The Final Twenty-First-Century Soft Skills Definitions and Rubrics, Categories, and Tree Model

This chapter presents the culmination of extensive research and development into the definitions and assessment of soft skills for the modern era. It begins with a clear definition of the concept of soft skills and the definitions of individual soft skills that have been identified as important in the twenty-first century. The chapter then introduces the concept and structure of rubrics, tools designed to develop and assess soft skills. These rubrics, inspired by frameworks such as the VALUE rubrics, provide a structured approach to assessing the manifestation of soft skills at different levels. Each soft skill is defined and then broken down into dimensions, which represent its core elements, and levels of manifestation, which indicate the depth of the skill expression. The next part of the chapter introduces a categorization system for these soft skills, grouping them into four primary categories: intrinsic skills, navigational skills, connective skills, and visionary skills. This categorization helps to understand the interrelationships between different skills and their collective impact on personal and professional development. The final part presents the Tree Model of Soft Skills for the Twenty-First Century, a metaphorical representation that shows how these categories of skills are interconnected and support each other. In summary, this chapter provides a comprehensive and structured approach to understanding, defining, and assessing soft skills. It emphasizes the multifaceted nature of these skills and their critical role in navigating the complexities of the twenty-first-century workplace. The chapter is a significant contribution to the field of soft skills, providing educators, trainers, and professionals with a structured and comprehensive framework. It paves the way for more effective understanding, development, and application of soft skills, tailored to meet the dynamic demands of the modern world.