The discourse of education has evolved over the years. In the 21st century, education has become way more than earning a degree. It has changed its course from being limited to curriculum to developing command over various disciplines spanning from cognitive to non-cognitive soft skills. Thus, the 21st-century definition of education encompasses within itself the broad scope of academic, non-academic disciplines. A person’s overall development accounts for their hard skills, non-cognitive soft skills and of course their emotional capabilities. To discount any one of these for the other becomes problematic. In fact to see either of them is isolation becomes all the more problematic. It is the interdependence of both non-cognitive and cognitive skills that determines the latter’s dominance.
Non-cognitive skills, also known as soft skills contribute to an individual’s problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, organizational and interpersonal skills. Often overlooked, these skills determine the “patterns of thought, feelings and behaviour (Borghans et al. 2008) of individuals that may continue to develop throughout their lives (Bloom 1964).” Developed from a very nascent stage, these noncognitive skills like communication, teamwork, organization skills, the cultivation these skills begin outside school, at home and further developed throughout. Even in the professional sphere, these skills are taken into consideration when recruiting an individual. Employers not only want competent individuals who are good at what they do, but they also look for individuals who possess strong interpersonal and communication skills.
It is how one reacts in the moment of crisis and how they respond and interact with the world around them. The very foundation of socio-emotional skills is laid down by early family experiences that inform our conditioning. Feelings of empathy, respect and tolerance tell an individual’s socio-emotional skills. Research indicates that emotional and cognitive abilities are closely interrelated, directly impacting the individual’s social relationships and decision-making skills.
Lastly, the technical skills or the hard skills determine the individual’s professional interests and inform the basic knowledge to perform a particular task. In a fast-paced society, these skills are imperative to survive in the professional realm. These skills include essential social media platforms, coding, content marketing, digital marking and programming. These skills are critical to keeping up with the pace of the ever-changing world and its ways. The World Economic Forum confirms that around 54% of employees will require upskilling by 2022. Technical skill development when continuously upskilled can yield unfathomable results and drive out huge numbers.
Well, it can be established that it is not always the number game that reins. Although profits and numbers play a very important role in the professional sphere, intangible profits of healthy relationships and strong decision-making skills cannot be divorced from what we know as “paradigms of success”.
Work is Worship 