J) Evidence of Learning and Productivity: Assessment and Reporting

If standards are too flexible, they are not really standards,

are they? Kaufmann, 2013

In the education system it is necessary to provide evidence of where one is on the learning scale. In primary and early secondary it is largely about progress. In later secondary the idea of meeting standards in preparation for the work forces is introduced such that by Year 12, in preparation for tertiary education and the work force, fixed standards are set.

What if instead of requiring individuals to meet these fixed standards they were inspired to go for their best?

What if in doing so not only do they go beyond the standards of conformity and create trail blazing results, each individual's strengths and passions were engaged? I wonder what kind of world we would live in?

If this vision inspires you consider looking into the topic of strengths and passion. Ken Robinson's The Element may be a great place to start. (more books listed in resources)

I choice the above quote as I have observed how many standards in the education system are being fuzzed..... This is a concern as the more fuzz there is the less we can rely on the qualifications being provided on the bases of such fuzzy standards. The wonderful thing about this is that there is indication that portfolios providing evidence of ones performance and abilities are increasingly of interest for employers.

A portfolio of your achievements and projects is potentially a powerful means of obtaining future earnings. As a consequence I promote the development of portfolios as evidence of learning and development as a means of learning and practising how to produce ones own professional portfolio.

The Process of Assessment in Schools Copyright Janelle Sheen 2014

Kaufmann, J. (2013) The first 20 Hours: How to learn anything...fast. London: Pearson.