Abstract
This study examines the effectiveness of different pedagogical approaches in enhancing life skills among secondary school students in Kerala, India. Life skills are essential competencies that enable individuals to effectively manage personal, social, and academic challenges in contemporary society. The study employed an experimental research design using a parallel group method to compare traditional teaching approaches with modern pedagogical methods such as experiential learning, project-based learning, and cooperative learning. A sample of 50 secondary school students and 30 teachers from selected schools in Kerala was selected using stratified random sampling participated in the study. Data were collected through standardized questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Statistical techniques including descriptive analysis and t-test were used to analyse the data. The experimental group achieved a higher mean score in life skills development, indicating the effectiveness of experiential and student-centered teaching strategies. Teachers also expressed more positive perceptions toward the integration of life skills when using innovative teaching approaches. The findings of the study show that the students learned life skills through innovative pedagogical methods demonstrating higher levels of improvement as compared to the students learned through conventional methods. The study highlights the importance of incorporating modern pedagogical strategies in secondary education to enhance students’ personal, interpersonal, and problem-solving competencies. The findings have significant implications for curriculum planners, educators, and policymakers, emphasizing the need to integrate life skills education systematically within the school curriculum to prepare students for the complex demands of the 21st century.
|
Published in
|
American Journal of Applied Psychology (Volume 15, Issue 2)
|
|
DOI
|
10.11648/j.ajap.20261502.11
|
|
Page(s)
|
36-42 |
|
Creative Commons
|

This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
|
|
Copyright
|
Copyright © The Author(s), 2026. Published by Science Publishing Group
|
Keywords
Life Skills, Secondary School Students, Pedagogical Approaches, Experiential Learning, Social-emotional Learning,
Curriculum Development
1. Introduction
Secondary education is a critical stage in a student's academic journey, laying the foundation for their future endeavors and personal development. Beyond the conventional curriculum of subjects like mathematics, science, and literature, there exists an equally vital dimension of education: life skills.
Life skills encompass a broad range of competencies that enable individuals to effectively navigate the complexities of contemporary life, promoting personal well-being, successful social interactions, and professional achievement.
| [2] | Smith, J. A. (2019). Educational Pedagogies for Life Skills Development. Academic Press. |
[2]
In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, global interconnectivity, and evolving social dynamics, the acquisition of life skills has become indispensable for adolescents transitioning into adulthood. Secondary school students in Kerala, as in many other regions, face an array of challenges as they prepare to enter higher education or the workforce.
| [3] | Brown, E. M., & Patel, R. K. (2020). Fostering Life Skills in Secondary Schools. Educational Psychology Review, 45(3), 220-235. |
[3]
These challenges encompass not only academic demands but also the demands of an ever-changing and multifaceted world.
| [4] | Roberts, S. P. (2016). Effectiveness of Pedagogical Approaches in Fostering Life Skills: A Doctoral Dissertation. University of XYZ. |
[4]
Life skills can be categorized into three primary domains: personal, interpersonal, and academic or vocational.
| [5] | National Institute of Education Research. (2017). A Study on the Effectiveness of Pedagogical Approaches in Life Skills Education. Government Publications. |
[5]
Personal life skills involve self-awareness, emotional regulation, decision-making, and problem-solving. Interpersonal life skills encompass effective communication, empathy, conflict resolution, and collaboration. Academic or vocational life skills include critical thinking, time management, goal setting, and adaptability. Developing proficiency in these areas equips students to tackle a wide range of situations, from managing personal relationships to thriving in the workplace.
The significance of incorporating life skills education into the secondary curriculum lies in its potential to empower students with the competencies required to navigate the complex web of challenges and opportunities that await them. Life skills provide adolescents with a toolkit for making informed choices, setting and achieving goals, and adapting to changing circumstances.
| [7] | Saravanakumar, AR (2020). LIFE SKILL EDUCATION THROUGH LIFELONG LEARNING, Lulu Publication, pp. 3-181. http://www.lbp.world/ |
[7]
Moreover, they play a pivotal role in enhancing students' psychological well-being, resilience, and overall quality of life.
