What are Life Skills? Educational frameworks?

For a long time, I have argued that there are four levels of abstraction in learning outcomes:

• Values
• Attitudes
• Skills
• Techniques

Several other models exist. Some educational theorists delineate between knowledge-based, skills-based and affective goals (incorporating values, attitudes and interests), which is essentially the same as the VAST framework that I have used. Bloom's Taxonomy of Educational Goals provides a very sophisticated framework, highlighting the appropriate assessment procedures that might be adopted as well as the helping frame the learning outcomes themselves.

How much better could our schools and parents be if they had clear outcomes in mind? How much more effective could we be as people if we clearly had in mind the messages that we wanted to communicate to those around us?

Each level is critically important, though different in nature. Educational experiences often focus upon some of these outcomes more than others; sometimes deliberately, othertimes not. UNICEF has created a list of what it considers to be "Life Skills", a list that I think is valuable, interesting and worthy of consideration by our educators. As you look at this list, consider how many of those skills you were deliberately taught - ever - and how much more powerfully you could live your life and impact upon the world if you had been...

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Interpersonal communication skills
  Verbal/Nonverbal communication
  Active listening
  Expressing feelings; giving feedback (without blaming) and receiving feedback
• Negotiation/refusal skills
  Negotiation and conflict management
  Assertiveness skills
  Refusal skills
• Empathy
  Ability to listen and understand another's needs and circumstances and express that understanding
• Cooperation and Teamwork
  Expressing respect for others' contributions and different styles
  Assessing one's own abilities and contributing to the group
• Advocacy Skills
  Influencing skills & persuasion
  Networking and motivation skills

Decision-Making and Critical Thinking Skills

• Decision making / problem solving skills
  Information gathering skills
  Evaluating future consequences of present actions for self and others
  Determining alternative solutions to problems
  Analysis skills regarding the influence of values and attitudes of self and others on motivation
• Critical thinking skills
  Analyzing peer and media influences
  Analyzing attitudes, values, social norms and beliefs and factors affecting these
  Identifying relevant information and information sources

Coping and Self-Management Skills

• Skills for increasing internal locus of control
  Self esteem/confidence building skills
  Self awareness skills including awareness of rights, influences, values, attitudes, rights, strengths and weaknesses
  Goal setting skills
  Self evaluation / Self assessment / Self-monitoring skills
• Skills for managing feelings
  Anger management
  Dealing with grief and anxiety
  Coping skills for dealing with loss, abuse, trauma
• Skills for managing stress
  Time management
  Positive thinking
  Relaxation techniques