Professional Development

Blended Learning for Soft Skills Development

Canadian Council on Learning, 2010

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“Blended learning” refers to combining different kinds of instructional approaches, like face-to-face learning and coaching, with a variety of technologies, including discussion boards, e-content, and conference calls.

This research study compares the learning outcomes of four different blended learning strategies for developing the “soft skills” that enhance job performance and personal interactions. The four strategies range from a very loose coupling of personal learning with job performance to a very tight coupling.

Creating the learners society needs: an examination of knowledge building

Canadian Council on Learning, 2007

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Although Canadian workers have more education than ever before, numerous surveys of business leaders suggest that employers are dissatisfied with their employees’ so-called “soft” skills, such as teamwork, problem-solving, communication skills, and self-motivation. Research suggests that a learning strategy called knowledge building can help students acquire and develop these skills.