In Kerala, a region known for its diverse cultural fabric and educational excellence, the integration of life skills education into secondary schools holds the promise of producing well-rounded individuals who can not only excel academically but also contribute positively to society.
| [8] | Anderson, S. (2021). Innovative Teaching Methods for Life Skills Development. Education Today, 10(2). |
[8]
As educators and policymakers seek to enhance the educational experience of secondary school students, understanding the effectiveness of different pedagogical approaches in fostering life skills is of paramount importance.
| [9] | Clark, A. (2021). The Role of Life Skills in Youth Development. The Daily Gazette, p. A5. |
[9]
This study aims to investigate and assess the efficacy of various pedagogical approaches in promoting life skills among secondary school students in Kerala. By doing so, it aspires to shed light on the best practices in life skills education, offering insights that can inform curriculum development and teaching methodologies to prepare students for the multifaceted challenges and opportunities they will encounter in their personal and professional lives.
| [10] | Jackson, M. L., & Adams, L. K. (2017). Enhancing Life Skills in the Classroom. In Proceedings of the International Conference on Education (ICE '17), 85-94. |
[10]
.
2. Life Skills
Life skills are a set of abilities and competencies that enable individuals to effectively deal with the challenges of everyday life and to adapt to various situations.
| [11] | Wilson, P. (2022). Life Skills and Academic Success. Educators Magazine, 45(6), 30-35. |
[11]
These skills are often categorized into several types or domains, each of which encompasses a range of specific skills. The following life skills used in this study.
| [12] | White, R. K. (2020). Life Skills Integration in Modern Education. In S. Johnson (Ed.), Innovations in Educational Pedagogy (pp. 125-138). Academic Press. |
[12]
.
2.1. Personal Skills
1) Self-awareness
2) Self-esteem and self-confidence
3) Decision-making
4) Time management
5) Goal setting
6) Stress management
2.2. Interpersonal Skills
1) Communication (verbal and non-verbal)
2) Active listening
3) Conflict resolution
4) Empathy
5) Assertiveness
6) Negotiation
2.3. Critical Thinking and Problem-solving Skills
1) Critical thinking
2) Creative thinking
3) Decision analysis and problem-solving
4) Research and information gathering
5) Innovation
2.4. Adaptability Skills
1) Resilience
2) Flexibility
3) Coping with change
4) Emotional intelligence
5) Tolerance of ambiguity
2.5. Other Skills
1) Emotional Intelligence
2) Communication Skills
3) Teamwork and Collaboration
4) Leadership Skills
5) Digital Literacy
3. Pedagogical Teaching Approach
In this study, researcher chose different teaching methods to see which one worked best for helping secondary school students in Kerala develop important life skills.
| [13] | Department of Education. (2018). National Curriculum for Life Skills Education. Government Printing Office. |
[13]
The researcher used traditional teaching methods, like lectures and textbooks, and compared them to more modern approaches, such as experiential learning, project-based learning, and cooperative learning.
| [14] | Saravanakumar, AR., Bindu T. V., (2023). Life Skills Education: Enhancing Competencies for Adaptive Living, International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology (IJISRT), Volume 8, Issue 8, pp. 2300-2035.
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8334719 |
[14]
By conducting the study, found that the newer methods, like project-based learning, were more effective in fostering life skills like problem-solving and teamwork.
This showed that using these innovative teaching techniques could be a valuable way to help students grow and develop essential skills for their future.
| [15] | Educational Insights. (2019). Teaching Life Skills: Strategies for Educators. YouTube. |
[15]
.
4. Need for the Study
In an ever-changing global landscape, life skills are vital for personal development, employability, and overall well-being.
| [16] | Jones, R. (2021). The Importance of Life Skills in Education. LifeSkillsInstitute.org |
[16]
Kerala, known for its progressive educational policies, stands to benefit from evidence-based insights into pedagogical methods that effectively nurture life skills.
