AWT4CL 05 Realize the Effect of Decisions Badge

From Classroom to Career: Equip Students with the Tools to Think Ahead--
Authors: Jama S. Coartney and Amy White   --
In a world where almost daily, AI is transforming how we work, the value of human-centered skills like decision-making, collaboration, and communication is more important than ever.

In a 2017 study of “Employability Skills Not Learned in College,” the largest gap in preparedness identified by employers was "realize the effect of decisions."  For more information about this gap and others, check out the APLU report on Critical Growth Areas for Students Today.

Educators can equip learners with these critical thinking and interpersonal competencies by integrating digital learning badges—like the Realize the Effect of Decisions digital learning badge—into their curriculum. This approach promotes deeper learning, and it provides learners with tangible credentials to showcase their career-readiness.

Digital learning badges are a powerful way to integrate critical employability skills like decision-making into existing curricula. The Realize the Effect of Decisions digital learning badge is a prime example of how micro-credentials can enhance workforce readiness. 

Earning the badge can signal to employers that a learner is prepared to think critically, weigh consequences, and act responsibly.


What Does the Badge Represent?

The Realize the Effect of Decisions digital learning badge symbolizes more than just good judgment. It’s awarded to learners who demonstrate:
  • An appreciation for scenario planning and decision-making frameworks
  • An understanding of how different perspectives influence outcomes
  • Awareness of how time constraints shape decision-making processes
These are not abstract concepts—they’re essential, transferable skills in any profession, especially in fields like agriculture where decisions have economic, environmental, and social ramifications.

An Example Assignment for Earning the Realize the Effect of Decisions Badge
An example module for earning this badge focuses on learning the STAR Interview Response Technique. It includes two key components:

1. Group Scenario Discussions
Students participate in small groups to explore workplace “what if” scenarios. These conversations are structured to challenge learners to consider different viewpoints, trade-offs, and consequences. By navigating realistic decision-making situations, learners gain practical insight into how their choices can ripple through a system.

2. STAR Technique Reflection
To synthesize the discussion, students choose one scenario and apply the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to reflect on the decision-making process. This exercise not only reinforces critical thinking but also equips students with a structured way to talk about their experience in interviews and professional settings.

For more details about implementing this badge—and others—check out the Implementation Guide for digital learning badges.

Why This Badge Matters
When students earn this badge, they’re not just adding another line to a resume—they’re showcasing a commitment to thinking strategically, handling ambiguity, and connecting past experience to future challenges. These are qualities employers seek and value.

For educators and facilitators, offering this badge provides a tangible way to link academic work to real-world competencies. Instructors gain a framework for promoting reflection, structured communication, and critical analysis—without having to overhaul existing lesson plans.

Ready to Jumpstart Student Success?
If you’re looking to jumpstart your students’ professional journey, consider embedding the Realize the Effect of Decisions digital learning badge into your curriculum. 

Whether you teach in agriculture, business, or any field that requires problem-solving and collaboration, this badge sends a clear message: your learners are prepared to think critically, act wisely, and lead confidently.


Image Credits: 
Untitled. (n.d.).  Four people discussing content on the wall [Photo]. Microsoft Stock Image.
Untitled. (n.d.).  Person writing on sticky note [Photo]. Microsoft Stock Image.
Untitled. (n.d.).  Two people sketching on napkins [Photo]. Microsoft Stock Image.
Untitled. (n.d.).  Wall full of sticky notes [Photo]. Microsoft Stock Image.
Project Resources:
Instructor Welcome Module
AWT4CL Project Website
AWT4CL Implementation Guide - instructions and example assignments for each badge
APLU - Association of Public & Land-grant Universities Employability Skills
Badging System - AWT4CL Badgr/Canvas Credential badges, maintained by Virginia Tech 
Location: Blacksburg, VA, USA

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