Superpowers of Achievement in Education

As an educator, there are three things that are extremely important in education. They are considered the superpowers of achievement. These superpowers are competency, literacy, and application. Are American students stuck in a never-ending cycle of knowledge acquisition? They learn something, but it just doesn’t seem to stick. They try to explain what they’ve learned, but all attempts fall flat. And, then the blame is the teachers.

In the world of work and life, competency, literacy, and application are the superpowers you need to move forward, gain confidence in your abilities, and make a real impact.

Competency: The Foundation of Understanding

What do I mean by competency? Competency is the ability to understand something well enough that you can perform a task with it, such as operating a computer or understanding complex financial documents. It’s not just about having knowledge—it’s also about understanding the implications of that knowledge. This is the first step in learning. This means taking in new information—whether from a course or through self-study—and committing it to memory.

Competency encompasses more than mere knowledge acquisition. It involves the ability to perform tasks efficiently and understand the broader context of that knowledge. For instance, a competent individual in finance not only knows how to read financial statements but also understands the economic implications of those figures. Investopedia provides a comprehensive overview of competency in the workplace.

Literacy: The Power of Communication

The second step is understanding: this means deriving meaning from the information you’ve learned and tying it to a concept or goal. But, let’s call it literacy. Literacy, on the other hand, is a broader term that refers to the ability to read and write in any language with proficiency. We call this comprehension. You remember the reading and comprehension test we use to take as a kid, and many states standards test this along with math. It’s what gives you the power to communicate effectively and understand written information. If you don’t have literacy skills, it’s difficult for you to make sense of complex concepts or understand how to use something.

Literacy is fundamental to communication and understanding in any field. It allows individuals to grasp complex concepts, interpret detailed information, and convey ideas effectively. This skill is essential not just for personal development but also for professional success. UNESCO emphasizes the global importance of literacy in education and development.

Application: Turning Knowledge into Action

Finally, the third step is applying what you’ve learned by putting it into practice. Application is the third superpower you need in order to make an impact. Application means putting what you’ve learned and understood into practice. It’s about applying your competency and literacy skills in a way that helps you reach the goal or solve the problem at hand.

It’s easy to get stuck in a loop of acquiring knowledge without being able to apply it. Unfortunately, many American students lack an understanding of the importance of knowledge and its application in their everyday lives. In today’s society, there is a strong emphasis on memorization and testing results rather than truly comprehending what is being learned, which leads to a lack of skills in applying knowledge. This can be seen in the lower levels of literacy. Having competent, literate, and application-ready students is essential for any educational institution. Educators are the key to nurturing these three superpowers in their students in order to help them make a real impact. Our economy and our livelihood depend on competence.

The Impact on Economic Development and Business

Knowledge, literacy, and application all have a major impact when it comes to economic development and the future of business. Knowledge gives individuals the tools they need to succeed in their chosen field, while literacy provides them with the ability to read and understand written information. And application is what allows people to take their knowledge and put it to use in a productive and meaningful way.

For example, businesses that have invested in technology and automation are seeing higher productivity levels due to the application of knowledge and literacy skills. Technology can only be useful if individuals know how to apply it properly, which requires knowledge and literacy skills. Without these skills, businesses cannot take full advantage of the technological advancements available to them. Harvard Business Review discusses the importance of applying knowledge to foster innovation.

Furthermore, knowledge, literacy, and application are essential when it comes to staying competitive in a global economy. Businesses need the ability to understand and interpret international laws and regulations, as well as comprehend new business trends that may arise in foreign markets. They must also be able to apply this knowledge in order to make informed decisions about their operations and investments. World Economic Forum provides insights on global economic trends and their implications.

Future Trends and the Importance of Lifelong Learning

The importance of knowledge, literacy, and application will only continue to grow as technology and global markets evolve. As such, businesses need to invest in education and training opportunities that can help their employees keep up with changing trends and acquire the skills they need to remain competitive. Doing so will not only ensure the success of a business but also foster economic growth on a larger scale.

By mastering these three crucial superpowers—competency, literacy, and application—people can move with confidence in any field. Whether it’s in education, business, or personal development, these skills provide the foundation for success and the ability to make a real impact in the world.