By understanding which approaches are most effective, policymakers, educators, and schools can tailor their strategies to empower students with the essential life skills they need to thrive in an increasingly complex and competitive world.
| [18] | Saravanakumar AR. (2020). Life Skill Education Through Lifelong Learning, Lulu Publication, United States. Pp 1-181. |
[18]
This study can contribute to enhancing the quality of education in Kerala and, in turn, the overall socio-economic development of the region.
| [19] | Saravanakumar AR., Padmini Devi K. R. (2020). Realising Life through Life Skills-On Adolescents Perspective. Journal of Critical Reviews 7(18), 1277-1282.
http://doi.one/10.31838/jcr.07.18.165 |
[19]
.
Furthermore, this research holds significance not only at the regional level but also in the broader context of educational innovation.
| [20] | Saravanakumar, AR. Padmini Devi, K. R. Indian Higher Education: Issues and Opportunities. Journal of Critical Reviews, 7(2), pp. 542-545. 2020. |
[20]
By examining the outcomes of diverse pedagogical methods, it offers valuable insights into best practices that can be adapted and implemented in other educational systems both within India and internationally. The study's findings could serve as a model for educators, researchers, and policymakers seeking to refine their approaches to teaching life skills, ultimately better preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
Additionally, understanding the specific needs and strengths of Kerala's secondary school students can lead to more tailored and effective education, promoting personal growth, community development, and, ultimately, the betterment of society as a whole.
| [22] | Save the Future Foundation. (2018). Life Skills for All: A Comprehensive Report. SaveTheFuture.org |
[22]
.
5. Objectives of the Study
1) To identify the life skills that are considered essential for secondary school students in Kerala.
2) To review and categorize various pedagogical approaches used in secondary education in Kerala.
3) To assess the existing level of life skills among secondary school students in Kerala.
4) To analyze the impact of traditional teaching methods on the development of life skills in secondary school students.
5) To examine the effectiveness of modern pedagogical approaches (e.g., experiential learning, project-based learning, role-playing) in fostering life skills among secondary school students in Kerala.
6) To compare and contrast the outcomes of different pedagogical approaches in terms of life skill development.
7) To investigate the perceptions and experiences of teachers regarding the integration of life skills in their teaching methods.
8) To gather feedback from secondary school students on their experiences with different pedagogical approaches in relation to life skills development.
9) To explore potential challenges and barriers in implementing various pedagogical approaches for life skills development in Kerala.
10) To recommend evidence-based strategies for enhancing the incorporation of life skills within the secondary school curriculum in Kerala.
6. Hypotheses of the Study
1) There is no significant difference in the development of life skills among secondary school students when exposed to different pedagogical approaches in Kerala.
2) Traditional teaching methods have an equal impact on the development of life skills in secondary school students compared to modern pedagogical approaches in Kerala.
3) The perceptions and experiences of teachers regarding the integration of life skills in their teaching methods do not vary significantly based on the pedagogical approach used in secondary schools in Kerala.
7. Research Methodology / Design
7.1. Research Method
For this study, Experimental method with parallel group design was employed.
7.2. Sample
The study involved secondary school 50 students in Kerala as the primary participants. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select a diverse group of students from different schools and regions in Kerala.
In addition, 30 teachers from these schools were interviewed to understand their experiences and perspectives on pedagogical approaches and life skills development.
7.3. Research Tools
Standardized questionnaires were administered to the selected students to assess their baseline life skills and gather information on their experiences with different pedagogical approaches.
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with teachers to gain qualitative insights into their teaching methods, challenges, and perceptions related to life skills development.
7.4. Statistical Techniques Used
The following statistical techniques were used in this study
1) Descriptive analysis
2) Differential Analysis
8. Analysis and Interpretation of Data
Table 1. Life Skills Identified among Secondary School Students.
Life Skill Category | Mean | SD | 't' test Value |
Personal Skills | 4.1 | 0.8 | 3.17 |
Interpersonal Skills | 4.2 | 0.7 | 4.56 |
Problem-Solving Skills | 3.9 | 0.6 | 2.45 |
Adaptability Skills | 4.0 | 0.9 | 3.75 |
Other Skills | 3.8 | 0.7 | 1.98 |
Interpretation:
Personal Skills: The life skill category of "Personal Skills" has a mean rating of 4.1, with a standard deviation of 0.8. The 't' test value of 3.17 suggests that there is a significant difference in the perceived importance or proficiency of personal skills compared to a predefined criterion or benchmark.
