Some insights into life skills
Life skills refer to a set of behaviors required for managing our personal as well as professional lives in a better way. According to the World Health Organization, life skills are “the abilities for adaptive and positive behavior that enable individuals to deal effectively with the demands and challenges of everyday life.” On the other hand, UNICEF, in its definition of life skills, has mentioned “a behavior change or behavior development approach designed to address a balance of three areas: knowledge, attitude and skills.” National Curriculum Framework (NCF) has recommended 10 essential life skills, which should be inculcated in students. These life skills are as follows:
Social Skills
- Effective Communication
- Interpersonal Relationships
- Empathy
Decision-Making & Critical Thinking Skills
- Problem Solving
- Decision Making
- Self-awareness
- Critical Thinking
- Creative Thinking
Emotional Skills
- Managing Feelings
- Managing Stress
Importance of teaching students life skills
Life skills enable students to deal with day-to-day situations in a better way. Besides, when it comes to making sound decisions or informed choices, these skills prove to be beneficial. Life skills also empower students to take untoward situations as well as negative emotions, such as peer pressure, bullying, exam stress and anxiety, in their stride. In a nutshell, these skills go a long way in scripting a better future for students.
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