Student’s Need About Life Skills at Secondary Level An Exploratory Study

Abstract

Life skills are crucial for individuals as they equip them with problem-solving behaviors and the ability to manage various personal affairs and life situations. The research questions focused on understanding the need for life skills-based education at the secondary level. The significance of the study lay in the importance of life skills education in preparing young students to effectively navigate challenges, participate productively in society, and handle daily life problems. Life skills enable individuals to translate knowledge, attitudes, and values into actual abilities, facilitating critical thinking and logical problem-solving. This study particularly analyzed the relevance of life skills in the context of Pakistani culture, with a focus on identifying the demanding and relevant life skills in the province of Punjab. The results of this study would be beneficial for teachers and students by providing insights into students' needs and the appropriate content for life skills education. The research employed a descriptive research design using a survey technique, and the population consisted of teachers and male students in the 9th grade in District Chakwal. Random sampling was used to select the sample, and data were collected through questionnaires. The Life Skills Development Scale-Adolescent Form B (LSDS-B) was used to assess students' needs, and a separate questionnaire was formulated to identify the current practices used in teaching life skills at the secondary level. Data analysis involved tabulation, analysis, and discussion of the findings using the chi-square statistic.