Global #gtchat Powered by TAGT is a weekly chat on Twitter that takes place on Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT and 5 p.m. PT in the U.S. For one hour, parents, educators, advocates and experts in the field of gifted and talented gather to share resources, links, authentic life experiences and insights about gifted issues.
Welcome to Global Gifted and Talented Chat Powered by the Texas Association for the Gifted & Talented @TXGifted#TAGT ~ Thanks for joining us to chat about “Reassessing the Need for Soft Skills for Gifted Students” #gtchat
I’m Lisa Conrad ~ moderator, advocate for gifted children, conference presenter, blogger and parent of 2 gifted adults from Pittsburgh, PA. Please take a minute to let us know who you are and from where you’re tweeting! #gtchat
Hey #gtchat! Been a while! Colin, educator/attorney/parent and Founder of @thinkLawUS where we help educators teach critical thinking (one of the essential soft skills) to all students! https://t.co/Ah3EoFkCFz
Are you new to Twitter chats? We use the Q1/A1 format for #gtchat … Please remember to use the #gtchat hashtag to participate in the conversation. This will make sure that other chat participants see your tweets.
Hey #gtchat! Been a while! Colin, educator/attorney/parent and Founder of @thinkLawUS where we help educators teach critical thinking (one of the essential soft skills) to all students! https://t.co/Ah3EoFkCFz
Forgot to mention I'm tweeting from Phoenix, AZ, where it has been raining all day for some reason. What kind of Valentine's Day present is that? #gtchat#ValentinesDay
Lurking to learn? Please say ‘hi’ and then view a livestream from Participate Learning at https://t.co/1zR97oWQw0 (Please Note: This service will be ending February 25th!) #gtchat
Our first question is coming up; let’s get ready to chat! Please preface your responses with A1 Excited to collaborate and share ideas with you today about reassessing the need for soft skills for gifted students. #gtchat
A1) Soft skills are those that often require one to interact effectively with others rather than in isolation (in this way, they’re different from most measurable standards). They require a certain amount of self awareness and empathy with others. #gtchat
A1: Soft skills really aren't soft at all. They are HARD! Learning how to disagree without being disagreeable and positively interact with people who are different from you is one of the hardest things to teach, but one of the most crucial qualities to learn. #gtchat#SEL
Hi all. I’m a parent and also a #pediatrician who diagnoses behavioral and developmental disorders, many of whom are 2E/ gifted. Can’t wait to start #GTChat
A1: In Iowa, soft skills called Universal Constructs: "competencies and habits of mind needed for future successes in careers, college and citizenry." https://t.co/dl4ZTxXODo#GTChat
A1 Soft skills – aka non-cognitive skills or social-emotional learning skills – can be categorized in many ways. In school, we consider communication skills, problem solving skills, critical thinking and concise writing. #gtchat
A1 Unfortunately, I see this term used interchangeably with social/emotional skills, but I see them as separate. S/E skills seem much more focused and defined. “Soft skills” seem broader and also more loosely defined #gtchat
A1) Soft skills include Leadership Skills, Teamwork, Communication Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Work Ethic, Flexibility/Adaptability, Interpersonal Skills. #gtchat
Hi all. I’m a parent and also a #pediatrician who diagnoses behavioral and developmental disorders, many of whom are 2E/ gifted. Can’t wait to start #GTChat
No Mind Left Behind: Understanding and Fostering Executive Control--The Eight Essential Brain Skills Every Child Needs to Thrive (book bn) https://t.co/AzrmpLG5WT#gtchat
A1: Soft skills are the skills we used to learn playing in the park, negotiating who got the swing, picking teams at recess, taking care of the class turtle, speaking to parents at the dinner table, or talking on the phone to friends in full sentences. #gtchat
A1 #gtchat soft skills are the skills that transfer to post secondary life regardless of the path. They include being able to collaborate, problem solve and thing critically, but also entail skills like meeting deadlines, organization skills or even arriving on time and prepared
A1: Soft skills are the communication and social skills that enable gifted individuals to listen, participate and contribute to diverse groups. #gtchat
Our Soft Skills page https://t.co/S5YATfIwOc has links to some soft skill pages: Body Language, Character, Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, Critical Thinking, Leadership, Listening & SEL (Social and Emotional Learning) Happy Valentine's Day #edchat#gtchat
