LIFE SKILLS EDUCATION An Introduction Rao Mohar Singh College of Education LIFE SKILLS EDUCATION An Introduction Presented by- Rajni Kotnala Adolescent Friendly School Initiative

Today’s Youth Tomorrow's Wealth

What is ‘Life Skills’? WHO (1997) “the abilities for adaptive and positive behavior that enables individuals to deal effectively with the demands and challenges of everyday life” UNICEF (2001) “life-skills based education is -behavior change or behavior development approach -designed to address a balance of three areas: knowledge, attitude, and skills.

Why Life-Skills Education? Early identification of problems, early intervention and support at key moments in lives of young people is vital Development needs & aspirations of the individuals Development of psychosocial abilities To enhance capabilities and enlarge choices To build different dimensions of well-being, by building self-image & self-worth, which in turn help individuals to be less vulnerable to the variations within a given context

Education To Fight Poverty And Vulnerability MONETARY POVERTY POVERTY IN LIVING CONDITIONS POVERTY IN POTENTIALITY “Vulnerability” is the probability of having one’s situation worsen when facing a dramatic event.

World Education Forum, 2000 Dakar Framework For Action “the human right to benefit from an education that will meet their(youth’s) basic learning needs in the best and fullest sense of the term, an education that includes learning to know, to do, to live together and to be” Life Skills Approach strengthens the ability of an individual to evolve, developing self-confidence and power to act, without being restricted to a single hands on skill

What are the “Life Skills” ? Problem-Solving Decision Making Critical Thinking Creative Thinking Communication Skills Self-Awareness Stress Management Empathy Interpersonal Relationship

The Four Pillars of Education Learning to Know: Developing Reasoning It relates to cognitive life skills such as critical thinking, problem solving and decision making skills. It thus refers to both the acquisition of knowledge as well as the use of knowledge. Learning to Be: Enhancing Agency It relates to self-management life skills related to self awareness, self esteem & self confidence, and coping skills Learning to Live Together: Building Potential Through Social Capital It relates to communication skills, Negotiation skills, Refusal skills, Assertiveness skills, Interpersonal skills, Co-operation skills & Empathy skills Learning to Do: Functioning and Capabilities It refers to central human functional capabilities of “Life”, “Bodily Health”, “Bodily Integrity” and “Control over one’s Environment”

Significance of learning Life Skills To be able to explore alternatives Weigh pros and cons Make rational decisions Communicate effectively To say “No” Be assertive

How ‘Life Skills’ lead to primary prevention of health problems? Knowledge Attitudes Values Life Skills Behavior reinforcement or change Positive Health Behavior Prevention of Health Problems

PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILL Allows to solve an issue, problem or conflict without anger, intimidation, insubordination, aggressive force or behavior Devising a plan in order to solve a problem Examining a related problem Adjustment to a situation PROBLEMS if left unresolved  MENTAL & PHYSICAL STRESS

What is Decision Making ? Abilities to assess available options Relating current situation to past similar situation To foresee the consequences of different decisions (actions/non-actions) No decision is also a decision

Responsible Decision Making Making decision after examining the choices & consequences in view of one’s values and goals is Responsible Decision Making

Steps for Responsible Decision Making Identify/Define the problem Consider the consequences or outcomes Consider family and personal values Choose one alternative Implement the decision

Critical Thinking Ability to analyze information and experiences in an objective manner Helps adolescents to recognize and to assess the factors influencing attitude & behavior - values, pressures (peer,family) Key to form right attitudes towards life Assists in developing responsible behavior.

Creative Thinking Enables to explore available alternatives and consequences of actions or non-actions Openness to experience Helps adolescents to respond adaptively and with flexibility to the daily life situations

SELF-AWARENESS Body movement and gestures Taking responsibility for own behavior Being able to stand up for one’s own values and needs Awareness of mental process Knowing one’s thought, feelings and actions

Coping with emotions & stress Recognizing effects of emotions on others and ourselves Being aware of how emotions influence behaviors Able to respond to emotions appropriately

How to Cope with Stress Recognize sources of stress in our life Recognizing how these affect us Identifying ways that help to control our levels of stress Learning how to relax to minimize tensions

Empathy Ability to understand and accept others To put oneself in other person’s shoes Being nurturing and tolerant Encourages a positive behavior towards people in need or difficulty

Interpersonal Skills To be able to develop & nurture supportive networks To be able to end relationships constructively Helps adolescents to relate with people in positive ways

Effective Communication To express ourselves verbally & non-verbally To express opinions, desires, needs & fears also To ask for advice and help

Take Pleasure & Pride in saying NO when one wants to say “no” Ways to say NO Polite refusal Give reason Repeat refusal Walk away Ignore the person Avoid the situation Find others’ support Talk about your own feelings

Life Skills Education Dynamic teaching & Dynamic learning Working in small groups & pairs Brainstorming Role-plays Experiential learning Games & debates Home assignments, to further discuss and practice skills with family & friends.

Thus, the ‘Life skills’ …. are applied in various aspects of life in human relationships, learning about rights & responsibilities in health issues: Mental Health-Stresses HIV-AIDS /STD Prevention Drug abuse, Sexual violence Teenage pregnancy Suicide Prevention

Therefore, the Adolescents should know about ‘Life skills’ because Empowers them to take positive actions to protect themselves and to promote health and positive social relationships. Utility in Other areas Environment Education Consumer Education Peace Education Social cultural Issues

THANK YOU