CPSQ and TSA
The new Cambridge Assessment English international tests for Soft Skills
There is more and more talk of Soft Skills in professional contexts.
In addition to this, the so-called soft skills also find application in the school environment, where the PCTO (Percorsi per le Competenze Trasversali e per l’Orientamento, formerly known as Alternanza Scuola/Lavoro projects) expressly provide for the assessment of these skills, a key element for business and general success.
In this context, there are two new tests implemented by Cambridge Assessment English:
The tests are aimed at evaluating the aptitudes and behaviors of candidates , and are aimed at making teachers understand how to favor the personal development of students. Among the skills we find:
Intellectual curiosity and open-mindedness
Personal interactions and teamwork
Motivation in achieving goals
Resilience and ability to adapt to needs
Each of us has their own values and their own behavioral style. It is very important to demonstrate these skills, and this is where the Cambridge Personal Styles Questionnaire (CPSQ) intervenes , which helps Bodies, Companies, Schools and Universities to identify characteristics such as aptitudes and abilities in students and candidates for different professions.
The test, developed by experts from the University of Cambridge, is designed and compliant with the Five Personality Factors Model (identified as Big Five / Five-Factor Model) and declined in Thirteen personal / behavioral styles which evaluates non-cognitive personal skills.
CPSQ is aimed at candidates aged 15+ and CEFR level B1 in reading comprehension is recommended.
CPSQ – higher education
To select and support students entering Higher Education.
CPSQ – healthcare sector
To select and support those who undertake a career in the healthcare sector.
CPSQ – teachers
To select and support teachers in starting and developing their careers.
CPSQ – schools
To support pupils’ academic success
The traits of the Big Five and personal styles
Among the traits of the Big Five are: Openness to new experiences, Awareness, Extroversion, Pleasantness and emotional stability.
The TSA – Thinking Skills Assessment , is the test that allows you to identify the potential of a candidate by measuring the Ability in Critical Thinking – and Problem Solving – essential skills for success in the academic and professional field.
Developed with the collaboration of some of the most prestigious universities in the world, the test can be used to allow access to a wide range of degree programs (for example: Economics, Engineering, Political Science and Psychology).
Furthermore, in order to certify its validity and reliability for admission to academic courses, the test is supported by constant research.
For TSA the B2 level of the CEFR in reading comprehension is recommended. Basic knowledge of arithmetic is also required .
| Critical Thinking | |
| The TSA test includes 7 types of questions related to critical thinking skills:
• summarize the main conclusion • draw a conclusion • identify a guess • evaluate the impact of any additional tests • identify errors of reasoning • connect arguments • apply principles |
| Problem-Solving |
| 3 types of questions:
• select relevant information • identify procedures • identify similarities.
To get ideas for the answer, the candidate can use an information chart or table. |
TSA allows you to:
Stay tuned.
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