A1 Unfortunately, I see this term used interchangeably with social/emotional skills, but I see them as separate. S/E skills seem much more focused and defined. “Soft skills” seem broader and also more loosely defined #gtchat
A1 Soft skills revolve around the realization that mastery is an ongoing process and not based on hard and fast rules. Soft skills can be applied in any circumstance one chooses to use them. #gtchat
Love this definition of soft skills! In the era of organized play dates and decreasing spontaniety in our children's lives, it is more and more crucial that schools create authentic spaces for soft skill development as a priority! #gtchat
A1: Soft skills are the skills we used to learn playing in the park, negotiating who got the swing, picking teams at recess, taking care of the class turtle, speaking to parents at the dinner table, or talking on the phone to friends in full sentences. #gtchat
A2 Considering that soft skills need to be taught even though hard to measure; skills such as self-regulation, flexibility when faced with new situations and motivation to get things done can all help students succeed. #gtchat
A2) Tough to answer if we don’t really all agree on what IS a soft skill but my personal opinion is Resiliance and Perseverance need to be near the top of this list #ccsgifted#GTChat
A1: Collaboration and communication are most important. You can have a great idea, but if you cannot work with a team to make it happen..... lost opportunities. #gtchat
A2 #gtchat I'm thinking the foundational soft skills are organization, time management and general work ethics. Even great thinkers won't make it far if they can't get to work on time or meet a deadline.
"Emotion and learning are completely connected." Research shows that students who feel safe and supported by adults at school are better able to learn. #HowLearningHappens
A2 Career success must embody the adoption of soft skills such as dependability, adaptability, working on a team while maintaining positive relationships with others. Other invaluable skills include stress management, facilitation and leadership. #gtchat
A2) I think of soft skills as skills less easily measured by standardized tests. Critical thinking/reasoning, yes, but also adeptness in interpersonal relationships & social/professional situations-the ability to “read” a room/person make adjustments, resolve conflicts. #gtchat
A2: Leading collaboration : where a GT learner and GT worker can bring out the best in all of his/her peers and team members. It may be both the most difficult and most crucial for future success & is tough to instill in asynchronous youth. #gtchat
A2: The most important 21st century soft skill is adaptability. The one constant our children will know will be change, and it is crucial they can have flexible mindsets and well-rounded strengths to flexibly meet these challenges. #gtchat
A2 Advanced soft skills necessary for career advancement, skills often needed earlier in life for GT students include networking skills, negotiating skills, savvy self-promotion, and the skill of persuasion. #gtchat
A2 My answer is anecdotal and not data-based, but I think gifted kids most need help with self-regulation, including coping with anxiety and managing perfectionist tendencies #gtchat
A3 Academic expectations for GT students are extremely high throughout the school day … expected to be leaders, independent learners, team leaders, great communicators … which can easily lead to burn-out. #gtchat
I can't find the reference, I remember seeing that salary and career advancement is more strongly associated with soft skills, especially communication and other interpersonal skills, than "hard skills". #GTChat
A2: Leading collaboration : where a GT learner and GT worker can bring out the best in all of his/her peers and team members. It may be both the most difficult and most crucial for future success & is tough to instill in asynchronous youth. #gtchat
And I would argue that selective perseverance might be more important than perseverance generally. Knowing when to hold them and when to fold them is actually quite the soft skill! #gtchat#TheGambler
I can't find the reference, I remember seeing that salary and career advancement is more strongly associated with soft skills, especially communication and other interpersonal skills, than "hard skills". #GTChat
A3) Mastering soft skills can only enhance the potential of the #GT student (communicating effectively what one knows)-like Sheldon on Big Bang Theory learning how to be a friend/what is socially acceptable. That’s only a facet of the prism, but it comes to mind. #gtchat
A3 #gtchat soft skills can make or break success. Gifted kids hold the most potential for our future. Future technologies. Future solutions. Without soft skills, we will all lose out.
