There are two different types of assessment – task assessment and evidence assessment. As an assessor, you can provide learners with a specific task to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in relation to the outcomes of an assessment standard, or you can provide them with an evidence guide so they can sift through work they’ve already done to find something (or a range of things) that matches all the criteria specified. Usually, a task is provided to a ‘learner’, whereas an evidence guide may be given to a more experienced candidate. Both types of assessment can be used in provider and workplace settings.
Whether it’s by task or evidence, assessment can involve a variety of methods and approaches (appropriate to the learner and the context) that give the learner the opportunity to show competence. Some examples are:
| Oral evidence+ | Written evidence |
|---|---|
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| Verification | |
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Feedback (usually documented and signed) from:
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| Other | Practical evidence |
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* Not suitable for use where an outcome calls for learners to describe
+ Oral evidence needs to have clear evidence and judgment statements describing acceptable answers, and the oral evidence needs to be documented in some form.
Verification
Verification, where evidence is documented and signed by verifier and/or assessor, is particularly valid where the assessment and gathering of evidence are based on demonstration of practical competence or is naturally occurring over a period of time.
Verification can be provided by any person who:
- works closely with the candidate
- has sufficient relevant subject expertise
- understands the requirements of the particular assessment.
For example, a verifier could be the workplace supervisor or manager, and the assessor could be a teacher/tutor/workplace assessor.
Note: The assessor, not the verifier, is responsible for the final judicial decision.
Portfolio assessment
A portfolio is particularly appropriate for assessing the more creative areas of learning, especially in visual communication. It is a collection of evidence to support assessment against standards or learning outcomes. Portfolios can come in a range of types and sizes. For example, it can be electronic (a CD or a website address), a kete containing evidence gathered throughout a course or a display file of mounted work.
When assessment occurs in the workplace, or as part of a longer course, the candidate may have many opportunities to demonstrate the skills required to achieve the assessment standard. In this case, rather than having the candidate complete a ‘redundant’ assessment task, a portfolio of evidence can be provided to demonstrate their competence.
The assessor should provide an assessment checklist, listing the evidence requirements for the unit standard. The evidence should be put together by the candidate in a way that makes it easy for the assessor to match it to the outcomes of the assessment standard. Assessment standards often require evidence of planning and design, documentation and evaluation. It is important that this evidence is included in some way; for example, in a visual diary.
Integrated assessment
Assessment standards lend themselves to integrated assessment. This is where related or complementary outcomes can be assessed using the same task or evidence. Integration of assessment has several advantages. It reduces the time spent on assessment and facilitates a more holistic approach.
Integrated assessment can also pose some challenges, especially in a provider situation, when candidates enter a program having already achieved standards that are part of an assessment cluster in their chosen course of study. Decisions about whether to integrate assessment or not will be strongly influenced by the context of assessment and the experience of the assessor.
Assessment Methods as listed in US 11552 – Possible Assessment Tools
- Naturally occurring assessments
- Feedback
- Peer instruction sessions
- User manuals
- Cross-referencing from other assessments
- Recognition of current competence
- Portfolio
- Portfolio
- Assignments
- Reports
- Online assessments
- Forms Tables
- Charts and posters
- Video/Audiotapes
- Graphics
- Observation
- Checklists
- Oral feedback
- Demonstrations
- Written questions
- Tests Booklets
- Written questions
- Fill in gaps Match information*
- Multi-choice
- Charts and posters
- Oral questions
- Presentation
- Oral Answers to questions
- Interview
- Speech
- Attestation
- Workplace documentation
- Worksheets
- Simulation
- Case studies
- Real-life situations
- Roleplays
- Practical evidence
- Projects
- Visual representation
- Models
Key-References:
- https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/providers-partners/about-education-organisations/
- US 11552 v6 NIE Margaret Dunkley January 2018 Online Workbook.
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