DSA Service Leadership Selection Process

Contributed by Phua-Tan Gek Hoon, Lim Guat Ha, Gloria Teng

1. What was the current need/gap that you were addressing?

In 2022, shortlisted candidates were required to attend a pen and paper selection test. Within time constraints, the candidates were required to complete a 500-word written response to a picture prompt. Gaps: - Candidates had to manage anxiety which comes along with timed assessment. - Resources were needed to set up the pen and paper selection test. - Candidates were reponding to a common prompt, which may not be a community which they are familiar or passionate about in their service learning experience.

2. How had it been experimented and enacted?

The team recognized the relevance of a selection process, to shortlist deserving students for the interview process. We continued with having a selection round, but modification was made to the process. Shortlisted candidates were invited to submit a Personal Statement, which they will submit by a designated date and time through Form SG. For the personal statement, requirements specific to Service Leadership was made known to the candidates. For the teachers, grading rubrics were created for clarity on the required skills and disposition.

3. Which group(s) had benefited?

Students (Selected Groups), Teaching Staff (Selected Groups)

4. What was the positive impact?

- Candidates were able to complete this selection task at home, without having to complete it within timed assessment conditions. - Candidates were able to share the community which they were serving and are passionate about. - They had the option to provide pictures to better illustrate and share on their service learning experiences. - With the rubrics as a reference, there was better standardization among the few teachers. - One GO colleague supported in the downloading of the personal statements from the submissions done via Form SG. Compared to the resources (manpower, venue, time, etc) to conduct a pen and paper selection test, the process has helped reduced resources required.

5. What is a future need that this IdEas@work could meet?

This is an effective tool to select deserving candidates for the interview process.