Evaluating student abilities beyond traditional examination methods

¶ … Students Capabilities for Success in Life

Traditionally, intelligence and capabilities for success in life have been measured through standardized examinations alone. It has been argued that this method is problematic and frequently overlooks students' true strengths and potentials. This rationale is based on the fact that examination results do not tell as much about a student's talents, capabilities and potential because all he or she needs to do to pass an examination is a good memory and the ability to regurgitate facts. The complete determination of success later in life should take into account several other factors, including character, thinking skills, and self-esteem.

Character is important to take into consideration. Real life experiences necessitate a strong resilient character to succeed. "The pipes were frozen again, there was no water in the house, but I washed my socks and shirt every night," is a true example of a resilient and hardworking soul, a factor that can be used to measure future success.

Thinking skills are also another factor to take into account. "...Shovel the snow off her walk and try to make friends with her momma and her aunts," is an example of thinking ahead of time toward the completion of a goal. Finally, self-esteem is the last determining factor. The higher a student's self-esteem is, the higher their confidence is and they are not pre-determined to fail. "It was on a Thursday, I was sitting in the back of the room, in a seat with a chalk circle drawn around it. The idiot's seat, the troublemakers seat," is an example of automatic failure. A student with high self-esteem would be able to overlook this negativity and be able to effectively accomplish goals.