Non-cognitive Skills: What They Are, Types And Examples
Non-cognitive skills are relatively independent of the subject’s intelligence, and it is important to work on and train them from childhood in order to achieve good social, cognitive and emotional development.
In this article We will describe what is meant by non-cognitive skills, we will see examples of some of them and we will present some techniques and programs that are used to work on and enhance them.
In the realm of personal and professional development, non-cognitive skills play a crucial role in determining success and overall well-being. Unlike cognitive skills, which involve mental processes like memory, problem-solving, and reasoning, non-cognitive skills encompass traits and abilities that are often related to behavior, emotion, and social interactions. These skills are vital for navigating complex social environments, achieving goals, and leading a fulfilling life. In this article, we will explore what non-cognitive skills are, the different types, and provide examples to illustrate their importance.
Non-cognitive skills are a broad category of abilities that influence how individuals approach tasks, interact with others, and handle various life situations. They are often referred to as “soft skills” and include personal attributes, attitudes, and behaviors that are crucial for success in various aspects of life.
What are non-cognitive skills?
Non-cognitive skills, or also called socio-emotional skills, cover a wide spectrum of aptitudes or traits such as empathy, resilience, self-control or even personality characteristics such as extroversion or openness to experience.
These skills They are independent of cognitive abilities, that is, we can develop them even if the latter are altered, but they do relate to each other this means that non-cognitive skills function as a basis for the correct functioning of cognitive abilities.
In this way, non-cognitive skills make it easier for us to learn and develop our knowledge and are essential for the child to develop well cognitively, emotionally and socially, keeping these components in balance. For this reason, given its characteristics, They will be necessary for the children to have good functioning and school performance and for the adult to be able to do a prosperous job in the workplace
It is known that these abilities, like most abilities and psychological characteristics of human beings, have a genetic component, although they also present environmental influences. Thus, it will be possible to work, train them, to improve and enhance their presence in the subjects.
1. Self-control
Self-control consists of the ability to control oneself, to manage our thoughts, emotions and behavior in general taking into account our interests in a global sense (and not just paying attention to the here and now).
In order to speak of self-control, two characteristics must be present. The first is that at least two behaviors are involved where one will be the controlled response, that is, the one we want to increase and another or others will be the controlling ones, which allow us to increase the controlled response. The other necessary element will be that there is or exists a conflict of consequences between the different behavioral choices, this means that performing one or another behavior entails different consequences, presenting important differences.
In this way we will speak of decisional control when the conflict is resolved in the act or prolonged self-control in which, even when making the choice, the conflicting responses are continually evaluated, we must continue to maintain the self-control behavior for a longer time.
2. Motivation
Motivation is described as a union of forces that are responsible for initiate and direct the individual’s behavior This is how through motivation we can try to understand, explain and modify behavior. It is the one that sets a goal and drives us to achieve it.
There are two main types of motivation; the intrinsic, which places its force within the individual (that is, the subject carries out the behavior as a purpose in itself, for the simple fact of doing it); and the extrinsic, where, on the contrary, the force or motivation is fixed externally (the subject performs the behavior in order to obtain a reward, the activity alone does not motivate him).
3. Empathy
Empathy is the ability to put ourselves in the other person’s shoes, to identify and feel the other person’s emotions In this way, it goes far beyond understanding their abilities; it is necessary, as we have already said, to place oneself in the other individual’s place.
This ability will gradually develop as we become socialized. In the same way, it is an important component to be able to have altruistic behavior.
4. Resilience
Resilience is defined as the ability of some people who, despite having been surrounded by risk factors in adverse situations, have developed psychologically in a healthy and correct manner, with the ability to overcome various adversities and lead a positive, organized life. Or, as we have already said, healthy despite the complicated environment.
Self-esteem refers to how we perceive, evaluate and value ourselves
This capacity evolves and varies throughout the subject’s life. Thus, generally during preschool and adulthood, the individual will have higher self-esteem; On the other hand, this tends to decrease when the subject starts school, during adolescence and in old age.
Perseverance is the ability to remain steadfast in achieving goals. In this way we will also say that it consists of being constant to achieve our fixed goals, that is, we must have a clear purpose that justifies our dedication to achieving it.
Despite the positive characteristics and benefits that this ability brings us, misuse of it or lack of control over it can end up being maladaptive and dysfunctional, since it can cause the subject to remain stuck in constantly performing an action, behavior or behavior. in achieving an unattainable objective, affecting its normal functioning.
7. Social skills
Social skills are a set of abilities or competencies that They allow us to interact and act appropriately in society and that will be seen and valued positively by others
It is for this reason that we must adapt them depending on the context, for example, not all cultures perceive and value different social skills in the same way.
Personality traits refer to cognitions, emotions, and behaviors In short, the behavior that subjects tend to behave consistently in different situations, maintaining it over time.
There have been different authors who have made different classifications of personality traits, we will focus on one of them, which is the Big Five. This, as its name suggests, describes 5 personality traits.
We fear extraversion, which is related to the amount and intensity of interpersonal interactions; neuroticism, which is linked to the degree of emotional adjustment; openness to experience, which is related to the taste for the unknown and for living new experiences; responsibility, which refers to the ability to organize, self-control and persist to achieve your goals; and kindness, linked to social interaction in a positive, empathetic way.
Non-cognitive skills can be categorized into several types, each playing a unique role in personal and professional success. Here’s an overview of the different types:
1. Emotional Skills
Emotional skills involve the ability to manage and express emotions effectively. These skills are crucial for maintaining emotional well-being and building strong relationships.
Self-Awareness
Self-awareness is the ability to recognize and understand one’s own emotions, strengths, and weaknesses.
Example: Being aware of your feelings when receiving feedback and understanding how they affect your performance.
