THOUGHT LEADERS
Developing Soft Skills to Address Tough Challenges
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n an era defined by artificial intelligence (AI), global interconnectedness, and rapidly changing circumstances, education must evolve, as traditional educational models are no longer sufficient to prepare students for the challenges of a dynamic job market and the proliferation of technologies. Students are required to develop skills beyond the traditional curriculum including AI and media literacy, critical thinking, problemsolving, and the ability to collaborate with different cultures, mindsets, and belief systems. These so called soft skills are anything but soft, as they are essential for thriving in a competitive world while maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life. Such skills include effective communication, emotional intelligence, resilience, and time management. These enable individuals to collaborate successfully, navigate complex social dynamics, and manage their lives effectively.
— BY — DR. PEGGY PELONIS President, ACS Athens
including news, advertisements, and entertainment content, is also necessary. It involves recognizing biases, evaluating credibility, and discerning the purpose and impact of media messages to make informed choices. Education should encourage students to analyze information critically, assess problems, and develop innovative solutions. By fostering these skills, students become adaptable thinkers, ready to tackle unforeseen challenges in the future. Furthermore, globalization has connected individuals from diverse cultures and belief systems more than ever before. To succeed in this interconnected world, students need to learn how to collaborate with people from different backgrounds. Educational institutions should promote cultural competence and the ability to work effectively within diverse teams, facilitating a deep understanding of varied perspectives. Moreover, the idea of responsible, conscious citizenship
SOFT SKILLS ARE ANYTHING BUT SOFT—THEY ARE ESSENTIAL FOR THRIVING IN A COMPETITIVE WORLD WHILE MAINTAINING A BALANCED AND FULFILLING LIFE The rise of AI is transforming industries and job markets. Students must familiarize and equip themselves with the principles of AI and its implications on society as well as on each individual’s life. Learning to harness the power of AI by integrating it into the curriculum can empower students to find creative, ethical solutions to some of society’s most vexing problems, thus contributing greatly to quality of life for all. Additionally, critical thinking and problemsolving skills are essential in an age abounding with complex issues, and media literacy, the ability to critically analyze, interpret, and understand various forms of media,
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goes beyond being aware of civic duties; it means positioning oneself as an active problemsolver in society. This develops psychological muscle, for within society individuals have rights but also responsibilities and becoming positive contributing members adds to a strong psychological immune system. Education thus, should encourage students to engage with societal issues, advocate for change, and develop the mindsets required to endure and navigate challenges. Students with a strong sense of conscious citizenship will be able to optimally navigate a world full of changes. They will, in fact, be able to drive positive change.