A3: Soft skills are especially important for g/t students because too often, they obsess with being right. Even when DOING right can be much more important. #gtchat
We are already half way through our chat! Thank you for sharing so many inspiring thoughts about reassessing the need for soft skills for gifted students! Please remember to use the #gtchat hashtag to participate in the conversation. #gtchat
A3: it’s difficult to learn soft skills when you may not be surrounded in safe exchange of ideas with peers throughout years in school. Softer skills require agency and community, which may be tougher for GT students to find. Teachers & other adults can facilitate & model.#gtchat
A3: GT kids can suffer from impaired impact when they lack soft skills. Soft skills will help them make a positive impact on the world. Without these skills I think their impact becomes limited. #gtchat#ccsgifted Hard to put in a tweet. Might be a better blog post topic.
@gtchatmod#gtchat
A3 Soft skills are so important to GT students because they are often laser-focused on their own thoughts, but need to be able to engage appropriately with others around them in different situations.
A3 GT students and their teachers are mainly focused on academics and achievement; easily measurable expectations. Soft skills may be overlooked, but necessary for these students just as they are for all students. #gtchat
#gtchat not just academic expectations, but the assumption that gifted students already possess all these skills is a frequent myth that I encounter in my school.
A3 Asynchronous development!! While cognitively advanced compared to their chronological age, they are typically at or even below chronological age in social/emotional development. However, with mature vocabulary and reasoning skills, we adults may not see the mismatch #gtchat
A3 Many GT students struggle with interpersonal relationships, dealing with failure and perfectionism, working in class with age-peers. They need to be taught perseverance, flexibility, regulating emotions. #gtchat
A3) Being an effective communicator/collaborator, being flexible, understanding one’s audience, etc. can help #GT students accomplish more and share their innovations and promise, to become a part of something larger than themselves in community & not dwell in isolation. #gtchat
I agree-these skills can be fostered in a welcoming community. Ss can practice them more freely around others when there is less reprisal for mistakes. Camaraderie makes a difference. #gtchat
A3: it’s difficult to learn soft skills when you may not be surrounded in safe exchange of ideas with peers throughout years in school. Softer skills require agency and community, which may be tougher for GT students to find. Teachers & other adults can facilitate & model.#gtchat
A3: Soft skills are especially important for ensuring underrepresented populations in gifted education reach their potential. Struggles with code-switching and social capital are a huge cause of our tendency to leave genius on the table. https://t.co/q2MeCsSh9e#gtchat
A4 The very nature of twice-exceptional students – having needs to be met, but often misdiagnosed or mis-judged … calls for nurturing of soft skills in their everyday life. #gtchat
I remember the one student in my pre-algebra class who worked on an equation for 45 minutes straight that had no solution. And we see grown ups throw good money after bad or "fight through" awful situations they should have just quit. So yeah...#gtchat
A3) Soft skills may not come naturally to gifted and 2E students but are important for them to be able to participate and contribute effectively #gtchat
A4 When 2e kids are given the tools to succeed; they can live a more fulfilled life without the stresses associated with social and emotional setbacks. Soft skills need to be taught and well-prepared teachers are essential for this task. #gtchat
A4: 2e students will grasp success and be able to face future perfectionism & feelings of being outliers by learning d practicing the sift skills we’ve mentioned. #gtchat
A4) Teaching soft skills to 2e students, again, can help them overcome the loneliness that often accompanies their exceptionalities. I have found that instruction in soft skills improves their coping skills & lessens their anxieties (which inhibit their growth). #gtchat
A4 When 2e kids are given the tools to succeed; they can live a more fulfilled life without the stresses associated with social and emotional setbacks. Soft skills need to be taught and well-prepared teachers are essential for this task. #gtchat
A4: The same way it helps others become successful. For 1 thing... When they possess these skills, they can overcome frustration and express themselves in ways that allow others to benefit from their shared knowledge. #GTChat#ccsgifted
A3: Soft skills are especially important for ensuring underrepresented populations in gifted education reach their potential. Struggles with code-switching and social capital are a huge cause of our tendency to leave genius on the table. https://t.co/q2MeCsSh9e#gtchat
A4 The most simple soft skills – reading social cues, socializing with age-peers, respecting others – are the foundation of a successful life. They can aid in self-confidence and emotional regulation. #gtchat
#gtchat
A4: Soft skills that are repeatedly modeled will help our 2e students in the real world. Nurturing these skills is vital to successful social interaction.
