Studies in Life Skills: Two Unlike Groups

Abstract

Life-skills projects carried out in the Canada Employment and Immigration Commission during the last year have been designed to meet the needs of two groups: refugees and nonjob- ready Employment Center clients. One contains many decisive superachievers, the other, underachievers who avoid choosing altogether or who make impulsive, ill-considered choices. In a comparison of the differences and similarities between the two groups, the writer examines the goals of lifeskills teaching with reference to values, problem solving, and choice. Arguments are made based upon the views of lifeskills specialists and their perceptions of student needs. The writer concludes that values are inevitably taught but that the major goal of life skills is to enable students to make choices.