Portfolio 2018-19

Soft Skills: Setting Personal Goals

What are soft skills?
Soft skills are a combination of interpersonal people skills, social skills, and communication
skills. In the workplace and school environment, soft skills are considered a complement to hard
skills, which refer to a person's knowledge and technical expertise.

Your task:
From the list below, choose ​two soft skills​ that you would like to work on over the course of the
school year. Do NOT choose the same skills you have chosen previously.

​Common soft skills for college/career readiness:

● Self advocacy​ – Identify your needs and be able to explain them to others; ask for help when
you need it.
● Responsibility​ – You are held accountable for their actions in academic, personal and social
contexts.
● Self management​ – Self management includes all aspects of taking control of your life
including monitoring your own health, eating habits, self care, laundry, finances, etc.
● Communication​ – Listen and express yourself so you may communicate effectively with other
people both orally and in writing.
● Teamwork and collaboration​ – Work effectively with others to successfully complete
projects as part of a group.
● Critical thinking and problem solving​ – Think critically and analytically, both in the
classroom and in other aspects of her life, in order to make decisions, solve problems, etc.
● Study skills​ – Work independently, organize work, read carefully, prepare for tests, plan
ahead, use different strategies to practice and memorize, be comfortable writing in many forms.
● Comfort with technology​ – Be comfortable and proficient with online research, e-mail
communication, and various software programs like Google Slides, Sheets, etc.
● Tolerate ambiguity​ – Know that life isn’t always black and white; understand and work in a
“gray” area to be more comfortable and to understand subtleties better.
● Comfort with diversity​ – Be open to new people, different cultures, different lifestyles, and
different ways of thinking and behaving.
● Innovation and creative thinking​ – Be willing and able to “think outside the box” and apply
new approaches.
● Ability to work independently​ – Do large blocks of work on your own and keep track of your
work and responsibilities.
● Ability to follow directions​ – You need to be able to follow both simple and more complex
directions.
 ● Have personal goals​ – Have strong personal goals -- even if they change over time -- to help
yourself be engaged and stay on track.
● Be engaged​ – Participate actively in your own education, expect to work hard, and stay
involved.

What would you like to work on this year? Select two and write your thoughts below.

Skill #1​: Self management

Why did you select this skill? Consider why it is important to you and why you think you need
to work on this skill.

I chose this skill because I always tell myself I'm going to workout and get things done but I
never do. I think it is important to work on this skill because after high school I am going to need
to be good at self management when I am on my own and independent.

Name three ways you can work on developing this skill. Consider what you can do both inside
and outside of school.

I can get most of my homework done at school during 5th period so I have time to do other
things when I get home. I can do my homework as soon as I get home so I have time to do other
things during my free time. Be more organized so I can manage my time better.

Skill #2​: Be engaged

Why did you select this skill? Consider why it is important to you and why you think you need
to work on this skill.

I’ve usually always been engaged in my education but this year i've lost motivation a little bit.
It’s important to me because I want to always be engaged in my learning and work hard.
Name three ways you can work on developing this skill. Consider what you can do both inside
and outside of school.

Ask questions and participate in class. Make sure to do all my work and get help if I don't
understand something so I get the most out of out what i'm learning. Participate in school
activities and go to things to be more involved in the school.

At the end of the year, you will reflect on your soft skills progress in your final presentation.