Understanding in the Principles and Requirements of Assessment free essay sample

Assessment is carried out to ensure that learning has taken place. This is used to measures the learner’s knowledge and skills in their chosen area of learning. Assessment can be used to encourage learners to ask questions on anything they have not understood, learners at some point will have to know that they will have to prove their knowledge and understanding to the standards of the awarding body. Learning and development are connected in the following ways. Learners will need guidance to understand what it is they have to learn and what is expected of them, letting them know if the are at the expected level of learning and how they may improve on this in order to develop their skills. Assessment is extremely important for this to happen. There will be observation of the learner initially by the teacher then to prove there knowledge to an assessor, also by teaching one to one to assess whether the learner has met the current standards and if they are competent and capable to be assessed at their current knowledge and skills level. We will write a custom essay sample on Understanding in the Principles and Requirements of Assessment or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page If training has been delivered and no assessment has taken place then how can you be sure that learning has taken place? If you do not assess the learner then you cannot know their level of skill and knowledge. Formative assessment is useful throughout the course and it gives the learner constructive feedback positive or negative which the Learner can use to improve their future performance. It also allows the learner to build on their strengths and learn from mistakes by listening to the assessor’s feedback. Assessment plays an important role in the education process it keeps track of the work undertaken which will allow for future targets to be set for the learner. It also helps to motivate the learner through feedback and constructive criticism where required. The assessor can also give information on the learner’s progress through doing regular reviews. The specific and timely feedback by the assessor helps the learner to demonstrate their understanding and development of skills and knowledge also helping the learner to prove their competence and ultimately the confidence in what they have learned. The key concepts are given depending on the subject matter, be it vocational or academic. In most cases you would fallow the assessment cycle this cycle will normally continue throughout the course until the qualification has been ether achieved or deferred. It is important to document and to keep records of assessments for the awarding body, regulatory authority and your organisation to satisfy them that all parts have been achieved. Above all though the Assessment has to remain fair, consistent and valid to ensure all learners have an equal and fair chance of receiving a fair assessment. The assessor cannot be swayed by a Learner to give a learner an easier assessment because they may favour the learner as this can then call in the integrity of the assessor. We also need to ascertain the type off assessment needed be this internally set or externally set. Internal assessment: Check to see if the Learner has any previous experience in the subject to be assessed. This can help target the training to the Learner. Relevant assessment in the area could also help with the rapport with the Learner by finding out the learners learning style and difficulties if any. Assessment planning: Agree suitable types and methods of assessment (think SMART principals and the performance equation to help with this) with each Learner, setting appropriate target dates; involve other if this is appropriate. Then follow the appropriate guide lines. Assessment activity: This can be assessor led with observation or questioning or Learner led with assignments or evidence of work carried out. However there should always be a record of all that has been carried out. Assessment judgments and feedback: Make judgments on successful completion or otherwise then giving constructive feedback in order to help further the learner or help for successful completion at a later date. A record should be made in order to track each learners progress. Reviewing of progress: The assessments should be able to be reviewed at any time until the Learner has completed the qualification or part thereof. Regular reviews also give the learner the opportunity to ask about other relevant issues and give you the opportunity to improve on them for the future. The assessment process may have to be adapted to be suitable to the individual learner’s needs such as learning support for those with learning difficulties needs to eventually lead to the same outcome. Word count 399 †¢ Explain the responsibility of the assessor. The roles of the assessor may not be strictly that of a teacher but more of a mentor guiding a Learner to there eventual goal of gaining the qualification by giving appropriate feedback. Also the assessor is to assess the learner’s knowledge and skills in a range of tasks in order to gain their qualification The responsibilities should include but not be limited to Carrying out assessments to the awarding bodies Specifications and requirements. Checking authenticity of any witness testimonials ? Countersigning other assessors judgments ? Dealing with any appeals to your assessment decisions in a fair and open manner. ? Completing and maintaining safe and secure records. ? Following organisational and regulatory procedures. It is also points that if you are unsure of any point to immediately seek help from your management or colleagues. Or if you are working on your own to seek help from ether other assessors in your field or from your awarding body. This is so as to insure that you are interpreting the assessment requirements correctly. It is also a point to keep to the assessment process as it is systematic and this should aid in your learners having a good and positive experience. This in turn will keep them motivated and help them enjoy the process to gaining their qualification instead of becoming nervous at the thought of a test.