As a rule, skills can be broken into two categories; hard skills and soft skills. Hard skills are those abilities that can be trained and measured. Examples of hard skills include math, computer programming or spoken languages. Soft skills are personal attributes that help people achieve goals or accomplish tasks. Examples of soft skills include problem solving, teamwork, emotional intelligence, empathy and critical thinking.cos
Hard Skills and STEM focused education
The Australian school curriculum is made up of eight focus areas – English, math, science, technology, languages, health and physical education, humanities and social sciences and the arts. Apart from the arts (dance, drama, visual art, music and media arts), Australian students focus almost entirely on hard skills.
Thanks to changes to course pricing, universities across Australia have emphasised hard skills over soft. In 2020, the cost of humanities degrees, many of which promote or aid in the development of soft skills, were increased by 113%. At the same time, the cost of degrees such as math, medicine, English, IT, engineering and agriculture were reduced between 20% and 62%.
The school curriculum and changes to university degree pricing are purportedly in service of creating job ready graduates. This approach to hard skill education is often referred to as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math). The focus on the four areas covered by STEM is seen as critical both for future employability and the future of Australian productivity.
A changing employment marketplace
While it is true that the job market is changing and that many current jobs will either be replaced by automation or significantly changed by technology in the coming years, this doesn’t mean that there is no use for the humanities or soft skills. In fact, soft skills are becoming increasingly desired in the job market. HR managers across Australia and the world are increasingly valuing soft skills as being just as important as hard skills. Whereas hard skills show that a job candidate can do a job, soft skills are seen as giving a candidate the ability to succeed in a role.
Another problem with pushing all students towards a STEM degree is that increased supply of qualified graduates does not mean there is a commensurate increase in positions. Being a “job ready” graduate only works when there are jobs available. This is not to say there is no value to STEM education. STEM jobs are incredibly important to the future of the country, but they are not the be all and end all.
Soft Skills and the ability to succeed
Soft skills are non-technical, interpersonal skills that enable people to effectively interact and work with others. Not only are these skills extremely useful to students and aid in learning, but soft skills are also progressively being more valued by employers as they contribute to a person’s ability to succeed in the workplace.
Here are some ways in which soft skills can benefit job candidates:
Communication
Effective communication skills, including both verbal and written communication, are crucial in education and the workplace. Strong communication skills allow job candidates to express their ideas clearly, listen actively, and collaborate effectively with colleagues and clients. Clear and concise communication helps avoid misunderstandings, resolves conflicts, and promotes a positive work environment.
Collaboration and teamwork
Most degrees and careers require individuals to work collaboratively with others as part of a team. Soft skills such as teamwork, cooperation, and the ability to collaborate are essential for contributing to a cohesive and productive team environment. Job candidates who can work well with others, respect diverse perspectives, and contribute positively to group dynamics are highly valued by employers.
Problem-solving and critical thinking
Soft skills related to problem-solving and critical thinking enable people to analyse situations, identify challenges, and develop creative solutions. Strong problem-solving skills help people adapt to unexpected situations, overcome obstacles, and contribute innovative ideas to their classes or organisation.
Adaptability and flexibility
The ability to adapt to changing circumstances and be flexible in one’s approach is increasingly important in today’s dynamic work environments. Soft skills such as adaptability, resilience, and openness to change allow job candidates to quickly adjust to new technologies, processes, or roles. Employers seek individuals who can navigate ambiguity, embrace new challenges, and demonstrate a willingness to learn and grow.
Leadership and influence
Leading a team project in school or university can help develop leadership skills that are highly valued by employers. Even if a job candidate is not applying for a managerial position, leadership skills are valuable in various roles. Soft skills related to leadership, such as the ability to motivate and inspire others, delegate tasks, and provide guidance, can contribute to the success of a team or project. These skills also involve effective decision-making, taking initiative, and assuming responsibility for one’s work.
Emotional intelligence
Soft skills linked to emotional intelligence, such as self-awareness, empathy, and relationship-building, are increasingly recognised as being essential for success. Individuals who can understand and manage their emotions, as well as empathise with others, can navigate interpersonal relationships effectively. Emotional intelligence promotes effective communication, conflict resolution, and collaboration, contributing to a positive learning or work environment.
Soft skills don’t supplant hard skills but rather complement technical skills and provide a foundation for success. People who possess strong soft skills are often better equipped to handle challenges, work well with others, and adapt to changing environments. In the workplace, these skills can contribute to job satisfaction, productivity, and career growth, making candidates more attractive to employers seeking well-rounded individuals who can thrive in a variety of professional settings.
STEM combined with Soft Skills makes STEAM
So how can students be educated in both hard and soft skills, without devaluing either? STEAM education is an educational approach that integrates the disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics with the Arts to create a cohesive learning experience. It is an extension of STEM education, but the addition of the Arts component in STEAM recognises the importance of creativity, design, and innovation in problem-solving and critical thinking.
The theory behind STEAM education is rooted in the belief that by combining these different disciplines, students can develop a broader range of skills and knowledge. It encourages a holistic approach to learning, where students can explore real-world challenges through interdisciplinary projects and hands-on activities. By blending the arts with STEM subjects, STEAM education aims to foster creativity, imagination, and artistic expression alongside scientific inquiry and technical skills.
The integration of Arts in STEAM education serves several purposes. It provides students with opportunities to engage in creative thinking and expression, encouraging them to explore different modes of communication and problem-solving. The arts can also help students develop a deeper understanding of scientific concepts by visualising abstract ideas, making connections, and communicating complex information in more accessible ways.
Furthermore, STEAM education promotes critical 21st-century skills that are highly sought after in the modern workforce. By combining creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills, students are better prepared to tackle complex challenges and adapt to an ever-changing world and equipping them with some of the soft skills that employers are looking for. STEAM also helps develop an interdisciplinary mindset, allowing students to understand how different subjects can interact and complement each other in practical applications.
STEAM education also emphasises hands-on, experiential learning. It encourages students to engage in project-based activities, where they can apply their knowledge and skills in real-world contexts. This approach promotes active learning, problem-solving, and innovation, fostering a deeper understanding and retention of the concepts being taught.
The theory of STEAM education aligns with the growing recognition that to be job ready, graduates need a diverse skill set to thrive in an increasingly interconnected and technology-driven world. By blending STEM subjects with the arts, STEAM education seeks to develop well-rounded individuals who are equipped with a wide range of both hard and soft skills, with the knowledge and perspective to tackle complex problems and contribute to society in a meaningful way.