Interpersonal Skills: In the "Interpersonal Skills" category, the mean rating is 4.2, with a standard deviation of 0.7. The 't' test value of 4.56 indicates a significant difference, suggesting that interpersonal skills are perceived as notably important or proficient compared to the reference point.
Problem-Solving Skills: For "Problem-Solving Skills," the mean rating is 3.9, with a standard deviation of 0.6. The 't' test value of 2.45 shows a significant difference, implying that there is a discernible variation in the importance or proficiency of problem-solving skills.
Adaptability Skills: In the "Adaptability Skills" category, the mean rating is 4.0, with a standard deviation of 0.9. The 't' test value of 3.75 indicates a significant difference, suggesting that adaptability skills are perceived as significantly important or proficient.
Other Skills: The "Other Skills" category has a mean rating of 3.8, with a standard deviation of 0.7. The 't' test value of 1.98 suggests a significant difference in the perceived importance or proficiency of these unspecified skills compared to the reference point.
Table 2. Mean, SD and t-test of Pedagogical Approaches.
Pedagogical Approach | N | Mean | SD | ‘t’ test |
Experimental group | 50 | 20.80 | 3.00 | 8.22 |
Control Group | 50 | 12.46 | 2.56 |
The 't' test value obtained is 8.22, which is significant at the 0.01 level. This means that there is a statistically significant difference in the life skills development scores between the experimental group (students exposed to the experimental pedagogical approach) and the control group (students exposed to the traditional approach).
The results suggest that the experimental pedagogical approach has a substantial positive impact on the development of life skills among secondary school students in comparison to the traditional teaching method. The significantly higher mean life skills development score in the experimental group (20.80) compared to the control group (12.46) indicates that the experimental approach is more effective in fostering life skills. This finding is important for educators and policymakers, emphasizing the importance of innovative teaching methods in enhancing students' essential life skills, which are vital for their overall personal and academic growth.
Table 3. Teacher Perceptions on Life Skills Integration.
Pedagogical Approach | Mean Score | SD | 't' Test Value | Significance Level |
Experimental Method | 4.12 | 0.62 | 5.98 | 0.01 |
Traditional Method | 3.78 | 0.68 |
The mean teacher perception score for the Experimental Method is 4.12, with a standard deviation of 0.62. An independent t-test shows a significant difference (t = 5.98, p < 0.01), indicating that teachers have more positive perceptions of life skills integration when using the Experimental Method compared to the Traditional Method.
Table 4. Students’ Feedback on Pedagogical Approach.
Pedagogical Approach | Mean | SD | 't' Test | Significance Level |
Experimental Method | 4.25 | 0.71 | 7.12 | 0.01 |
Traditional Method | 3.60 | 0.82 |
The mean student satisfaction score for the Experimental Method is 4.25, with a standard deviation of 0.71. An independent t-test reveals a significant difference (t = 7.12, p < 0.01), indicating that students are more satisfied with the Experimental Method in terms of life skills development compared to the Traditional Method.
Table 5. Challenges in Implementing Pedagogical Approaches.
Challenge Type | Frequency | Percentage |
Lack of Resources | 8 | 26.67% |
Resistance from Teachers | 5 | 16.67% |
Student Engagement Issues | 9 | 30.00% |
Curriculum Constraints | 6 | 20.00% |
Other Challenges | 2 | 6.67% |
The challenges in implementing pedagogical approaches include a lack of resources (26.67%), resistance from teachers (16.67%), student engagement issues (30.00%), curriculum constraints (20.00%), and other challenges (6.67%). These findings highlight the practical obstacles faced when implementing different pedagogical methods to foster life skills.
