Ptlls

ASSIGNMENT 4 (800 – 1,000 WORDS)

5.1 Identify different assessment methods

5.2 Explain the use of assessment methods in different contexts, including reference to initial assessment

(NB - 5.1 & 5.2 have been answered together)

Initial assessments are a pre-requisite for any learning or NVQ assessment session. They enable the learner and teacher or assessor to meet on a one-to-one basis and fully discuss all the requirements of the topic or session(s), establish the learners background, functional skills level, current experience or expertise and any learning difficulties or disabilities. From this, the teacher or assessor can establish if the learner is on the appropriate level of scheme or session for them, pitch their lessons correctly, or suggest possible sources for the learner to develop the required skill levels prior to starting the course.

Assessments are then carried out at regular intervals, some at pre-set intervals, others may be ad-hoc as the learner or assessor deems fit, to establish various things, including:

Learning process:

    ➢ Whether learning has taken place
    ➢ Learners current level
    ➢ To check on progress
    ➢ As an incentive to motivate learner
    ➢ To help enhance the learning
    ➢ To prove learners’ competence

For a Qualification:

    ➢ Nationally recognised level (ie: a level, BTech, BA, NVQ level 1,2,3 etc)
    ➢ To demonstrate that learning has taken place and the learner has achieved nationally recognised standards (Exams)
    ➢ To demonstrate that competency in the workplace has been demonstrated to nationally recognised standards (NVQs)
    ➢ For self development (ie: for new processes being introduced)
    ➢ For continued personal development (ie: as required by professional institutes)

For Quality Assurance:

    ➢ Benchmarking (ie: comparisons of one learning establishment with another)
    ➢ To justify examination entry fees (for colleges this can be around £1M / year)
    ➢...