A Guide to Self-Evaluation
Measuring progress is one of the essential steps in building academic momentum. Although we often assess students’ progress via report cards and exam grades, there is usually more to the story. School success should be measured through quantitative and qualitative measures, similar to annual job performance assessments. Proficiency in test-taking and homework accuracy should be evaluated alongside the more nuanced soft skills like organization and time management. A clear picture of progress and potential comes into view only when we combine the dual natures of student performance.
Of course, measuring student progress comes with other challenges beyond the essence of scope. Another factor is perspective. Our perspective of our own progress is skewed one way or another. Some students are too hard on themselves, while others need to be more critical. Parents and teachers can also be biased. Parents sometimes have strict standards that either don’t fit their child or are missing other elements of students’ success. Teachers carry biases, too. Some measure student performance exclusively on empirical data compared to the class average, ignoring the better approach of measuring a student compared to that student’s past performance.
Even with our perspective biases, there are three dimensions to consider in a progress checking practice: timing, balance, and implementation. Even the slightest step in the right direction is progress. Any amount of improvement should be celebrated.
In assessing a student’s progress, timing is critical. We recommend self-assessments weekly, monthly, and quarterly. These assessments can be written or verbal, formal or informal. The goal is to check progress and course correct consistently enough to get to the intended destination. Parents, teachers, or coaches can facilitate initially, but the ultimate goal is for students to evaluate their progress independently.
Self-evaluations should be balanced and consist of a brief check of the following skills: organization, time management, learning skills, and impression management. Students need to self-assess for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
To evaluate a student’s progress, walk through each skill and apply the tools. For example, students can assess the strengths and weaknesses of their current study habits, as well as opportunities for growth and roadblocks that might inhibit these new habits. The same can be done for organization and time management. For impression management, students should consider how well or how poorly they control the impressions they leave on teachers, parents, and peers. Then, apply the four tools to complete a thorough analysis and course-correct as needed.
The steps laid out above focus on implementation rather than fruitless data collection. When students properly assess all four skill-sets/tools, action and implementation follow naturally. The evaluation produces the correction in one fluid motion, whether it be a minor tweak from week to week or a major overhaul to begin a new semester.
At Illuminos, we provide the customized scaffolding your child needs while he or she learns to master organization, time management, note-taking, study and test-taking skills, self-advocacy, verbal and non-verbal communication, and social skills. To learn more about executive function and how it can help your child, please read our other resources or schedule time to talk with us.
Mastering the End (Goal)
For most students, the second marking period concludes only a few weeks after returning to school from winter break in early January. Students often struggle with motivation and concentration during this final push, especially coming off a long winter break. How do we help students get over the line this marking period and set them up for continued success? Follow these goal-setting tips to help students polish off the marking period on a high note.
1) Create SMART Goals: SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound. This goal framework creates a path and a system for success. SMART goals are strong and purposeful plans to help your student stay on track. Here are a few examples:
SMART GOAL: I will stay organized this semester by filing papers in the correct section of my binder as soon as I receive them. On Sunday nights, I will make sure that there are no loose papers in my backpack, room, or car.
SMART GOAL: This semester, I will write something for each class every day in my binder. “NONE is an option, but only after I have confirmed that there is absolutely nothing I could do to get ahead in this class.
SMART GOAL: During class times this semester, I will have only a notebook and a pen on my desk, so the teacher can see that I am on task and care about my success in his or her course.
2) Track your progress: SMART goals are measurable, meaning students can track their goals to turn them into habits. We know the importance of habit-tracking. Encourage your child to track goals daily and build a streak. Help them create a series of simple checklists that are short and achievable.
3) Celebrate your accomplishments: Each week as you and your child reflect on his or her progress, be proud of the small wins. Celebrate these moments because when habits are rewarded, they are continued. Create some kind of weekly ritual with your student to analyze progress and celebrate success. Recognition goes a long way.
Goals are the bedrock of success. Without a plan, it can be difficult for students to stay motivated. No matter how the last few months of the marking period have gone, these final weeks carry the seed of opportunity. Now is the time to have this conversation with your children to help them finish the marking period strong and crush their New Year’s goals!