SIMON says: assess personal interests and capacities to improve success and retention

Abstract

SIMON (Study capacities and Interest MONitor) is an online self-assessment tool that allows secondary education pupils to evaluate their interests and capacities in order to choose a field of study that maximally suits their potential. Apart from an interest inventory that links interests to higher education majors, pupils are informed on their personal chances of success per major. To meet this aim cognitive predictors of academic success are tested, such as ‘mathematic skills’, ‘vocabulary knowledge’ and ‘reading comprehension’. However, non-cognitive elements have also proven to be indicative of success. They are generally not included in admission decision, but are less discriminating and could increase fairness and diversity. Therefore, the non-cognitive elements ‘test anxiety’, ‘academic self-efficacy’, ‘motivation’ and ‘study skills’ are assessed. Once filled out, pupils are provided with the list of majors and the corresponding chances of success. SIMON informs pupils on potential causes of success and failure. They can identify strengths and weaknesses in several cognitive and non-cognitive areas and see how they pertain to different fields of study. Pupils might not be aware of their strengths, especially in non-cognitive domains. SIMON can shed light on the fact that pupils do have the capacities to succeed and can encourage them to subscribe. It is not unthinkable that especially minority groups fall under this category. On the other hand, if there are weaknesses, pupils can learn in which areas. This awareness-raising is the first step towards improvement. SIMON comprises a direct link with remedial activities before and during the studies