The importance of "non-cognitive skills" has recently been gaining attention in the education industry.
What exactly are "non-cognitive skills," and how can we help children develop them? Let's learn together!
What are Non-Cognitive Skills?
Non-cognitive skills are abilities that cannot be measured by intelligence or academic achievement tests.
They are said to be largely related to intangible aspects like "human emotions" and "social skills."
Research conducted in the United States showed a strong correlation between "high income and social status" and "non-cognitive skills," which brought attention to these skills from the education industry worldwide.
In Japan, too, there has been great interest in non-cognitive skills as abilities related to all kinds of success, including academic achievement, future income, and health status.
There is no clear definition or classification of the types of non-cognitive skills, and it is said that there are more than 160 types. Among them, the non-cognitive skills that are desirable to develop in early childhood are as follows:
・Concentration
・Perseverance
・Motivation
・Curiosity
・Autonomy
・Communication Skills
・Cooperation
・Empathy
It is said that by acquiring these non-cognitive skills early in life, there is a higher possibility of leading a fulfilling life.
Why Non-Cognitive Skills Are Needed
The coming era is predicted to be even more rapidly changing than before.
Simply possessing knowledge alone will make it difficult to cope with the new challenges that continuously arise.
Even in such an era, the abilities expected to be effective are "non-cognitive skills."
By developing non-cognitive skills, it is believed that people can persevere through difficult challenges, build good relationships with others, and lead fulfilling lives.
How to Develop Non-Cognitive Skills?
Non-cognitive skills are considered to be abilities that can be developed through experience, rather than innate personality traits.
Furthermore, the involvement of nearby adults can also help children develop their non-cognitive skills.
The first and most basic thing is to give them lots of love.
The deep sense of security and bond that comes from being unconditionally loved and accepted by a parent or other close adult helps to stabilize a child's emotions.
It is also important to cherish playtime.
Getting engrossed in their favorite games builds a foundation for improving concentration.
Also, be sure to respect their own opinions.
This will help them gain confidence in making their own decisions and develop decisiveness.
Furthermore, make an effort to intentionally create opportunities for them to interact with many people.
This will help them develop communication skills and cultivate proactiveness.
Points to observe the growth of non-cognitive abilities
Non-cognitive abilities are difficult to measure as they cannot be quantified. However, there is an educational program called "SEL (Social and Emotional Learning)" that aims to develop non-cognitive abilities.
By referring to the items listed in this program, you can gauge the degree of your child's non-cognitive development.
Point ① Self-awareness
Is your child aware of their own feelings of "anger" and able to control them well?
It's not bad to feel angry.
However, if they frequently throw tantrums, teach them ways to calm down, such as "taking deep breaths."
Point ② Awareness of others
Is your child able to listen attentively to others, making eye contact and nodding occasionally?
Listening to others provides clues to understanding their feelings.
To be a good role model for your child, parents should also genuinely engage in their child's conversations.
Look your child in the eye and listen to them while occasionally nodding and saying, "Yes, that's right."
Point ③ Self-control
When your child finds fault with themselves, do they belittle themselves?