Understanding the principles of assessment
Task B Presentation
a) Define key concepts and principles of assessment
The key concepts and principles of Assessment are to determine if learning has taken place by monitoring the progress and achievement of the learner towards the desired qualification at any given point. This consists of initial assessment at the starting point of the learning journey.
Assessment can happen before, during or at the end of a learning programme. This is known as initial, formative and summative. Assessment should take place to allow learners to measure their progress, identify any gaps and focus on improved learning whilst motivating them towards the desired qualification or learning outcome. Assessment should be a regular and effective process with formal and informal activities. This should compromise of observing learning, asking them questions, and reviewing progress.
“If assessment is to be seen as a valuable tool and respected by learners, colleagues and other stakeholders, then it must be seen to do what it purports to do i.e. it must be effective.” (Wilson, 2008, P289)
The key concepts of assessment include:
Accountability
Achievement
Assessment strategies
Benchmarking
Evaluation
Initial, formative or summative types
Internally or externally devised methods (formal/informal)
Progression
Transparency
The purpose of assessment is to check and monitor learner’s progress and development, finally setting a framework to provide feedback to inspire learners.
The key principles of assessments include:
CPD (Continuous Professional Development)
Equality & Diversity
Ethics – the assessment takes into account confidentiality, integrity, safety and security.
Fairness – the assessment should be appropriate to all students at the required level and available to all.
Health & Safety
Motivation
QA
Record Keeping
SMART – Assessment planning should always be Specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time bound.