Surrounded by advancing technologies, we absorb up-to-date skills and competencies that are relevant
for our personal and professional growth. For instance, sending an e-mail to hundreds of people or
sharing a piece of valuable information through a creative TikTok video can be considered a skill.
However, keeping up with the fast-paced world can sometimes make us forget some fundamental skills
that we need in life. These skills are what we call the ‘Non-cognitive’ or soft skills. In nature, these abilities
or attributes are not particularly intellectual or analytical (Rosen et al., 2010).
In relation to the field of education, our learners also tend to overlook their abilities. A learner’s basic skills
can be a factor that can greatly affect their academic performance. Thus, it is crucial to tackle non-
cognitive skills that our learners need to develop and enhance.
a. Flexibility in given tasks. Considering that our students have a full to-do list, flexibility is a key to
attaining good academic performance. We must teach them proper organizing and planning of
their own time.
b. Searching for self-efficacy. Our learners nowadays are unaware of their capabilities. They
usually doubt themselves if they have what it takes to do something. Giving them motivation can
boost their trust in themselves. It is a part of our duty to make our learners be engaged and
interested in the learning process.
c. Social skills in the new normal. Schools in the Philippines follow strict health protocols. With
the halt of face-to-face learning, everyone gets in touch with their classmates and friends through
their screens. To guarantee the development of our learners’ social skills, we can think of
activities where they can bond together. Collaboration amongst the learners ensures their
relationship together.
d. Strategies in learning. In this new setup of education, students were given their own choice of
learning modality. For those who chose modular learning, they faced difficulty in comprehending
the lessons. As educators, let us impart some strategies and techniques on how they are going to
understand the lessons in our absence. Our guidance in this matter would be of great help.
e. Resiliency towards stressors. When the COVID-19 pandemic enters the scene, our resiliency
was tested. The dire status of the educational system makes it more troublesome. Ensuring our
students’ abilities to stand firm in the midst of chaos is also a part of our duty. However, we must
not forget that they are still young. Developing resiliency is beneficial to their academic growth.
All in all, let us ponder what techniques and strategies can we use to develop the skills of our learners.
Creating a classroom environment that molds various skills has a huge impact on their development.
Their academic and spiritual growth lies in our capabilities as an educator. Let us foster the younger
generations to ensure a bright future ahead of us.
By: Lyka Eunice O. Magdalera | Teacher I | Bataan National High School