How frustrating it must be to have creativity inside you, but lack the skills to express it to those around you in a productive way. Or to be overlooked because your modes of communication do not meet the norms of your peers. #gtchat
A4: The same way it helps others become successful. For 1 thing... When they possess these skills, they can overcome frustration and express themselves in ways that allow others to benefit from their shared knowledge. #GTChat#ccsgifted
A4 #gtchat having soft skills can level the playing field. If a 2e kid can problem solve, be flexible and persevere, no one is going to worry if they had trouble spelling in school.
A4) It is important for 2E students to learn and develop their soft skills in order to communicate effectively, state their needs and demonstrate their abilities #gtchat
A5: Best practice #1 is modeling IMO and opportunities for Ss to work on soft skills in real world applications just like we should be doing with content area skills #GTChat#ccsgifted
A5 Best practice for teaching soft skills begins in the realization that these skills aid in learning and must be taught. Teachers who model excellent soft skills such as self-regulation, patience, and empathy will be the most successful. #gtchat
A5) Best practices in teaching soft skills? Structure lessons to give Ss opportunities to grow in community & collaborative efforts through meaningful projects/ problem solving. Explicitly teach/model conflict resolution/critical feedback/civil discourse w/in lessons. #gtchat
A5: Teachers & mentors can engage the 2E student in problem solving to identify the soft skills gaps that cause the biggest internal or external problems for the child. Gifted students want to be part of the answers in general but especially when it comes to these skills. #gtchat
A5 Best practices in teaching social skills values students’ voice and attitude towards education, school attendance, and behaviors. Student outcomes are dependent on more than test scores and achievements. #gtchat
A5 #gtchat providing ample opportunities to use creativity, critical thinking and problem solving . The best way to do this is in collaboration with other gifted students.
A5 And timing matters. We need to *teach* during moments of calm. Then when a meltdown is in full force, we are *reminding* them of the skills. Learning cannot happen when emotions are dysregulated #gtchat
A5: What do you think of Soft Skills 'report cards'? Not numerical grades, but a scale to gage emprovement and/or use. A communication tool between teacher and S. #gtchat
A5 And timing matters. We need to *teach* during moments of calm. Then when a meltdown is in full force, we are *reminding* them of the skills. Learning cannot happen when emotions are dysregulated #gtchat
A5 Soft skills can be integrated into the curriculum through project and problem based learning, 20% time, and genius hour which encourage time-management, self-control and self-reflection on the educational process. #gtchat
A5: What do you think of Soft Skills 'report cards'? Not numerical grades, but a scale to gage emprovement and/or use. A communication tool between teacher and S. #gtchat
A5: Don't treat soft skills as "1 more thing." That's a false choice. Instruction that pushes kids to analyze viewpoints & evaluate root causes & negotiate & persuade & be persuaded are academically rigorous AND teach powerful soft skills! @thinkLawUS#gtchat#ThinkLikeALawyer
@gtchatmod#gtchat
A5: Soft skills need to be taught directly with role-playing, modeling, and trial/error. Teachers can stop and redirect as needed to get the best outcomes.
