Power skills: What AI cannot teach and must remain in classroom focus

Educational experts are advocating for a shift in terminology and emphasis in classrooms. They propose replacing the term "soft skills" with "power skills," arguing that these abilities extend far beyond technical expertise. Power skills, they contend, are essential for making expertise relevant, credible and useful in practice.

The argument centres on the growing role of artificial intelligence in the workplace. Unlike technical competencies that AI can increasingly automate, power skills—such as critical thinking, communication, leadership and emotional intelligence—remain uniquely human and cannot be easily replicated by technology. Educators emphasise that schools must prioritise teaching these skills alongside traditional academics.