DATA FOR ANALYSIS_RICHARD OTI

This study explores the role of Social Studies in developing essential soft skills and compares its impact with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. While STEM is often prioritized for its link to technological and economic growth, Social Studies has been marginalized despite its important role in fostering interpersonal and ethical competencies. This research addresses this gap by examining how Social Studies contributes to soft skills development and proposes strategies for better integrating it with STEM education.A mixed-methods research design was employed, using stratified random sampling to select 500 students (split between Social Studies and STEM), 100 educators, and 50 employers. Surveys assessed the perceived importance of soft skills. For qualitative insights, purposive sampling was used to conduct two focus groups with 16 students (8 each from Social Studies and STEM) and in-depth interviews with 15 educators and 10 employers. The findings show that Social Studies significantly fosters critical soft skills, with higher levels of critical thinking, empathy, and ethical reasoning compared to STEM. Employers emphasized the growing importance of these skills in the workplace. The study recommends curriculum reforms that integrate both Social Studies and STEM to ensure a balanced approach in preparing students for the modern workforce.