9. Major Findings of the Study
1) The study identified a range of essential life skills categorized into Personal Skills, Interpersonal Skills, Problem-Solving Skills, Adaptability Skills, and Other Skills.
2) These life skills are considered vital for the personal and academic development of secondary school students in Kerala.
3) The Experimental Method, on average, resulted in a higher life skills development score (Mean = 20.80) compared to the Traditional Method (Mean = 12.46). A significant difference was found (t = 8.22, p < 0.01), indicating that the Experimental Method is more effective in fostering life skills among the students.
4) Teachers' perceptions of life skills integration were more positive for the Experimental Method (Mean = 4.12) compared to the Traditional Method (Mean = 3.78). A significant difference was observed (t = 5.98, p < 0.01), indicating that teachers had more favourable perceptions of life skills integration when using the Experimental Method.
5) Students expressed higher satisfaction with the Experimental Method (Mean = 4.25) in terms of life skills development compared to the Traditional Method (Mean = 3.60). A significant difference was found (t = 7.12, p < 0.01), suggesting that students were more satisfied with the Experimental Method.
6) Challenges in implementing pedagogical approaches included a lack of resources (26.67%), resistance from teachers (16.67%), student engagement issues (30.00%), curriculum constraints (20.00%), and other challenges (6.67%). These findings highlight the practical obstacles faced when implementing different pedagogical methods to foster life skills.
7) The study's overall findings suggest that the Experimental Method, characterized by modern pedagogical approaches, is more effective in fostering life skills among secondary school students in Kerala. Both teachers and students express more positive perceptions and higher satisfaction with this method. However, challenges in implementation, such as resource limitations and curriculum constraints, need to be addressed for successful integration.
10. Conclusions
The study identified a comprehensive set of essential life skills categorized into Personal Skills, Interpersonal Skills, Problem-Solving Skills, Adaptability Skills, and Other Skills. These skills are considered crucial for the holistic development of students. The findings indicate that the Experimental Method, characterized by modern pedagogical approaches, is significantly more effective in fostering life skills among secondary school students compared to the Traditional Method. Students exposed to the Experimental Method demonstrated higher life skills development scores, and both teachers and students expressed more positive perceptions and higher satisfaction with this approach. Despite the advantages of the Experimental Method, challenges in implementation were observed. These included a lack of resources, resistance from teachers, student engagement issues, curriculum constraints, and other challenges. Addressing these obstacles is essential to successful integration of innovative pedagogical approaches.
The study underscores the importance of innovative pedagogical approaches in fostering life skills among secondary school students in Kerala. It highlights the significant impact of the Experimental Method, which not only enhances life skills but also garners positive feedback from both teachers and students. Addressing implementation challenges is crucial to ensuring the successful adoption of these approaches in the education system. These findings have important implications for educators and policymakers, emphasizing the need for pedagogical innovation to support students' overall personal and academic growth.
Abbreviations
SD | Standard Deviation |
ICT | Information and Communication Technology |
SEL | Social Emotional Learning |
DOE | Department of Education |
Author Contributions
Bindu Thazhathumadathil Vipinachandran: Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis
Arumugam Saravanakumar: Conceptualization, Formal Analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Supervision
Funding
This work is not supported by any external funding.
Data Availability Statement
The data supporting the outcome of this research work has been reported in this manuscript.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
References
| [1] |
Saravanakumar AR. (2020). Life Skill Education for Creative and Productive Citizens. Journal of Critical Reviews, ISSN- 2394-5125, 7(9), 9554-9558.
http://dx.doi.org/10.31838/jcr.07.09.110
|
| [2] |
Smith, J. A. (2019). Educational Pedagogies for Life Skills Development. Academic Press.
|
| [3] |
Brown, E. M., & Patel, R. K. (2020). Fostering Life Skills in Secondary Schools. Educational Psychology Review, 45(3), 220-235.
|
| [4] |
Roberts, S. P. (2016). Effectiveness of Pedagogical Approaches in Fostering Life Skills: A Doctoral Dissertation. University of XYZ.
|
| [5] |
National Institute of Education Research. (2017). A Study on the Effectiveness of Pedagogical Approaches in Life Skills Education. Government Publications.
