Online Course on Developing Life Skills
ONLINE COURSE ON
DEVELOPING LIFE SKILLS
MODULE NO. 1
INTRODUCTION TO LIFE SKILLS AND LIFE SKILLS
EDUCATION
EMMRC Calicut
University of Calicut
CREDITS
Core Team Module Contributor
Prof. (Dr.) Mohamedunni Alias Musthafa Prof. (Dr.) Mohamedunni Alias Musthafa
Professor, Professor,
Department of Education, Department of Education,
Director IQAC Director IQAC
Central University of Kerala Central University of Kerala
1 | Introduction to life skills & Life skills education
Online Course on Developing Life Skills
INTRODUCTION TO LIFE SKILLS AND LIFE SKILLS
EDUCATION
OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this module are:
ü To understand the concept of life skills and life skills education
ü To comprehend the core life skills
ü To understand conceptual evolution of life skills education
ü To recognise the importance of life skills education
ü To familiarise terms associated with life skills education
INTRODUCTION
We are living in a very busy world. Everybody engaged in their busy schedules,
irrespective of age, nature of job or course studying and struggling to find time to accomplish
their targets. In this rush many of us are forget about how to live a quality life and how to
handle various problems of our day to day life. Thinking about inner self and being optimistic
to the complexities of life is essential for leading a successful life. Today young generation
are rising up with a growing sense of suspicion and gloom. Young generation is not using
their abilities and potential to the fullest even though their mental, physical, emotional and
social skills are extreme in this period. There are many issues which hinder them from this
like addiction to drugs, lack of emotional balance, physical abuses, decreased self esteem,
improper knowledge the physiological and psychological changes occurred during
adolescence, moral deterioration etc which badly affect the individual as well as the society.
This results in low self-esteem, inability to handle pressures at work and in personal lives,
eventually ending up in depression.
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Online Course on Developing Life Skills
The power of young generation is unimaginable if properly channelized and nurtured.
It is recognised that to prepare young minds as productive human capital, the foundation has
to be laid during the early period of the life. Student life is marked by all-around intellectual
and mental growth. The parents expect from them to perform well in academic and
compliance to family and societal values. They have to become accustomed to these changes
and cope with the substantial problems, meet the expectations of the parents and teachers to
deal with their personal needs and ambitions. As a result of these complex circumstances,
they face uncertainties and dilemmas and find themselves, often, crossroads of life. This does
not only generate a lot of stress for them but also enhances their vulnerability to unhealthy
and wrongful practices.
Proper training should be given to students concerning how to handle the issues of
various situations connected to personal life, study habits, relation with peers and other
members of society, pressure at work place etc. Such skills which enable a person to tackle
various stressful situations of life and to lead a happier life are called life skills.
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Online Course on Developing Life Skills
Life skill is an individual’s ability to develop and sustain a state of mental well-being
with other people they interact with and also within themselves. When learning environment
is motivated with positive thinking and helps to look forward to the future with hope and
confidence then students find themselves adequately prepared to handle pressures and
stresses of life. These skills are developed through the life experiences of an individual. Also
life skill can be inculcated to the early years of life easily through schooling itself. Adults
also can gain life skill through training programmes. Life skills training in schools must meet
the social and emotional developmental needs of students for effective teaching and learning
to take place and for students to reach their full potential.
Efficient and innovative life skills education package for curriculum which can move
towards better preparing youth to enter and contribute to a competitive and global workforce
is a need of the hour.
LIFE SKILLS
Life skills are skills that help individuals for dealing the issues of daily life effectively
using various adaptive practices according to the changing needs and requirement. The
overall reflection of one’s behaviour is the sum total of the appropriate combination of
different skills. Logically, it is the psychological competency and steadiness of the concerned
individual. The most appropriate intervention for the promotion of this competence of
children in school is to enhance competencies through the proper use of available resources
by the process of Life Skills Education and training. Life skill can change our mental set up
and the style of functioning. This ability will enhance utilisation of human resources and
increase productivity.
The World Health Organization has defined life skills as, "the abilities for adaptive
and positive behavior that enable individuals to deal effectively with the demands and
challenges of everyday life". According to WHO, life skills encompasses personal, inter-
personal, physical and cognitive skills that facilitate people to organize and manage their
lives, and to develop the capacity to live with, and produce change in their environment. Life
skills are the fundamental building blocks for the further development of personal skills for
health promotion, which is one of the key action areas in the Ottawa Charter.
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Online Course on Developing Life Skills
“The abilities for adaptive
and positive behaviour
that enables individuals to
deal effectively with the
demands and challenges of
everyday life"
UNICEF defines life skills as “a behavior change or behavior development approach
designed to address a balance of three areas: knowledge, attitude, and skills”. The UNICEF
definition is based on research evidence that suggests that shifts in risk behavior are unlikely
if knowledge, attitudinal and skills-based competency are not addressed.
