REAL World Skills: Predictions from R.E.A.L. Students

One of the best parts of our job is seeing how the skills students learn from the R.E.A.L.® program directly affect their performance in class and elsewhere. Our dashboards allow us to gain insight into how students grow in multiple ways — in how they participate in class, in their comfort in expressing themselves, in agreeing and disagreeing respectfully, in developing a sense of belonging, and more.

Our interactions with students also tell us something else: students across grade levels who undergo the R.E.A.L. ® program believe that discussion skills will help them in a job or workplace.

The imagined application of those skills differs by student and by age, but R.E.A.L.® kids are united in understanding that the impact of the conversation skills they’re learning extend beyond the here and now. Their confidence in the value of these skills is inspiring for adults, too — many of whom may think other adults could use a refresher on the value of thoughtful, respectful conversation.

Reading student thoughts and perspectives always brings a smile to our faces — and we think they’re cause for optimism all around. Here are some of the ways recent R.E.A.L. ® students expect the skills they learn will help them later in life.

“You may need [these skills] in work if you are a doctor and you have to describe what you did to your patient or if you are a lawyer in court and have to say why you think someone is lying or telling the truth.” – 6th grader

“I think it will help you in a job when a topic comes up where not everyone has the same idea or opinion.” – 8th grader

“If I go into politics, I might be the first politician to listen to others and ask questions and value other opinions.” – 8th grader

“When I have to negotiate or come to a helpful conclusion with people during a business meeting.” – 9th grader

“Having a mature academic discussion is an important thing to be able to do. In college and in many jobs, you will need to know how to conduct one. It is also important to know how to speak up and when you’ve talked too much.” – 9th grader

“In everything you do, whether it be a hands-on job or a corporate one, you will always be required to talk to another human being. It is important to have the skill of conversation.” -9th grader

“I think it will help prepare me for the business world. As I get older and I get a job and a career, I’m gonna have to know how to stand up for myself. Learning discussion skills will help me do that.” – 9th grader

“They will help me be able to connect my own ideas to those of others in ways that I haven’t done before. I will be able to be a better communicator and listener.” – 10th grader

If you’re currently in the workplace, what conversation-related skills do you wish you (or your coworkers) had learned in school? Leave a comment and let us know!