Unit 1: Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment
1. Understand the principles and requirements of assessment 2.1 explain the functions of assessment and development Initial assessment is the process which identifies learners needs and can determine where the learner may progress to. Initial assessment can assist in the development of an individual learning plan, giving the learner the opportunity to: * tell others about themselves * show what they can do * make choices and express preferences regarding the learning outcome * express future aspirations * identify clear learning goals Without a thorough initial assessment the learning programme may not meet the needs of the individual and an initial assessment may highlight areas of concern or unsuitability.
Formative assessment is a range of procedures used during the learning process to allow the modification of both teaching and learning activities in order to enhance the learning process as required. The use of formative assessment can:
* provide feedback to teachers to modify future learning activities * identify and remedy individual or group deficiencies * improve the students awareness of the “learning process” * fine tune methods of instruction to suit the specific needs of the individual
Summative assessment evaluates a learner’s development at a specific point during the learning process and provides a tangible summary of where they are, if need be, allowing them to be graded accordingly. This can be conducted, for example, by way of multi-choice exam, written paper, dissertation, presentation or portfolio.
2.2 define the key concepts and principles of assessment The process of assessment allows the learner to be judged as to their knowledge, skills and competence measured