Life Skills Education for Holistic Student Development: Building Resilience, Competence and Responsible Citizenship
Abstract: Education today goes beyond academic learning, hence requiring a larger package of skills to enable the learners cope with challenges in social, economic, and technological sectors. Life skills have become necessary in equipping the learners with skills to cope with personal, interpersonal, academic, and social challenges. This paper seeks to expand the earlier ideas on the empowerment of future generations through an analysis of the importance, dimensions, and relevance of life skills. Life skills involve psycho-social, interpersonal and decision-making skills, which enable one to apply theoretical knowledge. The model of life skills involves three components: self-awareness (self-respect and empathy), living harmoniously with other people (communication and assertiveness) and decision making (critical thinking and problem solving). Such skills become necessary for young people dealing with multiple challenges including academic and peer influence. This paper argues for the inclusion of life skills in the curriculum, as they cannot be treated as additional to classroom learning, co-curriculum activities, training of teachers and governance of schools. Use of participatory approach, such as role-playing and cooperative problem-solving enables students transform theoretical knowledge into practical skills.
Keywords: Life Skills Education, Holistic Development, Self-Awareness, Communication, Decision-Making, Resilience, Student Development, Responsible Citizenship
How to Cite?: Bindu TV, "Life Skills Education for Holistic Student Development: Building Resilience, Competence and Responsible Citizenship", Volume 15 Issue 10, October 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 394-401, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR261006160652, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR261006160652