IMPORTANT NOTE: THIS IS A WORD
DOCUMENT IN HTML FORMAT. You will not be able to adapt, change edit or
re-format the file in its present state.
Instead, here is what you do; Type ÔControlÕA, followed by ÔControlÕC to
select , highlight and copy the entire file. Then you open a new blank page in WORD and type
ÔControlÕV to paste the entire file. You will then be able to adapt, re-edit,
re-format the file in any way you wish.
See A2.html to access other versions of this file.
UNIT A2 (D94M 04)
ASSESS CANDIDATESÕ PERFORMANCE THROUGH OBSERVATION
Performance
criteria You must be able to do the following:
1 identify the best situations when you can assess performance
2 use evidence that takes place in the workplace and ask relevant questions
3 choose opportunities for assessment which disrupt normal work as little as possible
4 choose opportunities for assessment which provide access to a valid, safe, reliable and fair assessment
5 explain the options open to the candidates clearly and constructively if somebody disagrees with the proposed assessment plan
6 discuss and agree the proposed assessment plan with the candidates and other people who may be affected
7 review and update plans at agreed times to take account of candidatesÕ progress
Element
A2.2 Assess candidatesÕ
performance against the agreed standards
Performance criteria You must be able to do the following
a explain to candidates how the assessment of their work will take account of their needs
b watch candidates in a safe environment
c only use the agreed criteria when assessing the evidence
d assess evidence fairly against the agreed criteria
e identify and assess any other evidence that is relevant to the standards
f check that the evidence has come from each candidateÕs own work
g watch candidates without interfering with their work
h speak to the appropriate person if you or a candidate has any difficulties
i give candidates feedback after you have watched them in the workplace
Element
A2.3 Assess candidatesÕ
knowledge against the agreed standards
Performance criteria You must be able to do the following:
a identify which areas of candidatesÕ knowledge have been covered by watching them in the workplace
b collect evidence of knowledge that has not been covered by watching the candidates in the workplace
c use valid methods to assess candidatesÕ knowledge
d ask clear questions which do not ÔleadÕ candidates
e speak to the appropriate person if you or a candidate has any difficulties
f give candidates feedback after you have asked them questions
Element A2.4 Make an assessment decision and provide
feedback
Performance criteria You must be able to do the following:
a base your assessment decision on all the relevant evidence
b give candidates clear and constructive feedback, which meets their needs after you have given them your assessment
c encourage candidates to ask for advice on your assessment decision
d make an accurate record of your assessment decisions
e pass on records that are accurate and easy to read to the next stage of the process
f follow the agreed complaints and appeals procedures if candidates do not agree with your assessment decisions
Evidence requirements
To achieve this unit you must provide evidence to convince your assessor that you consistently meet all the performance criteria and all the knowledge requirements. Your evidence must be the result of real work activities undertaken by yourself. Evidence from simulated activities is not acceptable for this unit.
This unit covers assessing candidates by watching them in the workplace and assessing the areas of their knowledge that you cannot test by watching them work. You can do this by using materials and check lists from awarding bodies.
Observation may take place in person or using appropriate technology such as a video tape. Evidence may also include examining work products. You can use evidence from tests to support evidence of candidatesÕ performance. You must also show you are aware of and understand the appeals and complaints procedures and the processes for handling them.
The minimum evidence you need for this unit is listed below:
THREE assessment plans you have produced for a minimum of two different candidates. Each plan must cover a minimum of 2 full components (units) of a qualification (e.g. 2 N/SVQ units). Each plan must indicate:
á
which aspects
of competence will be assessed by observation
á
indicate how
and when observation of performance will be conducted
á how issues of safety, minimum disruption to work activities and unobtrusive assessment have been planned for.
PLUS TWO written outcomes from progress reviews conducted with a minimum of two candidates. The two written outcomes should include evidence of having updated assessment plans. of 2 candidates
PLUS THREE assessment decision records for a minimum of 2 different candidates. The assessment decision records must relate to the 3 assessment plans you are submitting for A2.1.