Yes, I worry about them feeling this is a skill you can steamroll through and if you don’t master it quickly, you are a failure or the skill is “not worth it”. Persistence and reinforcement make the skills habit. #gtchat
We’ve been debating this and worry that parents who are already overly focused on grades/scores won’t be able to engage in meaningful discussion about skills if they see a less than “perfect” score #gtchat
When I led a student panel at the 2017 @TXGifted conf, gifted students shared that they "would love to do things for the joy of learning. But in real life, our grades have consequences." Is our grade-obsessed culture limiting our kids? #gtchat
In reply to
@AnnaCalven, @laughingatchaos, @KDrakeAuthor, @TXGifted
A6 Parents of gifted students can reinforce soft skills outside the classroom by modeling these skills in their everyday life. Character building based programs can have wide ranging positive influence on their children. #gtchat
A6 What can schools do to support parents teaching soft skills? Parents are doing so much heavy lifting already. Why must this be added to their plate? #gtchat
A6 Parents can seek to build a positive relationship with their child’s teacher and school personnel. They can model the use of patience and perseverance in difficult relationships; seeking additional support when necessary. #gtchat
Yes! This makes me think of the art of rhetoric. Let students think deep and they will naturally want to share their ideas; to do that they need soft skills. Perhaps through the will to share passions and opinions, the skills will develop.#gtchat
A5: Don't treat soft skills as "1 more thing." That's a false choice. Instruction that pushes kids to analyze viewpoints & evaluate root causes & negotiate & persuade & be persuaded are academically rigorous AND teach powerful soft skills! @thinkLawUS#gtchat#ThinkLikeALawyer
Lessons should be designed with soft skill development embedded—not separate, not additional. It’s part of educating the whole child so they become whole adults. #gtchat
A5: Don't treat soft skills as "1 more thing." That's a false choice. Instruction that pushes kids to analyze viewpoints & evaluate root causes & negotiate & persuade & be persuaded are academically rigorous AND teach powerful soft skills! @thinkLawUS#gtchat#ThinkLikeALawyer
A6: Parents could - Limit screentime and interact with their kids. Give kids hard tasks and then help them complete them. Help their kids set goals and give them tools and support to succeed or help them face failure and set new goals. #GTChat#ccsgifted
A6 Parents who place value on soft skills are uniquely positioned to teach them at home as well and to focus on the benefits of future outcomes for success in their child’s life. #gtchat
A6) Parents can work on their own soft skills in front of their 2E and all kids & explicit draw attention to their struggles, challenges, victories, failures using those skills in real time. #gtchat
A6) I work with my #GT daughter at home on these soft skills-organizing, preparation, understanding audience, navigating social cues- & we talk about how these apply to what she learns in school. We discuss perseverance & how to cope w/ frustration in a healthy way. #gtchat
Parents have so little time on schooldays bc of homework/activities/athletics PLUS jobs and their activities. When will this occur? Parents are exhausted. #gtchat
A6 I send home parent newsletters with my push-in SEL lessons that give them specific tips. Such as: here’s what assertive communication looks like; help your child practice “I” statements at home #gtchat
A6) Parents can work on their own soft skills in front of their 2E and all kids & explicit draw attention to their struggles, challenges, victories, failures using those skills in real time. #gtchat
Parents have so little time on schooldays bc of homework/activities/athletics PLUS jobs and their activities. When will this occur? Parents are exhausted. #gtchat
School and home connection. That is the why. This needs to be a team effort or one can undermine the other. Plus habits only form when there is reinforcement. That needs to take place in all areas of the Ss life to make the connection . #ccsgifted#gtchat
A6) I try to help parents of #GT students by communicating ahead of time about what we will learn, touching base during the instruction time period, & following up w/feedback at the end. This enables them to help their child at home with these soft skills. #gtchat
Our next chat will be on Thursday, February 21st at 8E/7C/6M/5P US and Friday, 22nd February at 2PM NZDT/Noon AEDT/1AM UK. Our topic will be “Best Tips for Parents of a GT Child.” #gtchat
