Life Skills
This programme focuses on holistic student development. We address our student's specific needs and cross curricular or functional competencies, such as teamwork and problem-solving. The stated programme furnishes students with the skills and abilities to empower them to actively engage in a process of knowledge acquisition that can be transferred to diverse learning environments, such as in the labour market (Mason, 2009).
The programme addresses the following four areas of interest:
- Planning skills
- Goal setting and motivation
- Time management
- Academic study skills
- A comprehensive self-regulated learning programme, developed via a research-driven process is presented
- Personal/emotional intelligence skills
- Establishing and maintaining effective interpersonal relationships
- Managing and building an effective intrapersonal relationship, like self-esteem
- Conflict management
- Stress management
- Anxiety management
- Adjusting to university life
- Personal leadership and mastery
- Managing cultural diversity
- Teamwork
- Establishing and maintaining effective teams
- Understanding and managing group dynamics
- Working effectively as a member of a team
We recently introduced the concept and initiative, positive-based and meaning-centred student development and support (Mason, 2010). The emphasis of this initiative is to study and develop, as well as to enhance the conditions under which students may thrive. Amongst others, a logotherapy-based student development and support programme has been developed for nursing students. Further research efforts are geared at developing and contextualising Life Skills from empowering and growth enhancing perspectives. Because the Life Skills programme is strongly research-driven, course-specific programmes can be developed, should the need exist.
How to enrol for or arrange a Life Skills programme?
- Individual students may approach the SDS Unit on the learning site where they are enrolled
- Academic departments may contact the local Head of the SDS Unit or SDS Programme manager for Life skills to plan, customise
and schedule a Life Skills programme for a student group.
Enquiries regarding the Life Skills programme can be directed to:
