Exploration of Soft Skills among Teacher Trainees in Relation to Their Teaching Adaptability

Abstract

The study mainly focused on knowing the soft skills of teacher trainees in relation to their teaching adaptability. A descriptive survey design was utilized to achieve the objectives. The study was conducted at the campuses of Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (A Central University), Srinagar, and its affiliated institutions in Uttarakhand. A total of 600 participants were selected using a random sampling technique. Out of the total sample, 203 were male and 397 were female teacher trainees. To measure the teacher trainees' soft skills and teaching adaptability, a self-developed “soft skills scale” and “teaching adaptability scale” were constructed by the researcher. The soft skills assessment scale was assessed in six dimensions, including critical thinking, problem solving, leadership, adaptability, self-awareness, and confidence. Both scales were used on a 10-point rating scale. To compare and examine the relationship between soft skills and teaching adaptability, the t-test and Pearson correlation were employed. The reliability coefficient of soft skills and teaching adaptability scales was 0.84 and 0.79, respectively. The maximum teacher trainees were found at an average level of soft skills (50%), whereas 68% of the teacher trainees were also found at average level of teaching adaptability. The correlation between their soft skills and teaching adaptability was found to be strongly correlated (r=.752). The level of soft skills, including critical thinking (66%), problem solving (66%), leadership (63.37%), adjustment (65 %), self-awareness (70%), and self-confidence (63%) was also found moderate level. The results showed a strong positive correlation between soft skills and teaching adaptability of teacher trainees. The study highlighted that the development of soft skills helps in shaping the teaching adaptability and overall professional growth of teacher trainees. Therefore, integrating systematic soft skill training within teacher education programs is essential to prepare competent, confident, and adaptable future educators.