Defining essential workforce skills in a way that is actionable versus something more ambiguous is a concept I had not considered. I have a difficult time getting my students to see the value in developing these skills, as the lesson pointed out, students often see non-technical skills as "fluff." Moving forward, I think we will revisit how we define esstential workforce skills and work to incorporate self-reflection activities more intentionally throughout our programs. 

Documenting and verifying outcomes is very important when implementing an ESW. This programmatic Certification ensures that students have the necessary skills to be successful in the workplace.

Employers are just as concerned with soft skills as they are with the technical and academic skills of future employees. 

In my opinion, both learning on the job and obtaining certifications or degrees have their merits. Learning on the job provides practical experience, while certifications and degrees offer a structured knowledge base. The effectiveness depends on the individual's goals and the specific field.

Carmín Deysi Briceño Meza

I share your initial perspective on soft skills, but this module has been eye-opening. The idea of making these skills observable and measurable is intriguing. I found the first module engaging and look forward to enhancing our curriculum to help our students acquire these crucial skills.

Carmín Deysi Briceño Meza

The importance of essential workforce skills cannot be understated. It is import to differentiate between skills which are concrete and skills that are ambiguous. The real life scenarios were awesome, and most of these scenarios can be used as examples within a classroom setting: (a) to get feedback from the students, and (b) if any of these scenarios fit into your career path, use it as an example to heighten your awareness.

I have learned the importance of implementing a proactive ESW. I plan to meet with my team to evaluate our current model and discuss areas that can be improved. 

I learned that it is crucial to personally develop ESW and lead by example while integrating the importance of ESW daily in the workplace and revisiting this topic frequently throughout their course load. 

By learning and applying EWS I can enhance my effectiveness as a professional, contribute positively to my workplace culture, and position myself for long-term career success.  These skills will not only benefit me professionally but will also contribute to my personal growth as well.

Documentation that outcomes have been implemented must be objectively verifiable.