“Behaviour change or behaviour
development approach designed
to address a balance of three
areas: knowledge, attitude and
skills”
CONCEPTUAL ORIGIN OF LIFE SKILLS
As mentioned earlier the concept of life skill is not a new one but it has been evolving
from the early period of human race. But the concept of life skills education or an attempt to
incorporate life skills in education system is a relatively new thought emerged in recent years.
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Online Course on Developing Life Skills
An early mention is in the 1986 Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion, which stated under the
rubric of ‘personal skills’ that health promotion “supports personal and social development
through providing information, education for health, and enhancing life skills.
The concept was elaborated by World Health Organisation and various other
international organizations like United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and other agencies contributed
much for the encouragement of Life Skills among children and adolescents.
The focus of life skills made by the World Declaration on Education for All (1990) is
also notable. Delors Commission Report of 1996 has suggested that education throughout life
should be based on the four pillars; Learning to know, learning to do, learning to live together
and learning to be.
The crux of the problem, though, is in clearly identifying or categorizing those
abilities from a broad range of positive and desirable attitudinal and behavioral outcomes.
Life Skills education is general approach which can be applied in all spheres of life
irrespective of the age and occupation. Life skills can be utilized in different areas such as
prevention of sexual abuse, HIV / AIDS, drug addiction and to improve mental health and
well being.
As mentioned earlier according to UNICEF, this behavioral development approach
designed to address the balance of three areas:
• Knowledge
• Attitude and
• Skills.
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Online Course on Developing Life Skills
Knowledge includes understanding of domains such as laws and rules, the democratic
process, the media, human rights, diversity, money, and the economy, sustainable
development. Skills including creative and critical thinking, assertive in expressing opinions,
active participation in debates and discussions conflict management etc. Values and attitudes
includes respect for others, tolerance, listening skill, defending wrong opinions, faith in
democracy etc.
The ten core Life Skills suggested by World Health Organization (WHO) are:
v Self-awareness
v Critical thinking
v Creative thinking
v Decision making
v Problem Solving
v Effective communication
v Interpersonal relationship
v Empathy
v Coping with stress
v Coping with emotion
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Online Course on Developing Life Skills
The development of Life skill is relevant for each and every individual irrespective of
the age, occupation, locality etc. who has the desire to succeed in life and to lead a quality
life. It would help us to maintain the mental health through developing positive attitude
towards ourselves and to the world around us.
MAJOR COMPONENTS OF LIFE SKILLS
The World Health Organisation (WHO) classified life skills into three major broad
areas. They are:
a. Thinking skills
b. Social skills and
c. Emotional skills
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Online Course on Developing Life Skills
a. Thinking skills
Thinking skills includes –critical thinking, creative thinking, analytical reasoning,
problem solving and decision making. These skills are essential for better dealing in all
spheres of life like personal relations, professional issues and social problems which enable
to make right decisions and avoid conflicts.
b. Social skills
The major social skills are communication skills, interpersonal skills, leadership
skills, management skills, co-operation, and team building skills. It also includes active
listening, and the ability to express feelings and give feedback. Refusal or negotiation skills
and assertiveness skills are included that directly determine ones’ ability to manage conflict.
Empathy is another important skill that helps to understand others. Cooperation and active
participation in team work is also important. Tolerance the opposing opinions and respect for
others is also included in social skills.
c. Emotional skills
Emotional skills, includes understanding and being comfortable with oneself and to
others. Coping with emotions, self management, coping with stress, resolving internal
conflicts etc are included in this. Emotional skills has the power to change the attitude of the
individual and thus to change the destiny of the world.
LIFE SKILLS EDUCATION
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Online Course on Developing Life Skills
Life skill education is a value-added program which aims to provide students with
strategies to make healthy choices that contribute to a meaningful life. It is proved that
schools are playing the most important role in the emotional and social development of the
individuals. If life skills are implemented through school education we can effectively
develop and sustain the mental health and social values among the students. Life skills
education is applicable to all ages of children and adolescents in school. However, it targets
adolescents since young people seem to be most vulnerable and behavior related health
problems. It helps adolescents to recognise their self and to understand their abilities, skills,
and domains of development. It also helps adolescents to get along with other people and
adjust to their environment and making a responsible decision. The main aim of life skill
education is to equip the learner to develop a concept of oneself as a person of value and
dignity. It is not possible to learn Life skills by mere reading of books, it should be done
through practice.
The scope of life skills education differs with the level of the education system. As a
long – term goal the life skills education should cover the entire education process that is
from primary school to higher education. Life skills as a separate subject as well as by
integrated method can be spread across the curriculum. Life skills education should be very
dynamic that can incorporate not only teacher and students but also parents, community
members and organisations. The programme should consider the local issues that are familiar
to students. There are many techniques – both qualitative and quantitative tools are developed
for the evaluation of life skills education.
LIFE SKILLS EDUCATION - OBJECTIVES
The objective of life skills education programme is to teach students how to:
Ø Contribute actively in various decision-making and processes
Ø Resolve disputes and conflicts and to weigh up what is right and wrong
Ø Understand and to respect different beliefs, customs and traditions of a multi cultural
world.
