Understanding the Principles and Practices of AssessmentLearning outcome 11.1. Explain the functions of assessment in learning and development AssessmentThe assessments are carried out on a learner’s performance and knowledge of the criteria set by the awarding body. It will allow the employer to see if the learner is able to meet the requirements of their role by monitoring their development of knowledge of criteria. It is used to measure the capabilities and standards of knowledge and skills of a learner and gives feedback on their performance.
Assessment can be in formative assessment to track learner progress or summative assessment to assess their achievement and goals. Assessment must be fair and authentic to prove the learner’s skill and knowledge. Assessment may also involve the learner’s employer or skilled person within the place of work.1.2. Define the key concepts and principles of assessment Some of the main principles include whether the assessment is: Authentic, so all work is produced by the learner with no help from anyone else Reliable, monitoring the learner could perform at the same level over a period of time and in all circumstances Valid and relevant to what is being assessedSafe and manageable, so the assessment being held is in a safe environment and is it in an appropriate settingFair, which includes making reasonable adjustments to allow the learner to make progress Current, to show that the knowledge of the learner and skills are up to date Sufficient to show that the assessment has met all the requirements for awarding body Meeting Equality and diversity needs so that learners are treated equally and not disadvantaged in any way Ethical and show integrity.
The assessment process must be objective, honest and fair and personal opinions should not affect the outcome of assessment.1.3. Explain the responsibilities of the assessorPlanning assessment, including the assessment method, the goal required, theory and practical arrangementsTo explain the assessment process fully to learner and others involvedTo ensure the learner is aware of current legislation and others involved, including health and safety, and equal opportunitiesTo measure the capabilities and standards of the student, to ensure learners requirements are metTo set the assessment so it is consistent and that every learner is being treated the same and not advantaged/disadvantaged Results of assessment should meet the requirements, is the learner’s own work Feedback, being oral or written, both positive and constructive when the outcome is to move onto the next assessment, and also when the assessment has been failed.To guide learner through the awarding body criteria to meet required standards through assessment To complete documentation and records on all assessments for evidence1.4. Identify the regulations and requirements relevant to assessment in own area of practice There could be a couple of occupational legislations that could affect an assessment and possibly impact on them such as:- The Equality Act 2010 which was set to protect against any discrimination. In assessment, this is important to make sure that no one is treated any differently or less because of the following:Age DisabilityGenderPregnancyRace/cultureReligionAso quoted on Acas.org.uk. (2019). Acas advice: Equality | Acas. [online] Available at: [Accessed 3 Mar. 2019].The Health and Safety at Work Act assesses any risks of harm during assessment. It legislates for the responsibility of employers, employees and others to reduce the risk of harm by: Identifying hazards: Identifying who could be harmed and how they could beEvaluating the risk/hazard and how it can be preventedRecording hazards and how to deal with themIt is an employer’s duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of their employees and other people who might be affected by their business. Employers must do whatever is reasonably practicable to achieve this.This means making sure that workers and others are protected from anything that may cause harm, effectively controlling any risks to injury or health that could arise in the workplace.’ reference from Hse.gov.uk. (2019). Employer’s responsibilities: Workers’ health and safety. [online] Available at: [Accessed 3 Mar. 2019].’The responsibility of an assessor going to an assessment area, is to ensure that the learner or any one else around will come to any harm during assessment. Learning outcome 22 Understand the different types of assessment methodThere are many methods of assessments, which is a process of recording the skills and knowledge of learners on a course, an can also help the understanding of the subject/course for a learner. Different methods of assessment can focus on individual learner, and their level of learning for the correct level of knowledge needed for the course, and ensure the learners needs are met. Different methods of assessments are:- Observation – Observing learners performance at workplace Oral Questioning – Identifying the skills of learners through questions and answersPractical exam – Similar to observation, usually observing the learners performance in the workplace but under specific timings and standards of what to be assessedTheory knowledge – assessment based on instructions given by tutor, and in learners opinionOnline tests – often this is multiple choice, so a selection on true or false to assess the learners understanding of the subjectProfessional discussion – discussion between tutor and learner to express their personal opinions of their knowledgeAssignments – A task or peice of work learner is given to do2.1 Compare the strengths and limitations of a range of assessment methods with reference to the needs of individual learners Every individual learner will have a preferable way of assessment method, but it is not possible to use just one method of assessment to assess effectively. It is very important to choose the appropriate assessment for each topic to help and support the learner, but also help the assessor assess accordingly to the awarding bodies programme. They should also be planned with a strategy through the course, so this is also fair for all learners having the same assessments.AdvantagesObservation – authentic and reliable as you can see exactly what learner is capable of and is also instantAssignments – provides a lot of information, skills, knowledge and experience Practical exam – authentic evidence and assures the evidence is also current and valid, without learner not leaving workplace, also good method for high risk activitiesProfessional discussion – improves communication skills, and enable learner to think about more points of the topic and think in a different direction amongst a group.Theory knowledge – the understanding of a learner given the information and instructions from the tutorOnline test – alongside saving paper, each individual exam is calculated and instantly given results. With its being multiple choice, it gives students an option of opinion based answers.Disadvantages Observation – observations can be time consuming to both learner and assessor, and not always convenient on place of assessment, including health and safety risks Assignments – assessments are not an instant assessment, as usually you add information during a course. They are also time consuming as they are handwritten/typed by individual learnersPractical exam – under pressure with time allowance, if learners are given a set time for assessment, which is also time consuming. Not always a convenient place and also could be at risk of health and safety within the area.Professional discussion – a lot of information to record during a discussion, so could potentially miss out on key information. No questions allowed during group discussion, in order to ensure learners are not spoon fed information.Theory knowledge – as often written, some learners struggle to lay out information instructed by tutor, or may be challenging for learners if they struggle to understand the instructions.Online test – learners have a 50/50 chance of correct answers, meaning if they were to guess, they could pass assessment with pot luck, and not have the knowledge of specific topic.