Summarised by Centrist
Non-cognitive skills are personal attributes like motivation, self-control, and social skills. These skills help people manage their emotions, interact well with others, and face challenges. A study published in Nature Human Behaviour suggests these skills are just as important as intelligence in determining academic success.
The study reveals that these skills become increasingly influential as children grow.
“Our research challenges the long-held assumption that intelligence is the primary driver of academic achievement,” says Dr Margherita Malanchini of Queen Mary University of London.
The research followed over 10,000 children from age 7 to 16 in England and Wales, employing twin studies and DNA-based analyses to understand the dynamic between genes, environment, and academic performance.
One notable finding is that the genetic influence on non-cognitive skills nearly doubles between the ages of 7 and 16. By the end of compulsory education, these genetic factors are as important as intelligence in predicting success.
While genetics is a contributing factor, the role of the environment and children’s emotional and behavioural makeup can actively shape their learning experiences.
“It’s time to rebalance our focus and give equal importance to nurturing non-cognitive skills,” Malanchini said.
