TAQA Understanding the principles unit 1
Understanding the principles & practices of assessment
Unit 1
1:1 Explain the function of assessment in learning and development
The main function of an assessment is to ascertain if learning has taken place and that the learner has obtained the required knowledge, skills and understanding. Assessment needs to be a constant process which should take place every time you see the learner, either by watching what they are doing, asking questions or carrying out short coaching or training sessions. It should also focus on improving, re-enforcing learning and measuring achievement showing how the learner is developing and areas they need to improve on. Assessment can be formal which is when you use assessments, assignments, tests and workplace observation to assess learning and informal which can be by asking a few questions.
When assessing learning it is important to have an understanding of initial assessment, formative assessment and summative assessment. Initial assessment is about finding out the learner’s needs and particular learning requirements which should be done prior to the programme commencing to see if any support and guidance is required. It also involves ascertaining the learner’s particular learning styles, competence as well as gaining information on the learner’s prior knowledge and misconceptions through diagnostic assessments. It may also be beneficial to find out why the learner wants to take the course. Skills scans can be used to measure the skill level of the learner both vocationally and for employability.
Formative assessment is judgement based, which takes place on a continual basis during the programme and can take place at any time; in the middle of a unit to check understanding and you can devise your own activities for the learner to check on development which usually uses informal methods to assess progress such as crosswords, discussions, self-assessments, puzzles, role plays, MCQ or gapped hand-outs. This helps as it means you can
Unit 1
1:1 Explain the function of assessment in learning and development
The main function of an assessment is to ascertain if learning has taken place and that the learner has obtained the required knowledge, skills and understanding. Assessment needs to be a constant process which should take place every time you see the learner, either by watching what they are doing, asking questions or carrying out short coaching or training sessions. It should also focus on improving, re-enforcing learning and measuring achievement showing how the learner is developing and areas they need to improve on. Assessment can be formal which is when you use assessments, assignments, tests and workplace observation to assess learning and informal which can be by asking a few questions.
When assessing learning it is important to have an understanding of initial assessment, formative assessment and summative assessment. Initial assessment is about finding out the learner’s needs and particular learning requirements which should be done prior to the programme commencing to see if any support and guidance is required. It also involves ascertaining the learner’s particular learning styles, competence as well as gaining information on the learner’s prior knowledge and misconceptions through diagnostic assessments. It may also be beneficial to find out why the learner wants to take the course. Skills scans can be used to measure the skill level of the learner both vocationally and for employability.
Formative assessment is judgement based, which takes place on a continual basis during the programme and can take place at any time; in the middle of a unit to check understanding and you can devise your own activities for the learner to check on development which usually uses informal methods to assess progress such as crosswords, discussions, self-assessments, puzzles, role plays, MCQ or gapped hand-outs. This helps as it means you can