Explain How to Plan Essay

Define the key concepts and principles of assessment Assessment is the way of finding and documenting that learning has taken place. It also enables you as the assessor to identify if the learner has achieved the required competencies, skill and knowledge needed at the given point of assessment towards their qualification. Assessment need to be a regular process built into the training program. The starting point of assessment is the pre-course information. It must be explained when assessment is taking place and what form the assessment will be in. Criteria for success must also be given. Explain the responsibilities of the assessor Attending meeting, exhibitions, award ceremonies, presentation events; Carrying out assessments in accordance with organisations requirements; Checking the authenticity of any whiteness testimonies; Completing and maintaining safe and secure records; Countersigning other assessor’s judgements; Dealing with any appeals made against your assessment decisions; Following organisational and regulatory body procedures; Identifying and dealing with and barriers to fair assessment; Implementing internal and external verifier’s action points; Liaising with others involved in the assessment process; Making judgements based on the assessment criteria; Maintaining occupational competencies; Negotiation and agreeing assessment types and methods; Making best use of different assessment types and methods; Providing statistics to managers; Reviewing learner’s progress; Standardising practices with other assessors; Supporting learners with special requirements; Working towards relevant qualification; Identify the regulations and requirements relevant to the assessment in your own area of practice The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulation 1981 Provide adequate first aid equipment, facilities and people. Health and Safety at Work (MHSW) Regulations 1999 Assess the risks on anyone who may be affected by their activities. The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 Duty to register and undergo vetting process if working with vulnerable groups Equality Act 2010 Non-discrimination of age, disability, gender, race, religion/belief and sexual orientation. Q2 – Understand different types of assessment record Compare the strengths and limitations of a range of assessment methods with reference to the needs of individual learners ASSIGNMENT – Several activities or tasks, practical or theoretical, to assess various aspects of a qualification over a period of time. Strengths Challenges a learners potential Consolidate learning Several aspects of a qualification can be assessed Some assignment are set with clear criteria by awarding organisation Limitations Ensuring all aspects of the syllabus are covered Can be time consuming to prepare and assess Must be individually assessed with written feedback Assessor may be biased when marking CASE STUDY / SCENARIOS – Hypothetical situation, a description of an actual event or incomplete event, enabling learners to explore the situation. Strengths Can make topics more realistic enhancing motivation and interest Can be conducted individually or in a group Builds on current knowledge and experience Limitations If assessed in a group roles need to be individually assigned an personal contribution assessed Time should be allowed for a debrief Must have clear outcomes Can be time consuming to prepare and assess CHECKLISTS – A list of criteria that needs to be met to confirm that competence or achievement. Strengths Can form part of an ongoing record of achievement or profile Assessment can take place when the learner is ready Ensures all criteria are met and records are kept Limitations Learners may lose their copy and not remember what they’ve learnt ESSAYS – A formal piece of written text that has been produced by the learner for a specific topic Strengths Useful for academic subjects Can check your learners language and literacy skills at specific levels Limitations Not suitable for low level learners Marking can be time consuming Plagiarism can be an issue Doesn’t normally have right or wrong answer so can be difficult to grade Learners need good writing skills EXAMINATIONS – A formal test that should be conducted in certain conditions. Strengths Can be Open Book, enabling learners to have books and notes with them Some learners like the challenge of a formal examination and cope well Limitations Invigilation required Security arrangements before and after need to be in place for papers Learners may have been taught purely to pass the examination Learners may be anxious HOMEWORK – Activities carries out between sessions like answering questions on that day’s learning to confirm knowledge. Strengths Learners can complete at a time and pace that suits them Maintains an interest between sessions Encourages learners to stretch themselves Consolidates learning so far Limitations Clear time limits must be set Learners might not do it, or get someone else to do it for them Must be read/marked and individual feedback given OBSERVATIONS – Watching learners perform a skill. Strengths Enables skills to be seen in action Learners can make mistakes enabling them to realise what they’ve been doing wrong Can assess several aspects of a qualification at the same time Limitations Timing must be arranged No permanent record Questions still need to be asked to confirm understanding Assessor might not be objective with decision Q3 – Understand how to plan assessment Summarise key factors to consider when planning assessment Subjects can be either non-accredited (no formal certificate) or accredited (certificate issued) in which case delivery and assessments are monitored by awarding organisation to ensure guidelines are followed. Therefore before assessing:- You need to be fully aware of the program and the qualification that you are assessing You must confirm relevant policies, requirements and qualifications of the particular subject You must know when the learners are ready to be assessed Evaluate the benefits of using a holistic approach to assessment Explain how to plan a holistic approach to assessment Explain how to minimise risks through the planning process.