Ø Understand the strength and limitations of the personality and to modify accordingly
Ø Manage emotions and sustain mental health
Ø Identify diverse cultures, ethnic and communities
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Online Course on Developing Life Skills
IMPLEMENTATION OF LIFE SKILLS EDUCATION IN CLASSROOM
The researches in this field recommend that use of different innovative activities and
approaches will leads to better development of life skills among students. Following are some
activities that can be used in classroom for inculcating life skills.
a. Classroom Discussions
Discussions provide opportunities for learners to understand and to solving problems
of day today life. Discussion helps the students to broaden their thinking abilities and also
facilitate in depth reasoning of the topic. Through discussion many skills and qualities like
assertiveness, listening skills, and interpersonal skills can be improved.
b. Brainstorming
Brainstorming facilitates children to make ideas rapidly and impulsively. It helps to
foster the systematic imagination skills of the students. Active discussion in the class
can generate innovative ideas. It is helpful for evaluating the pros and cons of a
situation or event effectively.
c. Role Plays
Role plays helps to keep the whole students active throughout the class. It is very
much effective for students. Role play also facilitate the practicing the skills and to provide a
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Online Course on Developing Life Skills
better understanding for handling real life problems.
d. Groups
When the number of students is high and time is limited, groups are helpful for better
result. It facilitates the interpersonal skills of the students and learns how to work as a team
through effective communication and understanding. It is also helpful for developing
empathy.
e. Games and Simulations
Games are always favourite to the students irrespective of the age. It can provide rich
learning experience through fun and activities. They demands knowledge, attitude and skills.
It provides a safe and stress free classroom atmosphere and facilitate the practicing of many
skills.
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Online Course on Developing Life Skills
f. Analysis of Situation and Case Studies
Situation analysing and case studies demands little more serious and careful practices
from the students and teachers and trainers need to support students for the proper direction.
They give chances to understand and discover problems and to find out their solutions.
Students interpersonal skills, cooperation, communication skills are also promoted along with
the critical thinking skills and cognitive development. Case studies are powerful tools for
analytical and problem solving skills.
g. Story-Telling
Story telling helps children to develop creative and critical thinking. It give chance to
draw analogies with real life situations. It also increase the skills such as listening skill,
attention, and endurance.
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Online Course on Developing Life Skills
h. Debates
For addressing a specific problem and to explore in depth, debates are best used.
Socially important issues are handled using debates for better result and active participation.
Skills such as assertiveness, communication skills, listening skills, critical thinking etc are
fostered through this activity. Students also learn to respect the opinion of the opposite views
and to defend.
While implementing life skills education through the above mentioned and other
techniques there are certain criteria to be kept in mind. They are as follows;
• Life skills education mainly focuses on the change in behaviour rather the mere
knowledge accumulation.
• Conventional methods which used for information transmission may not suitable for
this programme. Therefore, the lecture should be substantiated with exercises and
situations where participants can practice safe behavior and experience its effects. The
adult learning theory emphasizes that adults learn best that which they can associate
with their experience and practice.
• Continuous and sustained provision is essential. If a message is given once, the brain
remembers only 10 percent of it one day later, and when the same message is given
six times a day, the brain remembers 90 percent of it. Hence the needs to repeat,
recaps, reinforce and review.
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Online Course on Developing Life Skills
• Such programmes will work best if combined with policy development, access to
appropriate health services, community development, and media.
Advantages of Teaching Life Skills
Life skill education for young students will bring innumerable benefits to individuals
and to development of the society. Life Skills education equip students to understand
differing and opposing views and to express opinion, to behave in a team, to understand
emotions of others as well as themselves, and to lead a successful life with mental well
being. Antisocial activities can be reduced and redirect the potential for betterment of society
through value inculcation. Life skills education enhances self esteem among the students and
a self awareness about their strength and limitations.
SIGNIFICANCE OF LIFE SKILLS EDUCATION
Efficient and appropriate execution of life skill education is a necessity of the time.
Implementing life skills education to the students will be beneficial as it deals with the
requirements of students, helps to improve the management of emotions and fostering
thinking skills. Altogether life skills education, have found to be a fruitful approach for
fostering positive social, and mental health of people which plays an important role in all-
round development. Hence it is essential to integrate life skills education into the regular
school curriculum and given on a regular basis to increase the physical as well as mental
wellbeing of the students. Not only in school but out of the school programmes also helpful
such as workshops and campaigns especially for adults. Such programmes would be helpful
for the society members who were not part of the main educational stream since life skills
education is applicable for all.
Summary
For the effective implementation and functioning of life skills education various
organisations has contributed much and the progress is visible in many spheres. It is helpful
for enhancing the essential social, emotional and thinking skills that equip the young
generation to sustain in the twenty first century. Life skills essentially helps individuals to
lead a positive and successful life through maintain the mental health and social hbehaviour.
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Online Course on Developing Life Skills
Even though little more emphasis should be done by government as well as nongovernment
agencies in the proper integration of life skills education to the mainstream education for
better results.
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