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More Than Smart: The Power of Non-Academic Skills in Education
What are the non-academic skills that students need to succeed in school?
An Italian study in The Economics of Education Review, “Non-cognitive skills and social isolation in late childhood: An investigation of their impact on school performance in Italy,” explores the impact of non-cognitive skills such as motivation, time management, and social isolation on students' academic performance.
By analyzing a large dataset of Italian students, researchers Maria De Paola and Ekaterina Skatova found that non-cognitive skills do indeed matter. Students with higher levels of motivation and good time management skills tend to perform better in standardized tests and receive higher grades. Social isolation, conversely, hurts student outcomes–students who are socially isolated in primary school are more likely to have worse academic outcomes in secondary school. The influence of such factors varies by demographics. According to the study, the impact of non-cognitive skills differs based on gender, socioeconomic background, and immigration status. For example, motivation has a stronger impact on girls and students from wealthier families. Ultimately, these skills have long-term effects, showing that skills developed in primary school can influence academic performance years later.
Overall, the researchers emphasize the importance of non-cognitive skills in addition to cognitive abilities for academic success. They suggest that interventions aimed at improving these skills, especially for vulnerable groups, can have a positive impact on educational outcomes.
Non-cognitive skills play an essential role in students' overall development and academic success. These skills, like motivation and social skills, can significantly impact students' ability to learn and persevere through challenges. Teachers can empower students to reach their full potential and become well-rounded individuals by nurturing these skills in the classroom.