Soft Skills: Where Do We Teach Them in a 4-Year Environment Kathy Winters University of Tennessee, Chattanooga

Outline Introduction of University and College Problem Partial Solution Course Design Topics Covered Topics Remaining Advantages of This Approach Disadvantages of This Approach Discussion Time and Questions Cengage Learning Computing Conference

University Student Population – Almost 12,000 Located Near the Middle of Downtown Chattanooga 100 Bachelor’s Degree Programs 40 Master’s Degree Programs 3 PhD Degree Programs 2015 Cengage Learning Computing Conference3

College Engineering and Computer Science College of Computer Science and Engineering Bachelor Degree in Computer Science – 5 Concentrations Software Systems Information Security Scientific Applications STEM Data Analytics Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering Master’s Degree – 3 Concentrations 2015 Cengage Learning Computing Conference4

Problem Students Need Soft Skills! Time 2015 Cengage Learning Computing Conference5

Problem State Requirement 120 Hour Max Undergraduate Degree 128 Hour Max for Engineering ABET Accreditation Requirements At Least 45 Hours of Computer Science At Least 30 Hours of Math and Science General Education 41 Hours Double Dipping Required to Meet Mandates 2015 Cengage Learning Computing Conference6

Problem Minor Requirements Business – 18 Hours Mathematics – 27 Hours Do the Math No Room For Additional Course Where Do We Put Soft Skills? 2015 Cengage Learning Computing Conference7

Soft Skills Definition How We Interact With Other People! 2015 Cengage Learning Computing Conference8

Top 10 Soft Skills for Job Hunters 1. Strong Work Ethic 2. Positive Attitude 3. Good Communication Skills 4. Time Management Abilities 5. Problem-Solving Skills 6. Acting as a Team Player 7. Self-Confidence 8. Ability to Accept and Learn From Criticism 9. Flexibility/Adaptability 10. Working Well Under Pressure Cengage Learning Computing Conference9

Solution – Course Design  Incorporate the Skills in Capstone Project  Two Semester Course  First Semester  Study Basics of Software Engineering  Begin Major Project  Second Semester  Complete Major Project  Work as a Team  Instructor Serves as Contractor  Students are the Employees (Minions) 2015 Cengage Learning Computing Conference10

Partial Solutions – Skills Covered 3. Good Communication Skills 4. Time Management Abilities 5. Problem-Solving Skills 6. Acting as a Team Player 7. Self-Confidence 8. Ability to Accept and Learn From Criticism 9. Flexibility/Adaptability 10. Working Well Under Pressure 2015 Cengage Learning Computing Conference11

Solution - 3. Good Communication Skills Written: Must Apply for Team Resume and Cover Letter Signed Requirement Document Progress Reports Documentation Oral: Monthly Progress Report in Front of Class 2015 Cengage Learning Computing Conference12

Solution - 4. Time Management Abilities 40 % of Grade Depends Upon Completing Project No Hard Deadlines Given – Simply Progress Reports Must Develop Detailed Schedule Activity Responsible Person Due Date % Complete Date Completed Must Manage Their Time Table 2015 Cengage Learning Computing Conference13

Solution - 5. Problem-Solving Skills Each Team Has Different Problem Teams Must Find a Solution Possible Solutions Discussed AFTER Student Developed Solutions Must Meet Customer Needs No Language Defined Only Guidelines - Make Customer Happy Student Decides Who Does What 2015 Cengage Learning Computing Conference14

Solution – 6. Acting as a Team Player Working in Teams of 3-4 Peer Reviews (Grade One Another) Team Participation Overall Effectiveness Productivity Cooperativeness Timeliness Quality Part of Grade Every 2 Weeks 2015 Cengage Learning Computing Conference15

Solution - 9. Flexibility/Adaptability  Project Can Change on a Dime  Working With Industry  Not a Controlled Project  Some Handle Better than Others 2015 Cengage Learning Computing Conference16

Problem – May Not Solve 7. Self-Confidence 8. Ability to Accept and Learn From Criticism 10. Working Well Under Pressure 2015 Cengage Learning Computing Conference17

Solution – Topics Remaining 1. Strong Work Ethic 2. Positive Attitude Interviewing Skills Others 2015 Cengage Learning Computing Conference18

Advantage To This Approach It Fits Within an Existing Class Additional Credit Hours Not Required Direct Contact With a Customer Real Experience Resume Builder They Get To Practice Soft Skills in Real Live Situation 2015 Cengage Learning Computing Conference19

Disadvantages To This Approach Instructor Time Intensive Different Every Semester Difficult to Grade Working with Customer Difficult to Form Compatible Groups How to Deal with Dysfunctional Teams How to Give Individual Grades Perhaps Not Obvious Learning 2015 Cengage Learning Computing Conference20

Discussion Time Kathy Winters University of Tennessee Chattanooga 2015 Cengage Learning Computing Conference21