Soft skills are inherently contextual. Unlike technical knowledge, they cannot be fully acquired through reading or lecture-based instruction. Communication, decision-making, teamwork, and adaptability are demonstrated in situations — and must therefore be practiced within situations.

Grounded in Experiential Learning Theory (Kolb, 1984), the SkillsVista platform integrates structured scenarios, guided reflection, and visual facilitation to transform abstract soft skills into lived experience.

Soft skills are behavioural. They require:

• Situational judgement
• Emotional awareness
• Consequence evaluation
• Adaptive response

For vulnerable adults including individuals facing unemployment, marginalisation, or reintegration challenges  safe rehearsal environments are particularly important.

Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle

David Kolb’s experiential learning model consists of four stages:

1. Concrete Experience
2. Reflective Observation
3. Abstract Conceptualisation
4. Active Experimentation

The SkillsVista platform was intentionally designed around this cycle.

Digital Tools Developed in SkillVista

The SkillsVista platform includes:

• Scenario-based simulations
• “Sort It Out” categorisation challenge
• “We Should / We Should Not”  reasoning exercise
• SkillBuilder challenge modules
• Quizzes for reinforcement

These tools are not designed as passive content delivery systems. They are structured interaction environments that encourage decision-making and reflection.

Scenario-based learning activates multiple cognitive processes:

• Analytical thinking (evaluating options)

• Emotional awareness (recognising internal reactions)

• Social reasoning (anticipating others’ perspectives)

• Consequence forecasting

This aligns with research suggesting that adult learners benefit most from problem-centred and context-based approaches (Knowles, Andragogy).

For vulnerable adults, scenario-based learning also reduces anxiety associated with “real-world mistakes,” allowing rehearsal without real consequences.

Focus group feedback during piloting indicated that learners appreciated being able to “try again” and see alternative outcomes.

Recommendations for Adult Educators

Educators wishing to adopt scenario-based methods can:

• Present short real-life dilemmas
• Ask learners to choose and justify responses
• Map decision pathways visually
• Discuss consequences collaboratively
• Encourage alternative experimentation

The key is structured reflection, not simply choice selection.