Rao Mohar Singh College of Education

1. Rao Mohar Singh College of Education LIFE SKILLS EDUCATION AnIntroduction Presented by- Rajni Kotnala Adolescent Friendly School Initiative

2. Today’s Youth Tomorrow's Wealth

3. What is ‘Life Skills’? • WHO (1997) • “theabilitiesforadaptive and positive behavior that enablesindividualsto deal effectivelywith 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.

4. 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

5. 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.

6. “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” World Education Forum, 2000Dakar Framework For Action 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

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

8. 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”

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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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 What is Decision Making ?

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

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

15. 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. Critical Thinking

16. 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 Creative Thinking

17. 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 SELF-AWARENESS

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

19. 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 How to Cope with Stress

20. 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 Empathy

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

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

23. 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 Take Pleasure & Pride in saying NO when one wants to say “no”

24. 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. Life Skills Education

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

26. 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 Therefore, the Adolescents should know about ‘Life skills’ because

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