Self-Regulation
Self-regulation refers to managing and controlling one’s emotions and impulses.
Example: Staying calm and composed during stressful situations or avoiding impulsive reactions.
2. Social Skills
Social skills encompass the abilities required to interact effectively with others and navigate social environments.
Communication
Effective communication involves both expressing oneself clearly and understanding others.
Example: Being able to articulate your ideas and listen actively during conversations.
Teamwork
Teamwork involves collaborating effectively with others to achieve common goals.
Example: Working harmoniously with colleagues on a group project and contributing to team discussions.
3. Cognitive Skills
Although often overlapping with non-cognitive skills, certain cognitive skills are essential for problem-solving and decision-making.
Critical Thinking
Critical thinking is the ability to analyze information and make reasoned judgments.
Example: Evaluating different solutions to a problem and selecting the most effective one.
Creativity
Creativity involves thinking outside the box and generating innovative ideas.
Example: Developing new strategies for a marketing campaign or coming up with unique solutions to challenges.
4. Resilience and Adaptability
Resilience and adaptability are the abilities to cope with setbacks and adjust to changing circumstances.
Resilience
Resilience refers to the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties and maintain focus on long-term goals.
Example: Persisting through challenges and setbacks in a project without losing motivation.
Adaptability
Adaptability involves adjusting to new conditions and being flexible in the face of change.
Example: Embracing changes in work processes or learning new skills to keep up with industry advancements.
Examples of Non-Cognitive Skills in Action
To better understand non-cognitive skills, let’s look at some real-life examples of how these skills manifest in various contexts:
1. Workplace Settings
In the workplace, non-cognitive skills are crucial for effective teamwork, leadership, and job performance.
Example
Leadership: A manager demonstrating empathy and effective communication can lead a team more effectively and foster a positive work environment.
2. Educational Environments
In educational settings, non-cognitive skills impact students’ ability to engage, collaborate, and excel academically.
Example
Student Engagement: A student with strong self-regulation and resilience is more likely to stay focused and persevere through challenging coursework.
3. Personal Relationships
Non-cognitive skills play a significant role in personal relationships, including family, friendships, and romantic partnerships.
Example
Conflict Resolution: An individual who practices active listening and empathy can navigate conflicts in relationships more effectively and maintain healthy connections.
Developing non-cognitive skills involves intentional practice and self-reflection. Here are some strategies for enhancing these skills:
1. Self-Reflection
Regular self-reflection helps individuals understand their strengths and areas for improvement.
Strategy: Keep a journal to reflect on daily experiences and identify patterns in behavior and emotions.
2. Practice and Feedback
Engaging in activities that challenge your non-cognitive skills and seeking feedback can lead to growth and improvement.
Strategy: Participate in group activities, seek mentorship, and ask for constructive feedback from peers and supervisors.
3. Mindfulness and Stress Management
Practicing mindfulness and managing stress can enhance emotional regulation and resilience.
Strategy: Incorporate mindfulness techniques such as meditation or deep-breathing exercises into your routine.
4. Setting Goals
Setting specific, achievable goals can help you develop and apply non-cognitive skills effectively.
Strategy: Set personal development goals related to communication, teamwork, or other non-cognitive skills and track your progress.
How to train and develop non-cognitive skills
As we already pointed out in the first section, non-cognitive skills have both a genetic and environmental component. It is for this reason that It will be important to work and train them to achieve better function.
In this way, it is recommended that both the school and their parents teach and reinforce the use of non-cognitive skills from an early age, since these will be essential for correct cognitive, emotional and social development.
Thus, different activities or programs have been proposed. For example, hold assemblies or debates where students can give their opinion on different aspects of their school or their classmates, both positive and negative, and be able to propose improvements. For this activity to be useful, the teacher must act as moderator and ensure that all students participate.
Another technique that we can use is role-playing, that is, presenting students with different situations with them being the actors and practicing what the different behaviors or most appropriate behaviors would be. We can also use the technique of emotional cards, which consists of knowledge and emotional work where each child expresses and represents the emotion of the card they have been dealt and in this way joint learning can be done.
To continue knowing and training emotions, to achieve good use of them and a certain stability, we can also practice relaxation For example, we can work with children so that they know and locate where they feel the sensation of fear, where in the body and then be able to express what they notice, what they feel and share the experience.
Finally, the University of Murcia has proposed a Program to work on non-cognitive skills called “Educate to Be”. This is aimed at the first educational stages and ends in the last year of Primary Education. This program uses stories, videos and different activities where the different adventures of protagonists are narrated that will promote the learning of self-regulation skills.
Non-cognitive skills are essential for personal and professional success, influencing how individuals manage emotions, interact with others, and adapt to various situations. By understanding and developing these skills, individuals can enhance their overall effectiveness, improve relationships, and achieve their goals. Whether in the workplace, educational settings, or personal life, honing non-cognitive skills can lead to more fulfilling and successful experiences.
FAQs
What are non-cognitive skills?
Non-cognitive skills are traits and abilities related to behavior, emotion, and social interactions, including emotional regulation, communication, and resilience.
How do non-cognitive skills differ from cognitive skills?
Non-cognitive skills involve personal attributes and social abilities, while cognitive skills involve mental processes such as memory and problem-solving.
Why are non-cognitive skills important?
Non-cognitive skills are crucial for personal effectiveness, building relationships, and adapting to various life situations, impacting overall success and well-being.
How can I develop my non-cognitive skills?
Develop non-cognitive skills through self-reflection, practice, seeking feedback, mindfulness, stress management, and setting specific personal development goals.
Can non-cognitive skills impact my career success?
Yes, non-cognitive skills such as communication, teamwork, and resilience are vital for career success, influencing job performance, leadership, and professional relationships.
