Introduction to Life Skills

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Antony Jefferson
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1 Introduction to Life Skills Purpose Provide teachers the basic information needed to define and promote the teaching of life skills 1

2 Agenda Life Skills Defined Consequences of Teaching Life Skills How to Teach Life Skills Why does Teaching Life Skills Work? Teacher Benefits and Challenges Life Skills Defined Life skills are a set of skills that people use to effectively deal with life challenges A balanced set of life skills is most effective An individual s set of life skills influence, and are influenced by, their community 2

3 Life Skills Defined (Cont d) Life Skills Defined (Cont d) Life challenges include: Alcohol, Tobacco, and other Substance Use Interpersonal Relationships Sexual and Reproductive Health Physical Fitness / Nutrition Violence 3

4 Life Skills Defined (Cont d) To effectively deal with a life challenge: A variety of life skills need to be used Individual, peer, and community life skills may be required The same sets of life skills can be used in dealing with a wide range of life challenges Life Skills Defined (Cont d) Life skills can be broken down into smaller and smaller sets of skills Need to focus on 3 broad skill sets of life skills 4

5 Life Skills Defined (Cont d) 3 Life Skill Sets: Communication and Interpersonal Skills Decision-Making and Critical Thinking Skills Coping and Self- Management Skills Life Skills Defined (Cont d) Communication and Interpersonal Skills Interpersonal Communication Negotiation / Refusal Empathy Building Cooperation and Teamwork Advocacy 5

6 Life Skills Defined (Cont d) Decision-Making and Critical Thinking Skills Decision-making / Problem-solving Gathering info Evaluating possible consequences Analysis skills Critical Thinking Peer and media Individual and community Information sources Life Skills Defined (Cont d) Coping and Self- Management Skills Increasing Confidence Assuming Control Taking Responsibility Making a Difference Bringing About Change Managing Feeling Managing Stress 6

7 Consequences of Teaching Life Skills Teaching life skills helps create healthier communities Skill development and teaching basic information leads to better results Practicing skills leads to real behaviors Learning by doing is the most effective method Consequences of Teaching Life Skills (Cont d) Has been shown to reduce: Delinquent behavior Violence Drug use High risk sexual activity Peer rejection Emotional disorders Has been shown to increase: Social adjustment Self-esteem Academic performance Pro-social behavior 7

8 How to Teach Life Skills Stages of Teaching: 1. Define and promote specific skills 2. Promote skill acquisition and performance 3. Foster skill maintenance / generalization How to Teach Life Skills (Cont d) 1. Define and Promote Specific Skills Basic information about the skills Positive and negative examples of skill application Encourage rehearsal and action Correct misperceptions 8

9 How to Teach Life Skills (Cont d) 2. Promote Skill Acquisition and Performance Demonstrate skill Practice skill Provide feedback Evaluate How to Teach Life Skills (Cont d) 3. Foster Skill Maintenance / Generalization Provide chance to practice Foster selfevaluation and skill adjustment 9

10 How to Teach Life Skills The teaching methods that have been used to effectively teach life skills create an environment that is: Participatory Autonomy-supportive How to Teach Life Skills (Cont d) Participatory Teaching Is: Student centered Social Inclusive Active Fun Engaging Intrinsically Motivating Participatory Teaching Uses: Modeling Observation Practice Basic information Reflection Context 10

11 How to Teach Life Skills (Cont d) Autonomy-supportive teaching: Gives students choices within structured setting Involves students in decision-making Minimizes use of pressure and extrinsic control Encourages self-initiation Acknowledges the other s perspective and feelings Why does Teaching Life Skills Work? Holistic approach Skills developed before risks See the consequences of behavior in low risk environment Establishes positive peer pressure Practice strengthens skills that help deal with broad set of life challenges 11

12 Benefits and Challenges Benefits: Help increase the health of your community Increased student engagement Increased student attendance Reach students who don t respond to current methods Challenges: Need to learn different teaching approaches Use of life skills often hidden Will not prevent all problems Modeling skills at all times can be difficult 12

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