As an instructor teaching technical (computer) skills to students there is a feeling that many workers in the IT field are the stereotypical nerdy introvert types, secluded in a server room and not expected to interact, this is not true at all! I try to convey to my students that companies are looking for those who are soft skill savvy, they want people who can interact well with others and can handle themselves given various circumstances.

I often find myself being to soft on my soft skills which sometimes results in a disruptive class. How do I manage both?

I find that different generations have different skill levels of EQ in different areas. Change for example, is dealt with differently across generations. How can you effectively manage that in a classroom?

Grading writing assignments can certainly be challenging. Do most instructors use a rubric when grading these assignments? What elements would you include on that rubric and what kind of weight would you give to each of those elements?

Managing your emotions is a very important skill for everyone's success. As an instructor, if I can't manage my emotions, I don't know how I can even attempt to assist students in managing their emotions; especially when I have allowed myself to drop down to their level. In order to become the most effective and inspiring instructor that I can be, I must at all times, manage my emotions dispite what the situation is and how disrespectful a student is acting. Until I am able to understand how to manage my own personal emotions, is when, and only when I will be able to assist students and others with their emotional issue.

I was surprised to learn in this course that a harvard study has shown that soft people skills far outweigh hard skills. I answered that question as 50%- 50%. I teach at a vocational college where hard skills play a larger role in teaching.I have no problem with the soft skills as I have been teaching for 15 yrs.still if i am not a expert in the hard skills ( cooking ) than the soft skills don't matter as much. Do others in vocational colleges agree?

Which of the ten(10)soft skills identified by the 1997 study do you consider to be the most important to your specific job?

What problems do you have in your workplace when trying to use the skill of emotional intelligence?

Positive attitude is key to the success of a work enviroment

It was a good course to participate in. I feel active learning is definitely a part of the class room learning process. I learn well from lecture. Not everybody does.

How do you help your students define their professional skills?

What are some ways you illustrate to your students the value of having effective communication skills?

What strategies are you using to help your students to see how they can become lifelong learners?

I believe that having positive attitude is the key to instructing students. What is your favorite soft skill?

If an individual does not have a high EQ, is this a trainable trait or is it a nature that we are born with. Some studies have been involved in teaching this to young students because their behaviors are not fully established, but is it possible for grown adults to acquire this soft skill? Generalizations such as the Myers Briggs test group people's attributes of personality into dyadic separations usually based on emotions vs information. Changes that usually occur on this scale are not pendulum like. In my experience, individuals with a low EQ can mimic behaviors of those with high EQ, but they are only emulating the behaviors as opposed to generating it themselves. Any thoughts?

Listening skills are an incredibly important skill for teachers. It is difficult for a teacher to know what needs to be taught unless he can hear what is missing, what needs clarification and what is understood. If a class of any age feels the teacher does not hear them, their needs or their concerns, then the learning will suffer whether the teacher knows it or not.

I constantly need to work on the way I deal with criticism from co-workers. There are times where I feel attacked and haven't been able to properly accept the feedback given. This is something I need to remind myself that the feedback is for the greater good and is a part of my job. After taking this course I have realized I need to be more aware of my emotions and manage them more effectively. Are there any examples of others and how they effectively deal with criticism?

Is it more important to be a good listener and empathize or have a list/offer solutions to problems students are having outside of class? Or both? I try to do both but mostly I think listening may be more imporant...I may be the only person who is listening and they just want to vent. What do you think?

Energy and enthusiasm are irreplaceable. Even with this strong statement, how do you get those with variety of ages to join togather?

Another great module! Thank you so much. The information that I have just learned (and recalled) is going to come in very handy as a part of my Job Development Course I teach. I do go over Hard versus Soft Skills, but this just adds so much more. I also enjoyed this course, because I was able to take a look at myself, as an Instructor, as to just how many of my "soft skills" I am using. In addition, how many do I need to improve on. Thanks again for a great module. Christine M.