How should social skills be taught in a group setting?

Social skills are best taught in a group setting through interactive activities and discussions because this approach facilitates real-life social interactions and allows individuals to practice these skills in a supportive environment. Engaging in interactive activities encourages participants to communicate, collaborate, and understand social cues in a dynamic way. Discussions can help reinforce learning by allowing individuals to reflect on their experiences and share perspectives with peers, enhancing their social understanding and competence.

In group settings, participants benefit from observing and modeling the behavior of others, as well as receiving immediate feedback from both peers and instructors. This immersive approach helps to develop critical skills such as conversation, turn-taking, empathy, and conflict resolution, which are essential for social competence.

The other approaches mentioned, such as relying solely on direct instruction, focusing only on competition, or emphasizing individual achievements, do not leverage the benefits of social interaction and collaboration that are vital for teaching social skills effectively. Direct instruction may lack the engagement and practice opportunities needed for skill application, competitive activities can create a stressful environment that may inhibit learning, and prioritizing individual success can undermine the importance of teamwork and cooperative social behaviors.