Principles of Assessment in Lifelong Learning
Produce 1 Written Rationale of 1000 words for all areas of research in 1 to 3.
1.1 Analyse how types of assessment are used in lifelong learning:
“Assessments should be a regular process; it might not always be formalised, but you should be observing what your learners are doing, asking questions and reviewing their progress throughout their time with you”.
Gravells A. Page 113.
Assessments are used to track not only learner but tutor progress. Below I have documented some utilised in my everyday teaching life:
Initial Assessment
Undertaken prior to a lesson or course is delivered and helps direct my session planning to meet learner’s expectations. Ideally this identifies prior knowledge, individual learner’s current levels and any special requirements.
Undertaken using a combination of the following: * Observations * One-to-one evaluation ‘Is the learner is on the right course’ ‘Will they successfully complete all requirements to pass this course’. * Competency tests (Functional Skills). Is there is any weakness? Additional modules to aid the learner.
Formative Assessment
An on-going process taking place during sessions taking the form of: * Quizzes and puzzles. Helps ascertain knowledge absorption. * Verbal question and answers. Helps see if the learners comprehend the topic. * Journals. To help the record feelings, what went right and what can be improved on. This helps me assess teaching to the correct level or beneficial I adjustments to my plan and methods. * Observations. I can walk around the room and observe the learner’s work.
Summative Assessments
Carried out at the end of a course to measure how much has been retained usually through: * End of course formal tests or exams. To see what they have learnt. * Portfolio: This is a collect ion of the learners work throughout the course.
1.2 Analyse how assessment methods are
Bibliography: Gravells A. (2012) Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector 5th Edition, London: Learning Matters Wilson L. (2009) Practical Teaching A Guide to PTLLS & DTLLS. Cengage Learning EMEA