Life Skills Module 2021

This Life Skills Module aims to facilitate college lecturers and principals for integrating Life Skills into mainstream education. It has been through benchmarking from global modules. Teachers are encouraged to make use of information on skills and activities on a regular basis. Activities, YouTube links, Worksheets are provided within the module that make it a self – sufficient document.

Life Skills is a term used to describe a set of skills acquired through learning and/or direct life experience that are used to help individuals and groups effectively handle problems and questions commonly encountered in their daily life. In other words, life skills are skills that prepare an individual to live independently and productively within a society. Some individuals acquire life skills without even thinking about it. These skills can include knowing how to balance studies and personal life, understanding why one/others behave in a specific way, and knowing how to be a better friend. Life skills can be modelled and taught by parents and loved ones as they go about their daily routines. From this, individuals can perfect their own skills by trial and error. For some however, life skills might not be easily understood nor observed. Some individuals might simply struggle to learn these skills or might feel as though no one was ever patient enough to guide them. In order to ensure that life skills are understood by and instilled within all young people, educators can teach life skills in the classroom, and through that help to prepare young people for success in their daily lives.

• It helps them to develop self-confidence and successfully deal with significant life changes and challenges, such as bullying and discrimination

• It gives them a voice: at college, in their community and in society at large

• It enables them to make a positive contribution by developing the expertise and experience they need to claim their rights and understand their responsibilities, while preparing them for the challenges and opportunities of adult and working life.

Following themes have been discussed in detail with sub -themes theoretically, for making the module interactive range of activities and instructions have been added to facilitate the educators;

1. Interpersonal Skills; Self – Awareness and Self- Esteem, Motivation and Management Skills (Anger Management, Money Management & Relationship Management)

2. Social Skills; Effective Communication, Active Listening & Conflict Resolution

3. Cognitive Skills; Decision Making, Logic and Reasoning & Problem Solving

4. Digital Skills; Handling Information and content & Being Safe Online

5. Wellness Skills; Dimensions of Wellness, Mental Health, Stress Management & Mindfulness

Educators must understand that Life Skills cannot be taught overnight; all of us will have to work gradually so that we can transform our college students into active community members.

Role of Educators

The role of educators (designated lecturers, principals, members of the college directorate and staff of the HED secretariat) is crucial to the success of the Life Skills Module 2021. Life Skills cannot be developed in just a few teaching hours. They involve a long-term process that is sustained over time through regular and varied activities. Teachers are also the ones who should decide which activities are best suited to their students and to determine their priorities and objectives for their class. They should therefore discuss with colleagues, exchange their views and modify activities if required depending on their students’ needs. The nominated lecturers should always look for opportunities to further discuss the topics covered in the module, integrate them with mainstream subjects wherever possible to make connections with other extra – curricular and co-curricular activities for bringing a paradigm shift in the overall intellectual development of college students.