Philipp Sonnleitner

Background

About Philipp Sonnleitner

Making invisible potential visible is fascinating. At the same time, assessment of peoples’ competencies, abilities, and attitudes is a highly sensitive topic. The targeted domains are often unclear, and being assessed in any context (educational, vocational,…) can be demanding, highly personal, and sometimes even intimidating. My personal mission in research and teaching is to develop valid, high-quality assessment methods, using the latest statistical and computer-based technology to ensure their quality, and to give guidance concerning their correct and fair application in educational and psychological contexts. In the course of my career, I’ve been involved in developing tests and assessment procedures for the school monitoring programs in Austria and Luxembourg, as well as the OECD’s PIAAC, and PISA assessments. I also gathered extensive experience developing instruments to capture competencies ranging from college aptitude to complex problem-solving behavior. The latter research project resulted in a freely available and internationally recognized test: the Genetics Lab. In my lectures and workshops at the Universities of Vienna, Luxembourg, and Linz, the European School, and teacher training colleges (PH Vorarlberg, PH Salzburg), I regularly share my experience with teachers and educators and work on solutions to improve oral and written assessment of students’ competencies. In doing so, I strive to make the world (of assessment) a better and fairer place.