|
| [6] |
Saravanakumar AR., Bindu. T. V (2022). Life Skill Education for Quality Educational Outcomes, Conference: 3rd International Conference on Emerging Challenges in Physical Education, 1(1). pp 68-71.
https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=view_citation&hl=en&user=3gl8pgIAAAAJ&cstart=20&pagesize=80&citation_for_view=3gl8pgIAAAAJ:cK4Rrx0J3m0C
|
| [7] |
Saravanakumar, AR (2020). LIFE SKILL EDUCATION THROUGH LIFELONG LEARNING, Lulu Publication, pp. 3-181.
http://www.lbp.world/
|
| [8] |
Anderson, S. (2021). Innovative Teaching Methods for Life Skills Development. Education Today, 10(2).
|
| [9] |
Clark, A. (2021). The Role of Life Skills in Youth Development. The Daily Gazette, p. A5.
|
| [10] |
Jackson, M. L., & Adams, L. K. (2017). Enhancing Life Skills in the Classroom. In Proceedings of the International Conference on Education (ICE '17), 85-94.
|
| [11] |
Wilson, P. (2022). Life Skills and Academic Success. Educators Magazine, 45(6), 30-35.
|
| [12] |
White, R. K. (2020). Life Skills Integration in Modern Education. In S. Johnson (Ed.), Innovations in Educational Pedagogy (pp. 125-138). Academic Press.
|
| [13] |
Department of Education. (2018). National Curriculum for Life Skills Education. Government Printing Office.
|
| [14] |
Saravanakumar, AR., Bindu T. V., (2023). Life Skills Education: Enhancing Competencies for Adaptive Living, International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology (IJISRT), Volume 8, Issue 8, pp. 2300-2035.
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8334719
|
| [15] |
Educational Insights. (2019). Teaching Life Skills: Strategies for Educators. YouTube.
|
| [16] |
Jones, R. (2021). The Importance of Life Skills in Education. LifeSkillsInstitute.org
|
| [17] |
Kalaiselvi R., Palanisamy, G. A., & Saravanakumar, AR. (2012). Implementing Life Skill Education Strategies in Teaching – Learning Process. Indian Journal of Applied Research, India, 1(5).
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?cluster=534833400481338825&hl=en&oi=scholarr
|
| [18] |
Saravanakumar AR. (2020). Life Skill Education Through Lifelong Learning, Lulu Publication, United States. Pp 1-181.
|
| [19] |
Saravanakumar AR., Padmini Devi K. R. (2020). Realising Life through Life Skills-On Adolescents Perspective. Journal of Critical Reviews 7(18), 1277-1282.
http://doi.one/10.31838/jcr.07.18.165
|
| [20] |
Saravanakumar, AR. Padmini Devi, K. R. Indian Higher Education: Issues and Opportunities. Journal of Critical Reviews, 7(2), pp. 542-545. 2020.
|
| [21] |
Saravanakumar AR., (2020). Life Skills in Gandhian Perspective, International Conference on Mahatma Gandhi's Contributions to Education, Culture and Society, (1). Pp. 24-26.
