LIFE SKILLS

Life Skills is not a subject, rather it is an explicit attempt to examine and become aware of issues within society. Students can deal with these issues and problems through the acquiring of social and life skills.

Social and life skills are those kinds of skills that we must use when dealing with others, which are generally important for us to function successfully in our society. By "social skills" most people mean those kinds of behaviour which are basic to effective communication between individuals. By "life skills" most people understand more complex kinds of behaviour that are essential to become an active member of society, and be able to deal with such issues as finding work and accommodation or utilising leisure time.

Social and life skills can be acquired and improved upon with effort at different stages of our lives. These important skills can be developed through awareness-raising and practical application in given situations. Skill areas to be covered will include:

Skills for developing self-knowledge or self-awareness, e.g. the skills of assessing ourselves, of finding out our own good and bad points, strengths and weaknesses in a given area; of knowing our own limits, understanding our own motives, or setting our own personal goals.

Interactive skills, e.g. skills we use when dealing with others; for example, self-expression, talking clearly, understanding the effect we have on others, interpreting other people's motives, self-assertiveness, resisting group pressure, listening, or using the telephone.

Problem-solving skills, e.g. skills we might need to deal with difficult issues or situations; such as finding information, filling in forms, making decisions, making long-term plans in relation to particular areas such as work, leisure or family life.

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