“Research has proven that Durable Skills such as communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and leadership are critical components of success in careers with the potential to unlock economic mobility. Not only are these skills highly regarded by employers, but these are the skills that hold value and relevance throughout a career, regardless of how technologies, business models, or industries evolve. The challenge is that rigorous training and certification in these areas have lagged behind workforce demand.”

– America Succeeds

Student Task:  Pick one of the areas below and commit to working towards it for three months. Write yourself a note explaining your choice and file that away somewhere safe. Then schedule time to reflect each week or every other week along the way with a quick personal note to yourself about what you are learning and how you are growing in the area you selected. Finally, at the end of the three months, return to your initial note and reflect on how you’ve grown and determine how you should continue to develop this durable skill.

By taking proactive steps today, you can ensure that you’re learning to adapt and be well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow’s workforce. Here are a few examples for developing durable skills…

Critical Thinking: The ability to analyze and evaluate information in order to make objective and informed decisions. 

1. Debate and Model United Nations clubs: Participating in structured debates or simulations of international diplomacy encourages participants to research, analyze, and argue complex issues.
2. Puzzle and strategy games: Games like chess, Sudoku, or other board games challenge participants to think logically, plan ahead, and solve problems creatively.
3. Coding and robotics: Building and programming robots or creating software applications requires students to break down complex problems, test solutions, and learn from failures.
4. Independent research projects: Students can explore topics of interest, formulate research questions, and analyze data to draw conclusions and present findings to others.
5. Book clubs and literature discussions: Engaging with and discussing books with peers fosters analytical thinking, interpretation, and evaluation skills.

Communication: The ability to transmit and receive information, ideas, and instructions clearly, accurately, and effectively in various forms and contexts within the professional environment. 

1. Public speaking opportunities: There are formal clubs such as Toastmasters, volunteering to read a passage in church or presenting on a topic to younger students. There are a wide variety of possible opportunities for students to practice and improve their speaking, listening, and presentation skills in a supportive environment.
2. Podcasting or blogging: Creating and sharing content online allows students to develop writing, editing, and storytelling skills, as well as engage with audiences and receive feedback. This is not simply posting online but building a strategy for content you want to share, identifying your audience, and building a cohesive story or narrative they can follow over time. 
3. Theater and improvisation: Participating in dramatic performances or improv games helps students build confidence, expressiveness, and the ability to think on their feet. If your school does not offer an opportunity, keep in mind that local theatre groups often seek interested participants. 
4. Volunteering or internships: Working with others in real-world settings enables students to practice professional communication, teamwork, and adaptability. Start by asking at school for ideas and then exploring options beyond campus.
5. Language exchange programs: Partnering with native speakers of another language for mutual learning and practice improves language skills and cultural understanding.

Adaptability: This is part of the Metacognition domain. The ability to reflect upon and understand one’s own thinking processes, enabling one to make informed decisions, adapt strategies, and continuously enhance one’s own learning and problem-solving approaches. 

1. Cultural exploration: Experiencing new cultures, environments, and challenges fosters resilience, open-mindedness, and the ability to navigate uncertainty. This does not need to be an exotic trip across the globe but could be trying a new restaurant or exploring a new type of dance.
2. Extracurricular activities: Joining clubs, sports, or arts groups exposes students to diverse perspectives, team dynamics, and problem-solving situations.
3. Part-time jobs: Managing work responsibilities, customers, or business ventures teaches students to be flexible, entrepreneurial, resourceful, and responsive to change.
4. Volunteering: Engaging in service-learning activities helps students develop empathy, problem-solving skills, and the ability to adapt to new situations.
5. Game nights: Playing or creating games that involve strategy, chance, or role-playing encourages students to think flexibly, learn from failures, and adapt to changing circumstances.