What is the method of instruction in mainstream schools? A teacher stands in front of the classroom, gives a monotonous lecture, and writes key points and formulas on the blackboard. Meanwhile, the students yawn away and robotically copy off the blackboard. This method was highly influenced by the first and second industrial revolution where mass production of talent to perform mechanical and repetitive tasks was paramount. 

The direct instruction method with emphasis on memorization is a form of passive learning. Most of us don’t remember what we learnt in school because passive learning does not create strong neural networks in our brains that can be used in the future to recall lessons. 

Most of the current education systems focus on teaching “WHAT” to learn: Math, Science, English, etc. However, they don’t do a very good job of teaching children the art of learning “how” to learn. 

Why learning “how” to learn is important?

 The only constant in our world is change. And this change is happening at a much faster pace now than ever before thanks to globalization, advancements in technology, climate change and pandemics. In an ever changing economy, where new and different skills are required everyday to succeed, mastering the art of learning “how” to learn has become mandatory. 

The third and fourth industrial revolution demand a complete overhaul of the skill sets and transform the methods of instruction from passive to active. 

According to Civic Action’s Skills Connect report from 2018 the top most skills required for the 21st-century knowledge economy are: Communication, Growth Mindset, Collaboration, Empathy, and Creativity. 

So, how do we master the art of learning “how” to learn?

Non-cognitive skills for long-term success

The more I researched into this question, the more I discovered about non-cognitive skills. Non-cognitive skills are the invisible, intangible and non-measurable skills that lay the foundation for all types of cognitive learning. These skills are oftentimes referred to as “soft-skills”. Children and adults who develop these non-cognitive capabilities are more likely to learn new cognitive skills and that too at a faster rate. 

Researchers around the world have identified the following nine (9) non-cognitive skills that are essential for long-term success not just in people’s professional lives, but also in their personal lives. 

• Self-Awareness: Understanding and being aware of one’s strengths, weaknesses, beliefs, emotions, passion, and values.

• Growth Mindset: Developing a mindset that is open to learning, experimenting, failing, and receiving constructive feedback.

• Grit: Integrating the power of perseverance with passion.  

• Self-Control: The ability to delay gratification today for a bigger and better reward tomorrow.  

• Optimism: The power to see the glass half-full in adverse situations. 

• Gratitude: Being thankful and humble in all states. 

• Curiosity: Developing a mind that always asks the ‘why’ and ‘how’ questions to challenge the status quo.

• Empathy: The ability to put oneself in another person’s shoes to deeply and emotionally understand them, their pain, and their perspective.

• Zest: Bringing a high level of enthusiasm in your mission. 

Are we born with these skills or can these skills be developed? The good news is that you can learn these skills through effort, dedication, and patience. 

Importance of building non-cognitive skills at an early age

Picture this: a child might have a high IQ, but due to poor teaching methods where there is a lack of focus on developing non-cognitive skills such as self-awareness, growth mindset, and grit, the child does not get the opportunity to learn actively. As a result, his/her motivation levels drop, and with time the child gets labeled as a “poor student”. 

Even though the child has the caliber, he/she fails to live up to the potential because nobody focused on developing the child’s foundational non-cognitive skills.

These issues, if left unchecked, can persist well into adulthood, leading a sharp mind into oblivion and on a path to self-doubt and failure. 

How to build non-cognitive skills

It is not just me, but leaders and forward-thinking organizations such as Civic Action, WeForum and RBC are all demanding a transformation of our education systems to build active learners and leaders with the power to adapt and learn new skills quickly.

Keep an eye out on our blogs here as we will discuss the various methods to inculcate ourselves, our students, and our children with the 9 essential non-cognitive skills and help us master the art of learning how to learn. 

Connect with me for an in-depth training session on the development of “Non-Cognitive” skills for your children, students and employees.