HERE’S WHAT I THINK: The measurement of learning

I saw an interesting post on Facebook recently that listed a number of qualities that can’t be measured by tests. Among the qualities listed were creativity, compassion, curiosity, humility, motivation and persistence.

Personal qualities not measured by tests Civic-mindedness Compassion Courage Creativity Critical thinking Curiosity Empathy Endurance Enthusiasm Humility Humor Inquisitiveness Leadership Motivation Persistence Reliability Resilience Resourcefulness Self-awareness Self-discipline Sense of beauty Sense of wonder Spontaneity

To me, these are qualities – if possessed – that will give one a leg up toward a successful career and a rewarding life. These qualities provide a person with a foundation that can help him or her face challenges and overcome failures.

In Targeted Leadership, authors Tracey Ballas and Christopher Novak explain that there is a difference between skills and traits.

“Skills are often tangible, visible and readily identifiable and can be taught or learned over time with practice and training. They are the mechanics – the how-to for any task or responsibility – and can be objectively evaluated. Traits tend to be innate – you have them or you don’t.”

The qualities listed (see box) are definitely traits. While they may not be able to be quantified through a test, they can be embraced and encouraged.

The best teachers, I think, recognize all qualities that students have – the skills and the traits. A student who has a gift for learning and plans to study medicine will have to prove his or her aptitude repeatedly. But a student who has an innate sense of compassion and goes out of his or her way to help others will be equally as valuable to society.

The great thing about these qualities – be it enthusiasm, leadership or persistence – is that they will enhance the skills that students can learn.

Steve Jobs was an amazing man. He thought up ideas that changed how we use technology. But anyone who knew him said he lacked humility and compassion. While it didn’t diminish his greatness, imagine a Steve Jobs-type person with humility and compassion.

As educators, we may not be able to enhance the traits but we can encourage the skills that would improve those innate traits.

Ty Ankrom is the superintendent of the Pickaway County Educational Service Center. He can be reached at [email protected].