt an experiential learning approach and are aligned with the CASEL framework we promote strong community relationships and reflection in the learning process towards a growth mindset.

Are you ready to empower your child with essential life skills that go beyond grades?

Join us at Morphoses, where we create a nurturing environment for children to develop these skills. Our platform hosts online classes led by expert tutors who guide children in honing their soft skills through enjoyable activities. Give your child the opportunity to thrive not just academically, but in all aspects of life.

In a world that often places excessive emphasis on grades, it’s crucial to recognize the profound impact of soft skills on academic success. Soft skills like communication, emotional intelligence, and resilience are not just academic assets; they are life skills that shape well-rounded individuals. Together, we’ll nurture the skills that truly matter in the pursuit of a successful and fulfilling future.

References

CASEL (2023) What does the research say?. Retrieved from https://casel.org/fundamentals-of-sel/what-does-the-research-say/

MacCann, C., Jiang, Y., Brown, L. E., Double, K. S., Bucich, M., & Minbashian, A. (2020). Emotional intelligence predicts academic performance: A meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 146(2), 150–186. doi:10.1037/bul0000219. Retrieved from https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Fbul0000219

Niemi, K. (2020). Niemi: Casel is updating the most widely recognized definition of social-emotional learning. here’s why. Retrieved from https://www.the74million.org/article/niemi-casel-is-updating-the-most-widely-recognized-definition-of-social-emotional-learning-heres-why/

Panayiotou, M., Humphrey, N., & Wigelsworth, M. (2019). An empirical basis for linking social and emotional learning to academic performance. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 56, 193–204. doi:10.1016/j.cedpsych.2019.01.009 Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0361476X18303382?via%3Dihub