ZONED-IN: A Cognitive and non-Cognitive Skill development program.

Research (1, 2, 3, 4) has shown there are skills that are  correlated with success in both school and life that are not  standard components of the classroom curricula. Traditionally, however, our educational system has focused  primarily on the delivery of content rather than the development of important cognitive and non-cognitive skills. Furthermore, there is certainly little or no  time regularly  allocated to the development of these skills in a classroom setting.  

That is why ZONED-IN shows you how to convert your regular classroom lessons into a cognitive and noncognitive skill development sessions. The skill training happens in real time in the classroom as an  overlay on your existing lessons.

What are the differences between cognitive and non-cognitive (soft) skills?

Cognitive skills are defined as the process of how we take in information, reasoning, remembering, and relating. On the other hand, non-cognitive skills, also known as soft skills, include  persistence or “grit,”  self-discipline, and focus.

The importance of cognitive skills.

Traditionally as educators, we present content to students, but often relegate the “HOW”  of study to the home.  Unfortunately, most home environments cannot provide guidance in this arena. Thus, this responsibility circles back to the classroom.

ZONED-IN  demonstrates pragmatic approaches  to convert your  traditional content lesson to one that also will train your students’ concentration and memory.

Why are non-cognitive skills important?

In addition to the cognitive skills, non-cognitive, or soft skills are also essential in order to be successful socially, academically, and professionally.  The most often cited soft skills include  persistence  or “grit,” self-discipline, and focus.  These  skills  play central roles in our education and, more broadly, our lives.( 5)

How can you incorporate training these these soft skills into your classroom?

In a segment we call nitty gritty,  you will learn positive pedagogical practices that when deployed within your classroom, will engender and support intrinsic motivation. This key attribute encourages students to persevere when faced with a challenges.