Assess kids where they perform … Stage, computer, whiteboard, gym, lab, playground…
There’s an app for that, right? Yes, www.gradepad.com
We believe we should help kids identify their skills and abilities.
We believe kids expect us to document and share that growth.
We believe kids should know what their talents are before they leave school.
We believe that kids who drop out of school, probably, yes, are terrible at taking reading and math tests. But some appear to have excellent interpersonal and leadership skills to organize 190 kids to call in sick on the same day. Are all of their performances being assessed?
With GradePad, you can track assessment in core 21st Century workplace skills.
In David Warlick’s book, Redefining Literacy for the 21st Century, he says in the final chapter on Ethics and Context,
“Characteristics of the future workplace that will certainly impact lifelong learning are teamwork and collaboration.”
GradePad has rubrics to help you assess those skills in your students. There are GradePads for: Interpersonal Communication, Teamwork, A Project, An Oral Presentation, and Behavior.
In designing GradePad, we wanted to include rubrics for social competence, how groups work, how someone can communicate a vision, how sensitive they are to the needs of others.
In my blog about TeamTreks, I’ve cited the report from the Federation of American Scientists in 2006. Harnessing the Power of Video Games for Learning.
The report discussed the nature of work in a conceptual, innovation-based economy. What skills do employers want in higher-wage workers?
- Interpersonal skills
- Team Building
- Decision-making
- Strategic thinking
- Problem Identification
- Plan Development & Execution
- Self-Direction
- Negotiation and Influencing.
What is your strategy for assessing your students in those areas?
Let GradePad help you design and deliver those assessments where the performance really takes place.
GradePad, an iPhone/iPod touch performance assessment tool
for teachers and trainers, is available at the iPhone App Store for $1.99.