Integrating Soft Skills into Courses

Presented by Michele Albright

Ferris State University

Center for Leadership, Activities and Career Services

Generation Z (iGens) StudentsBorn 1995 – 2012

Post 9/11- stability is important Happiness does not relate to $$$ - gig economy Solve problems/change the world Community service minded Rarely unplugged- information overload Cyber bullying and stalking is real “If it’s on google it’s true” Influencers - 71% Parents, 54% Teachers

* very close relationships with parents World is a scary place - surrounded by images and acts of violence School is no longer a safe place

Seemiller, Corey, and Meghan Grace. Generation Z Goes to College. San Francisco, Jossey-Bass, 2016.

Relationships are disposable Must have a college degree to get a good job 41% connected with religion/ seeking to understand spirituality

and higher purpose Conscientious consumers/ savers – budget cuts Innovative and entrepreneurship spirit

* 80 % will have their own business during their lives Financial and personal freedom Can sell and buy things online easily: not just stores anymore Personal accountability while working collaboratively Crave Face to face interaction with those they trust

Seemiller, Corey, and Meghan Grace. Generation Z Goes to College. San Francisco, Jossey-Bass, 2016.

Generation Z (iGens) StudentsBorn 1995 – 2012

“ Fast forward to adult content….rewind, pause, process. Missing important lessons.” – 2018 statement from a college senior.

Persistence Mental well-being False self-confidence Resiliency Managing expectations Empathy Character traits Consequences Discrepancy Respect for self & others

What skills can we help students develop to better prepare them for future success?

What employers say:

Preparing students for jobs that don’t exist yet Jobs that did not exist 10 years ago Mid-level jobs are diminishing

* Need for highly intellectual and skilled trades Large # of baby boomers exiting

* Many from key positions Difficulty keeping employees for a long period of time New workplace expectations and changes in policies New ways of doing the work

Changes in leadership Hiring in leadership vs. promoting from inside Six generations in the workforce – all very different Employees need more grit & persistence

* Too easy to quit Hiring for skills vs. degree

* Except in occupations requiring licensing or certification Training and re-training personnel in soft skills Health and wellness-mental and social support activities

The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) 8 core competencies that form career readiness:

Critical Thinking/Problem Solving Oral/Written Communications Teamwork/Collaboration Information Technology Application Leadership Professionalism/Work Ethic Career Management Global/ Intercultural Fluency

http://www.naceweb.org/career-readiness/competencies/career-readiness-defined/

A direct correlation between soft skills, college preparedness, and career

readiness.

Ways to incorporate soft skills into curriculum

Teachers as facilitators Use of technology apps and online resources Gamify Mentoring relationships Adaption of materials Reverse classrooms/ learning labs Solving complex problems Interactive and engaging activities Job shadowing/ experiential learning Value based learning outcomes

Ways to incorporate soft skills into curriculum

Build in personal & facilitated reflection Connect the dots between lessons and life Personal relevance to student experience Hands on application of information Solve real problems/ puzzles Interview practice - situational/ behavioral based Create marketing campaigns Students create assignments based on Instructor provided

learning outcomes Case studies of current topics and trends Frequent benchmarks, progress checks to meet deadlines Relative and timely consequences for missed deadlines, little effort,

or failing to hit the mark

Developed by the recommendation for the Governor Snyder’s Economic Summit, with funding from the Michigan Economic Development Council.

Expertise was provided by the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments and Metropolitan Affairs Coalition.

Self-paced online program.

All 14 modules must be completed before the end of the 2017-2018 academic year.

Upon completion of each module, student receives a link to complete a 3 question follow up survey and a link to the next module.

• 1 – what does this mean• 2 – how have you demonstrated this• 3 – why would this be important on the workplace

When 14 modules are completed, final step is a behavioral based interview• Each module takes about 10 minutes & requires engagement

Certificate of Participation awarded upon completion.

115 students self selected to participate (2017-2018 ) / Required in 6 courses

E-LEARNING SOFT SKILLS PROGRAMhttps://www.mitalent.org/elearning-soft-skills-program

Communication

1. Humility→2. Communication→3. Conflict→

Critical Thinking

4. Ethical Character→5. Personal Judgment→6. Problem Solving→7. Time Management→

Collaboration

8. Diversity and Inclusion→9. Self-Confidence→10. Teamwork→

Creativity

11. Positive Attitude→12. Initiative→13. Flexibility→14. Work Ethic→

How do we better prepare our students for college? careers? Adaptive teaching & learning Catch up and meet students where they are Encourage problem solving and innovation Inspire to dream & empower to make a difference Assess based on the impact of results/ outcomes Soft Skills Training

“If you don't chose the challenges you want to work on, someone will for you.”