Planning & Enabling Learning.
Assignment 1- What is the purpose of initial assessment and what kind of methods could be used? Evaluate these methods with reference to the ways they can help in the overall objective of achieving learning goals. How can you ensure learners are kept motivated and working towards these goals?
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Date: 21st October 2010
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All learners are entitled to undergo a period of initial assessment. Initial assessment is the process of identifying an individual’s learning and support needs to enable the design of an individual learning plan which will provide the structure for their learning.
Initial assessment is a critical process because it represents the first stage in the learning cycle.
The Learner
Failure to accurately identify an individual’s learning needs may result in a learning plan, and a learning programme, which does not address those learning needs. The learner lies at the centre of the learning process and needs to be fully engaged with the initial assessment process. It is important that they feel that it is done with them and not to them.
An individual’s learning and support needs are identified from the collection and analysis of a wide range of information. The different types of information which need to be considered during the initial assessment process are shown in figure 1.1 below.
There are a number of Initial assessment methods available. The methods fall into six groups: * Appraisals of written information, such as learners’ application forms, records of achievement, progress files and references. * Individual interviews. * Formal tests. * Learner questionnaires. * Observed group activities. * Practical vocational activities.
We do not normally use all the methods but chose those which are appropriate to the needs and circumstances of the learner. Typically you should use a combination of methods to