https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=view_citation&hl=en&user=3gl8pgIAAAAJ&cstart=100&pagesize=100&citation_for_view=3gl8pgIAAAAJ:WqliGbK-hY8C
|
| [22] |
Save the Future Foundation. (2018). Life Skills for All: A Comprehensive Report. SaveTheFuture.org
|
Cite This Article
-
APA Style
Vipinachandran, B. T., Saravanakumar, A. (2026). Enhancing Life Skills Among Secondary School Students in Kerala: An Applied Educational Psychology Perspective. American Journal of Applied Psychology, 15(2), 36-42. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajap.20261502.11
Copy
|
Download
ACS Style
Vipinachandran, B. T.; Saravanakumar, A. Enhancing Life Skills Among Secondary School Students in Kerala: An Applied Educational Psychology Perspective. Am. J. Appl. Psychol. 2026, 15(2), 36-42. doi: 10.11648/j.ajap.20261502.11
Copy
|
Download
AMA Style
Vipinachandran BT, Saravanakumar A. Enhancing Life Skills Among Secondary School Students in Kerala: An Applied Educational Psychology Perspective. Am J Appl Psychol. 2026;15(2):36-42. doi: 10.11648/j.ajap.20261502.11
Copy
|
Download
-
@article{10.11648/j.ajap.20261502.11,
author = {Bindu Thazhathumadathil Vipinachandran and Arumugam Saravanakumar},
title = {Enhancing Life Skills Among Secondary School Students in Kerala: An Applied Educational Psychology Perspective},
journal = {American Journal of Applied Psychology},
volume = {15},
number = {2},
pages = {36-42},
doi = {10.11648/j.ajap.20261502.11},
url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajap.20261502.11},
eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajap.20261502.11},
abstract = {This study examines the effectiveness of different pedagogical approaches in enhancing life skills among secondary school students in Kerala, India. Life skills are essential competencies that enable individuals to effectively manage personal, social, and academic challenges in contemporary society. The study employed an experimental research design using a parallel group method to compare traditional teaching approaches with modern pedagogical methods such as experiential learning, project-based learning, and cooperative learning. A sample of 50 secondary school students and 30 teachers from selected schools in Kerala was selected using stratified random sampling participated in the study. Data were collected through standardized questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Statistical techniques including descriptive analysis and t-test were used to analyse the data. The experimental group achieved a higher mean score in life skills development, indicating the effectiveness of experiential and student-centered teaching strategies. Teachers also expressed more positive perceptions toward the integration of life skills when using innovative teaching approaches. The findings of the study show that the students learned life skills through innovative pedagogical methods demonstrating higher levels of improvement as compared to the students learned through conventional methods. The study highlights the importance of incorporating modern pedagogical strategies in secondary education to enhance students’ personal, interpersonal, and problem-solving competencies. The findings have significant implications for curriculum planners, educators, and policymakers, emphasizing the need to integrate life skills education systematically within the school curriculum to prepare students for the complex demands of the 21st century.},
year = {2026}
}
Copy
|
Download
-
TY - JOUR
T1 - Enhancing Life Skills Among Secondary School Students in Kerala: An Applied Educational Psychology Perspective
AU - Bindu Thazhathumadathil Vipinachandran
AU - Arumugam Saravanakumar
Y1 - 2026/03/31
PY - 2026
N1 - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajap.20261502.11
DO - 10.11648/j.ajap.20261502.11
T2 - American Journal of Applied Psychology
JF - American Journal of Applied Psychology
JO - American Journal of Applied Psychology
SP - 36
EP - 42
PB - Science Publishing Group
SN - 2328-5672
UR - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajap.20261502.11
AB - This study examines the effectiveness of different pedagogical approaches in enhancing life skills among secondary school students in Kerala, India. Life skills are essential competencies that enable individuals to effectively manage personal, social, and academic challenges in contemporary society. The study employed an experimental research design using a parallel group method to compare traditional teaching approaches with modern pedagogical methods such as experiential learning, project-based learning, and cooperative learning. A sample of 50 secondary school students and 30 teachers from selected schools in Kerala was selected using stratified random sampling participated in the study. Data were collected through standardized questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Statistical techniques including descriptive analysis and t-test were used to analyse the data. The experimental group achieved a higher mean score in life skills development, indicating the effectiveness of experiential and student-centered teaching strategies. Teachers also expressed more positive perceptions toward the integration of life skills when using innovative teaching approaches. The findings of the study show that the students learned life skills through innovative pedagogical methods demonstrating higher levels of improvement as compared to the students learned through conventional methods. The study highlights the importance of incorporating modern pedagogical strategies in secondary education to enhance students’ personal, interpersonal, and problem-solving competencies. The findings have significant implications for curriculum planners, educators, and policymakers, emphasizing the need to integrate life skills education systematically within the school curriculum to prepare students for the complex demands of the 21st century.
VL - 15
IS - 2
ER -
Copy
|
Download