Any process of learning and gaining knowledge has a positive impact on our brain, especially learning foreign languages, which trains our memory. Linguists’ brains work somewhat more intensively than those of other people. They process information faster, and their cognitive flexibility allows them to switch from one topic to another more quickly and efficiently. In other words, learning a foreign language contributes to the development of soft skills.
Contents
1. What are soft skills?
2. Developing soft skills through learning English
3. Examples of soft skills
3.1 Flexibility and teamwork
3.2 Critical thinking
3.3 Self-organization
3.4 Creativity
What are soft skills?
Soft skills are a set of social and communication skills that affect our productivity, success at work and interactions with others. Unlike hard skills, they are not tied to a specific field. These include, in particular:
critical and creative thinking;
- flexibility in communication and work;
- effective communication;
- self-organization.
You cannot take an exam on these skills, but you can develop these examples of soft skills through experience and learning a foreign language.
Developing soft skills through learning English
The most essential ability nowadays is effective communication. Communication skills are fundamental for almost all modern professions. Whether you are an employer or an employee, the ability to express your thoughts clearly is really valuable, and knowing English will always be a great advantage.
English courses are not the same as passively attending lectures. At Green Forest courses, the teacher guides students to communicate in pairs and small groups, where they discuss relevant topics. Like it or not, you will have to engage in conversation. On average, groups consist of 10-12 people, giving you the opportunity to interact with each of them and develop your ability to communicate effectively.
Examples of soft skills
As mentioned earlier, even though the skills we’re discussing are now named soft skills, their significance is by no means soft. They include the ability to communicate, work in a team, make decisions and manage emotions. These skills help not only in a career but also in everyday life. Let’s explore the key examples of soft skills and their role in the modern world and your professional life.
Flexibility and teamwork
For any type of activity, it is necessary to perform more than one function, so it is important to be able to switch from one task to another quite quickly. This example of soft skills can also be useful in unexpected situations at work when you need to quickly adjust your perception and take action according to changes.
Imagine that you have been speaking Ukrainian all day at work, at home, and with friends, but in the evening, you have language courses where the teacher will speak English and expect the same from you. After each exercise, the teacher will pair you up or place you in a group with other students, so you will have to quickly adapt to communicating with different participants. This will require you to take into account the context of a rapidly changing situation, which means adapting and finding new approaches. Moreover, this skill will help you collaborate and find common ground with colleagues.
Critical thinking
This is higher-order thinking. It has almost become a trend recently, but it is truly an essential skill in the modern world. In English language courses, you will encounter numerous rules: grammar, communication, situational phrases and more. So, critical thinking develops as a result of a well-structured learning plan.
Modern language learning methods focus on ensuring that each student processes information by analyzing it rather than memorizing it mechanically without understanding. This, in turn, enhances another soft skill — critical thinking. That’s why the teacher won’t just give you a lecture but will engage you in the process of discovering new information by constantly asking questions that help reveal the essence of the topic. The teacher will encourage you to interact and listen to your thoughts.
This also applies to error correction: in modern courses, there are no red marks in the margins of your notebook signaling mistakes. Correcting errors in pronunciation or grammar requires student involvement and joint analysis of mistakes. Instead of simply stating, «This is incorrect because…», the teacher helps the student think critically and understand what needs correction and why. In this context, it’s important to realize that the teacher does not provide all the answers at once or try to «install» knowledge in your mind. Instead, the teacher acts as a flashlight, helping you illuminate the darkness yourself.
Self-organization
Another important example of soft skills for a modern person is the ability to organize one’s activities in a way that allows for the fullest realization of creative potential in a given situation. English language courses help develop it through their structure and regularity, promoting order and self-discipline.
Don't forget about homework. This is the part of the course that the teacher cannot always monitor, as it takes place in your personal study time. Therefore, the responsibility for completing assignments falls on you. Once again, doing homework not only reinforces the knowledge gained in class but also helps maintain discipline and self-organization.
By choosing an English course, you have already set a specific goal for yourself. Planning and goal-setting demonstrate your commitment to developing skills such as organization and systematic thinking.
Mastering one level of English takes at least a hundred hours, meaning that with the help of a course, this time must be structured and effectively organized.
Creativity
Last but not least, we all want to be creative, interesting and imaginative individuals. And indeed, creativity is valuable for everyone — whether you have a technical profession or a physically demanding job, it can help expand your thinking and find new ways to optimize any task.
The unique ability to generate fresh ideas can be developed in English language courses, as our teachers systematically prepare unconventional exercises for you. Learning English is not just about «choosing the correct answer and justifying your opinion». It involves numerous engaging activities and games that foster imagination. For example, in a role-play situation, you might have to imagine yourself as someone else and construct a dialogue. If your lesson focuses on the Second Conditional, you will develop this soft skill by imagining yourself in various unreal situations and considering their consequences — what would happen if your parents were aliens? What would you do if you were the Queen of England?
Modern life is full of constant changes. It requires us to be flexible, think critically and be creative. These skills help us gain confidence, and English will only strengthen them. Set your goal, choose your desired level and achieve it with us!
М. ПЛОЩА УКРАЇНСЬКИХ ГЕРОЇВ,
