Advancing Research on Intra- and Interpersonal Competencies to Close Knowledge Gaps and Increase Student Success

• In Event: National Science Foundation/Directorate for Education and Human Resources (EHR) Investments in Intrapersonal and Interpersonal Competencies

Abstract

Inter- and intrapersonal competencies including teamwork, communication skills, self-regulation, academic mindset, and grit show promise for enhancing learning, college completion, and life long success and well being (NRC 2012). Much remains to be learned about the intertwining of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, workforce skills development, and development of inter- and intrapersonal skills.

Gaps exist between research findings in controlled laboratory settings and real world formal and informal learning environments. Designing and iteratively improving interventions that leverage success and persistence in academic settings is an emerging research area. Developing measures for intra- and interpersonal skills is a priority, essential for advancing both research and implementation. The challenge with measures is a matter of a shared definition of a competency, as well as a full understanding of the information the measure provides in different contexts; research tools are not necessarily informative in classroom interventions (Rand 2014).

Definition of the landscape of intra- and interpersonal competencies continues to be honed (Savitz-Romer, et al. 2014). Unpacking the elements of competencies like teamwork requires new methodologies and thoughtful research (NRC 2015). Understanding how interventions that leverage research on growth mindset and stereotype threat may intersect to improve outcomes adds further complexity to this rich and promising terrain. An analysis of National Science Foundation investments in research on intra and inter-personal competencies identifies areas of progress and open questions.

References

National Research Council (2012) Education for Life and Work: Developing Knowledge and Skills in the 21st Century. Washington, D.C.: National Academies Press. Available: http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13398.

National Research Council (2015) Enhancing the Effectiveness of Team Science. Washington, D.C.: National Academies Press. Available: http://www.nap.edu/download.php?record_id=19007

Savitz-Romer, M., H. Rowan-Kenyon, X. Zhang, and C. Fancsali (2014) Social-emotional and affective skills landscape analysis: An executive summary. Available: https://www.impaqint.com/sites/default/files/project-reports/ExecSummary_Noncognitive_Skills_Jan2015.pdf.

Stecher, B.M. and L.S. Hamilton (2014) Measuring Hard-to-Measure Student Competencies. Santa Monica, CA: RAND

Author

• Susan Singer, National Science Foundation