The Impact of Team Competitions on the Development of Soft Skills in Youth

The article presents the results of a study on the impact of team competitions on the development of soft skills in pupils. The finding includes an analysis of scientific research related to the interpretation of soft skills and the peculiarities of their formation. The article emphasizes the limitations of assessment methods for soft skills. It describes the experience of Sumy State Pedagogical University named after A.S. Makarenko (Ukraine) in organizing and conducting intellectual competitions “FEMMI,” which aim to develop soft skills in high school pupils. Within the competitions, the dynamics of the development of five groups of soft skills were tracked: Communication, Problem-Solving, Teamwork, Lifelong Learning, and Leadership. A total of 350 competition participants took part in the survey. Statistical analysis was conducted based on a double survey at the beginning and the end of the competition. The obtained data indicate statistically significant positive dynamics in the Communication, Problem-Solving, and Teamwork groups. Based on the results of the intellectual competitions, recommendations are provided, including promoting teamwork, using both standard and non-standard tasks, and incorporating IT to create a collaborative space in searching for and discussing solutions.