Q1. Understand the principles and requirements of assessment.
The Function of an assessment is not only for the student but for the teacher as well one example is it is a way of checking your students’ progress as they go through the course.
Assessments are used throughout the course for gathering information example, generating marks or grades, providing feedback to students as to whether they have passed or failed, also to work out a student is learning capabilities.
Concepts of assessment are the aspects involved through the process, for example:
• Assessment strategies
• Internally or externally assessment methods (formal and informal)
• Types of assessment e.g. initial, ongoing or summative
Principles of assessments are how they are put into play, for example, being: fair – ensuring the assessment process is honest.
There are two main principles, commonly recognised which are VACS and SMART.
Valid – the work is relevant to the assessment criteria.
Authentic – the student has solely produced the work.
Current – the work is still relevant at the time of assessment.
Sufficient – the work covers all the assessment criteria.
Following VACS will support accurate assessment decisions.
Specific – the activity relates only to what is being assessed and is clearly stated.
Measurable – the activity can be measured against the assessment requirements, allowing any gaps to be identified.
Achievable – the activity can be achieved at the right level.
Relevant – the activity is realistic and will give consistent results.
Time bound – target dates and times can be agreed.
Using the SMART assessment activities will ensure students, providing they have the knowledge beforehand, meet requirements.
Your main role as an assessor will be to plan and carry out assessments however, you may also have to coach students as required, and your responsibilities will include attending meetings, negotiating and agreeing assessment plans, reviewing learner progress, completing and maintaining records. Giving supportive feedback.
As a trainer, you will need to follow certain regulations, for example governing bodies such as Ofqual or awarding organisations that accredit the qualifications.
There are also the legal aspects, which you would have to follow such as the Data Protection Act, Health and Safety at Work Act and Safeguarding children young people and vulnerable adults. These are the minimum you would have to adhere to in teaching first aid.
The Equality Act 2010 to protect people from discrimination in the workplace, this is important for an assessor to avoid discrimination. Flexibility, and avoid student stereotypes example preventing disadvantage to disabled students.
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 often referred to as HASAW, when assessing in a workplace or venue this act must be observed at all times for students and others, as well as the assessors’ safety themselves.
The Data Protection Act (1998) was introduced to give individuals the right to know what information is held about them. Assessors must comply with data protection to make sure that student information is kept safe.
The Children Act 2004 is to safeguard the interests of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Assessors must be trained in safeguarding so they can respond to any safeguarding issues, whilst seeing to protect them.