1.Explain the function of assessment in learning and development? The function of assessment in learning and development is to measure the learners’ skills, abilities and knowledge against the set criteria of the qualification being undertaken. The assessor should identify the learning styles of the candidate to be assessed and implement the appropriate methods of assessment in order for the learner to achieve the qualification. The assessment process should be a systematic and holistic procedure designed to provide a positive learning experience for all candidates.
2.Explain how you would judge whether evidence is sufficient, authentic and current? The evidence would be deemed sufficient if it covered all areas of the assessment criteria set out in the qualification requirements . Sufficient does not mean a mass of evidence. It just means that you have witnessed enough evidence to establish competency. In order to be authentic it must clearly show that the work has been carried out by the candidate being assessed. The work will be classed as current if it is up to date and relevant to the qualification at the time of assessment . It must also be up to date with the learners current working practice. If the evidence is not directly witnessed by the assessor it should have been verified to be completed by the learner within the last six months.
3.What risks may there be when carrying out assessment? Give examples? In addition to normal Health & Safety procedures which will be specific to the assessment location, an assessor should be fully aware of the candidates learning abilities prior to starting the assessment. This will usually have been identified during the induction process and through communication with line manager and employer. Problems such as dyslexia or dysgraphia which could have an impact on the candidates learning ability can then be identified and suitable assessment methods implemented. Communication between all relevant parties involved in the assessment is essential if misunderstandings are to be avoided.
The assessor should liaise with the learner and his / her employer and line manager in order to fully set out what is required from all participants. This can include making sure the work area is available, any specialist equipment i.e. Fork Lift Trucks are available and that the learner is present and not absent for any reason . An assessor may be a risk to the learner if he / she doesn’t follow all policies i.e. equality and diversity, fails to recognise and adapt the assessment plan to take into account any special needs of the learner and fails to follow local workplace practices such as the use of protective clothing .
4.How can you minimise the risks when assessment planning? Essential to minimising risks is an effective induction programme. Each learner will be given an induction to the qualification being assessed. At this session(s) the learner will be given description of what is required from the assessor in order to achieve the qualification. Any worries or stress that the learner is feeling can then be identified and suitable action taken. This can be in the form of revised assessment methods or referral if necessary. The formulation and implementation of a holistic assessment plan for each learner is also essential in minimising risk. The plan will focus the attention of the both the assessor and the learner in achieving the qualification and with regular constructive feedback will keep the learner motivated and focused.
The keeping of accurate records will minimise risks should any appeals or complaints be lodged. Some employers and line managers may not be fully supportive of their staff being assessed and may put barriers in the way. This will cause problems with the assessment process and could lead to the learner being demotivated. Effective communication between all participants is paramount in obtaining full support with the assessment . The assessor will, by talking to the learner, establish what knowledge of the subject the learner already has. If prior learning has taken place then this will be taken into consideration at this point.
The assessor must minimise risk to the learner by identifying any special needs of the learner and using appropriate assessment methods best suited to the learner. In an environment such as a building site the assessor and the learner must be aware of all current working practices and adhere to these. This can be for example ensuring specified protective clothing is worn, i.e. footwear, hard hat and hi visibility jacket .
5.What are the 8 stages of Assessment? Summarise each of these stages. Explain in detail the roles and responsibilities of an Assessor? Candidate Induction: An introduction to the qualification by the assessor to the learner. To identify the learner’s previous educational and vocational qualifications and identify any special needs of the learner. To explain the role of the assessor and the expectations required of the learner in achieving the qualification. The assessor will identify the most effective methods of assessing the learner and enable them to successfully pass the qualification.
Assessment Planning: The assessment plan will be formulated from information obtained at the induction meeting and using the preferred method of assessment. The method of assessment should be safe, valid, fair and reliable. The assessor should identify specific activities and tasks across a range of units, to be undertaken by the learner. This should take into consideration any special needs of the learner that were identified at the induction. The assessor should plan how to assess the knowledge ensuring that all tasks are within the specified criteria for the qualification being undertaken. I will use the What, Why, Where, When and How scenario.
What am I assessing? Why am I assessing it? Where & when will the assessment take place and how will I assess it. The overall assessment plan should be specific to what is being assessed and clearly stated. It should be easily measurable against the requirements of the assessment. It should be achievable at the correct level and it must be realistic in order to give consistent results. Finally it must be time bound with specific dates for achievement and agreed by all parties. This is commonly known as (SMART) assessment.
Assessment: The assessor will carry out the assessment in conjunction with the assessment plan. Evidence gathered from the learner will be measured against the set criteria of the qualification in order to assess skills, competence and understanding.
Make assessment decisions and analyse learner achievement: The assessor will need to be able to judge the evidence presented for assessment and ensure that such evidence, in whatever form is fair, valid, reliable and within the agreed criteria for the qualification undertaken. The assessor should remain objective throughout the assessment and always make decisions based on the criteria set out in the qualification rather than being subjective and using his / her personal opinions.
Recording assessment decisions: The assessor will have identified what information is needed to be recorded prior to the assessment taking place, and usually within the induction and planning processes. There may be standardised methods in the way of pre-printed forms or electronic formats; however they will always record the achievement of the learner against the criteria of the qualification, any feedback given to the learner and any further actions needed to be taken. All records must be kept secure and must comply with the Data Protection Act (2003).
Give constructive feedback: Providing constructive feedback to learners throughout the assessment process is important in order to keep the learner motivated and boost their confidence. It provides the learner with information regarding their progression towards the qualification and to what they have achieved so far. It can also outline what progression is needed going forward in order to achieve the qualification and to outline what the learner needs to do in order to improve or change. Feedback should always be positive rather than negative and should always be documented as part of the assessment recording process.
Planning next stage: As in the previous area of planning, however at this stage the assessor will be aware of the learners’ progression so far, and what is needed to be achieved in order to obtain the qualification. Any areas of weakness should be identified and the plan updated to enable the shortcomings to be addressed and communicated to the learner. The revised plan should then enable the learner to concentrate on the specific areas identified.
Maintain legal and good practice requirements: Always ensure that local policies and procedures are adhered to and that all learners are treated equally, regardless of the diversity of the group. Maintain one’s own knowledge and experience by continuing throughout your career with continuing personal development. (CPD) This will include keeping up to date with legislation in the field of expertise, improving your own skills in language, literacy and numeracy, observing and shadowing colleagues and studying for relevant qualifications.
6.Why is it important to follow all 8 stages? What are the implications if an assessor does not follow these? Explain the importance and value of questions and feedback when carrying out assessments. It is vitally important to follow all eight stages of the assessment plan.
By ensuring all stages are implemented and adhered to, the assessor and all other relevant parties will be fully briefed of what is required from them in order for the learner to be given the best opportunity of achieving the qualification. Failure to follow the assessment plan could result in a poorly planned and communicated assessment, which in turn may lead to participants being de-motivated and less likely to achieve the required qualification standards. All learners will want to be informed of how they are progressing when undertaking the qualification. By providing constructive feedback the assessor will help to keep the learner motivated and boost their confidence.
The learner will know what they have achieved to date and any areas requiring action will be pointed out. The learner should be encouraged to ask questions as this will show motivation and application and the assessor, by asking questions of the learner, will be able to assess the learners’ knowledge and understanding of the assessment to date. Any areas of concern that may have an effect on the learners’ ability to successfully achieve the qualification can then be addressed and incorporated into the revised assessment plan. A complaint against an assessor which is upheld by the awarding body could be very serious for the assessors’ employer. It will certainly lead to questions of credibility and could also lead to the withdrawing of funding and de-registering of the company by the awarding body.
