Every semester at the end of each American Government & Politics class the students and I conduct an “informal assessment” of the course.  I ask questions like:

• Were the tests fair?
• Should we have used the book more?
• Were the weekly assignments too much?

• Were the guest presenters good/have valuable ideas/concepts?

The results are always insightful, discussion-worthy and helpful as I plan for future class sessions.

This year I added one more discussion question to the list. As a student…what is your greatest strength… and then your biggest weakness? Here are a few examples of their answers.      

There were several others but many could be combined with any one of these.  Then “out-of-the-blue” one student asked: “What is your major strength and weakness?”

Well to say that I was caught off guard is probably an understatement…but I knew they wanted an answer!

The weakness I stated was that: “I am the most impatient person you will meet because I expect it done yesterday”. And on the strength side I said: “I practice innovation and believe there is always a better way of doing a job…any job… everyday…EVERYDAY!”

I believe I gave them the answer they were looking for but then I asked: “Why is the strength/weakness question important?”  Silence…no comments.

I concluded the class by telling them that they should plan for a question about personal strengths and weaknesses every time they interview for a job.  That today more than ever before companies/organizations are looking for people that can add-value to their service or product. And how you answer this question could make a real difference in your future.

I think they will do fine! But what about YOU…could you answer the strength/weakness question with confidence?