ASSESSING THE INDIVIDUAL

THE LEARNING ORIENTATION INDEX (LOI)

Overview

The LOI also is an advanced computerised assessment technique designed to measure thinking processes and styles for purposes of career guidance, selection and identification of learning potential of school, college and university leavers. Using simulation exercises the subject is exposed to an unfamiliar, yet fun, problem-solving environment that requires the application of explorative, analytical, structured, integrated, creative, intuitive and metacognitive processes. The results are linked to the processing requirements of various career contexts, and developmental guidelines are provided.

The LOI moves beyond the static and content-oriented view of intelligence as popularised by the IQ paradigm. Instead of focusing on right or wrong answers to structured information, the LOI measures the application of thinking processes in unfamiliar contexts. More specifically, it measures:

• Cognitive styles (i.e. a person's general approach to problem-solving, particularly in new and unfamiliar situations)
• Cognitive competencies (i.e. the performance processes used to manage task material)
• Metacognition or self-awareness of thinking processes
• Learning potential (the capacity of a person to benefit from instruction)
• Work-related processing preferences
• Preferred units of information
• Timing / pace control (where “speed” is a separate construct to “power”)
• Cognitive development guidelines

Applications

• Identification of potential
• Career guidance
• Personal and team development
• Selection and placement
• Talent management
• Intellectual Capital Management

Advantages of using the LOI

• It provides a unique methodology to assess school, college and university leavers for career guidance and development purposes
• Based on a sound theoretical foundation
• Applicable cross-culturally
• Indicates current functioning as well as learning potential
• Accommodates for a variety of individual differences in stylistic preference
• Determines individual preferences in dealing with complexity
• Provides clear developmental guidelines
• Reflects work-related cognitive functioning
• Is automated and web-enabled
• Enables immediate scoring and report generation

Example of report