Page 19 - Effective Communication Soft Skills Strategies For Success by Nitin Bhatnagar, Mamta Bhatnagar

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Soft Skills: Growing Importance | 7

low motivation. Their focus frequently shifts to the skills that are likely to
yield higher grades and percentages as an immediate objective. Hence, skills
related to ‘examination techniques’ acquire importance though there are not
many situations in life that resemble the typically artificial nature of an aca-
demic assessment system. This kind of traditional learning system does not
focus on the importance of soft skills. Hence, a major shift in the attitudes of
the policy makers in necessary.

SOFT SKILLS—A PREREQUISITE FOR A TEACHER

The greatest potential for growth of an academic institute is its teaching com-
munity. To be an effective teacher, one should have both hard and soft skills.
Possessing good soft skills will always strengthen teacher’s confidence. Such
teachers can prepare their students such that they learn to face the challenges
of life better. Teaching is an emotional job, as it deals with teaching not only the
academic material but also with the personal issues of the students. To inculcate
soft skills in students, teachers themselves should be equipped with soft skills.
One of the most vital soft skills required by a teacher is communication. To
‘communicate’ is to write, to persuade, to train, to present, to inspire, to inform,
to entertain, and to teach. In addition to communication, soft skills such as
mentoring and coaching are the essential pre-requisites of a teacher. A men-
tor is an experienced and trusted advisor. When asked who the most favourite
teacher is, the image of that teacher who exhibits concern for students comes
to mind than the teacher who is an expert in the subject. The reason is that
s/he was not only an excellent teacher, but also made a lasting impression upon
the students with his/her concerns, warmth, empathy, positive regard and com-
munication. In times of crisis the teacher became a counselor. When a student
is confronted with the dilemma to choose a career, the teacher helps him take
a decision. There could be many teachers who have taught with great repute or
explained difficult concepts with great ease. But, it is only that teacher who has
exhibited a warm passion for students, who often comes to our mind, whenever
we are a little nostalgic about school days. This is simply because of his or her
excellent soft skills.

ROLE OF TEACHERS IN INCULCATING SOFT SKILLS IN STUDENTS

Teachers play a significant role in the transition phase of students’ lives. This
phase prepares the students for their adult life. It involves continuous teaching
and supporting a student’s growth and ability to handle the demands of this
complex world. A key to the whole concept of transition is that while instruc-
tion is critical, it ultimately needs to be transferred into real-life settings in order

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