Teaching Soft Skills: Problem-Solving, Persistence, and Critical Thinking with Labster

As educators, we strive to prepare students for life after graduation, but what if our students think they’re ready, and the workforce says otherwise?

A study exploring employer expectations of STEM undergraduates found that problem-solving, critical thinking, and persistence were among the most essential—and most frequently missing—skills in new hires. Abstract theory alone won’t cut it in STEM fields. Students need to think like scientists by solving real-world problems and applying their knowledge.

That’s why immersive, hands-on learning experiences are essential. As a Senior Scientific Educator at Labster, with a PhD in Chemistry and a background in biosciences, I have more than 12 years teaching and experience in industry. I’m passionate about creating science simulations that go beyond what the ordinary classroom can offer — helping students develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the confidence to explore science in a hands-on, meaningful way.

Labster as a Launchpad for Real-World Readiness

With the rise of AI entering our workforce, the future of employment will necessitate skills, like the three mentioned, that machines cannot replace. Learners will have to think for themselves, come up with solutions, and not give up. It’s hard to teach these skills, but Labster is here to do that. 

Problem-solving

In science (and in life), Plan A rarely goes as planned. Problem-solving is about adapting on the fly. Labster brings this to life by placing students in scenarios where their decisions actually shape the outcome.

Example: In the Gram Stain: Identify and Differentiate Bacteria simulation, students step into the role of a microbiologist tasked with diagnosing a critically ill patient. They must perform a Gram stain on a cerebrospinal fluid sample, interpret the results, and determine the appropriate antibiotic treatment. If they decide they’ve made a wrong move at any point, there’s a big red button on the workbench they can hit to start over again. 

Critical thinking 

Good science isn't about getting the “right” answer—it's about figuring out why things happen and what to do when they don't go as planned. In Labster, instead of passively following step-by-step instructions, students are placed in complex scenarios where they have to deal with ambiguity and make the right choice. 

Example: In the Lab Safety simulation, one wrong move can cause the lab to catch on fire. Learners must decide how to respond to emergencies by making split-second decisions, just like in a real lab, except without the consequences of burning down your school lab. They can practice getting it right in Labster, so there’s little room for error in the classroom. 

Persistence

Unlike a one-shot lab session where students really can’t make mistakes, Labster simulations allow students to try, fail, and try again. This cultivates persistence, where solutions often require iteration. Students are encouraged to learn from their errors without penalty, building confidence and grit. 

Example: In the Synthesis of Aspirin simulation, students take on the role of a chemist solving a real-world problem: producing pure, effective aspirin. As they troubleshoot multi-step reactions and optimize yield and purity, they learn that sticking with it is the key to success.

Building the Scientists the Future Demands

Today’s STEM graduates face a workforce that demands more than theoretical knowledge. Employers are looking for individuals who bring more than a diploma—they want adaptable, persistent thinkers who continue learning long after graduation. Labster is designed to meet that challenge head-on.

As Bjorn Toft Madsen, Labster’s Chief Product and Technology Officer, notes: “One of the things that we know employers are looking for are people who, when they come into the workplace, they are still in a learning mindset... willing to grow inside of that and build their career in the company.” That mindset—of curiosity, adaptability, and resilience—can’t be instilled through lectures alone. It has to be practiced.

With Labster, educators are doing more than teaching science. They’re shaping resilient, curious minds who can adapt, think critically, and push boundaries.