PLUS ONE record of a professional discussion between you and your assessor must demonstrate how you have:
á used observation of performance to demonstrate achievement of particular standards
á evaluated the effectiveness of observation in the light of assessing candidates.
PLUS THREE assessment decision records for at least 2 of the 3 different assessment plans generated for A2.1.
PLUS ONE record of a professional discussion between you and your assessor. During the professional discussion you must between you must. present how you have:
á
used
questioning to demonstrate the knowledge requirements in particular standards
á evaluated the effectiveness of observation in the light of assessing candidates.
PLUS ONE observation. A minimum of one observation by your assessor of you providing feedback to 1 candidate.
PLUS
TWO records covering feedback to two different candidates
The
written records may be replaced with endorsement by another recognised assessor
from a registered centre of your feedback to two different candidates.
PLUS TWO assessment records for 2 different candidates The two assessment records must have been passed on to the person responsible for internal quality assurance of the assessment process (internal verifier) in your centre.
PLUS ONE written statement from the person responsible for internal quality assurance (e.g. an internal verifier for N/SVQs). The statement must demonstrate that you have
contributed to agreed quality assurance procedures in your centre.
Knowledge Requirements
ONE record of a written or spoken explanation. The record of a written or spoken explanation explanation. must show how you:
á
identify
relevant evidence from candidate activities
á
identify
which aspects of competence can be assessed by observing performance
á plan and conduct the observation process and the factors which you take into account during the process
á
identify
which aspects of knowledge can be inferred from performance plans and conduct
the questioning of candidates including the factors to take into account during
the process.
PLUS ONE record of a written or spoken explanation of the procedures used in your assessment centre. The explanation must include the following
procedures:
á how to provide access to assessment for candidates with individual special needs and special assessment requirements
á how disputes and appeals about assessment decisions are handled
á the internal standardisation and quality assurance arrangements
á how assessments are recorded
á sources of information regarding assessment requirements and best practice.
Knowledge requirements
You need the following knowledge to perform this Unit of Competence. You will show this through the outcome of your work activities and through evaluations of your systems and processes. You need to be able to show that you have general knowledge and understanding of the following:
1 what the national standards are and how to judge evidence against them fairly and reliably
2 how to identify relevant evidence from what is or may be available
3 why it is important to make an accurate judgement against only the agreed standards
4 how to identify the role of knowledge evidence in assessments and ways of collecting
evidence
5 how to identify relevant knowledge evidence from candidatesÕ performance
6 why it is important to collect evidence related to unpredictable events and how to do this
7 how to give candidates with special assessment requirements access to assessment.
8 how to involve different candidates in putting assessment plans into practice
9 how to encourage candidates with different levels of confidence and experience to take an active part in their assessment
10 10 how to give constructive feedback to candidates in line with your assessment decision
11 how to adapt feedback to candidatesÕ different levels of confidence and experience
12 how to offer different types of advice in a constructive way that will allow candidates to choose different options
13 how to encourage candidates to ask questions and get advice
14 how to identify evidence that takes place naturally in the workplace and why it is important for assessments
15 how to choose appropriate and efficient ways of collecting performance evidence
16 what the available sources of knowledge evidence are and how to use them
17 where to get advice on when and how to use simulations and alternative sources of evidence
18 how to check that evidence is relevant and genuine
19 how to set tests, questions and simulations
20 how to ask questions which will give you relevant evidence while not affecting candidatesÕ confidence
21 how to judge knowledge evidence fairly and reliably
22 how to deal with disputes and appeals in line with agreed procedures
23 how to identify the difficulties you may have in collecting and assessing knowledge evidence
24 how to collect evidence by watching candidates in the workplace without interfering with their work
25 how to identify difficulties you may have in making fair and reliable judgements on evidence
26 who to speak to within the local and national system if you have difficulties.
27 how to meet candidatesÕ needs for access to safe, fair and reliable assessments in line with relevant legislation
28 how to recognise and challenge unfair discrimination in assessment
29 how to identify different types of special assessment requirements and how to provide for them
30 who to get advice from when providing for particular assessment requirements
31 how to make a record of and process your assessment decisions
32 how to meet the requirements of the quality assurance process
33 how to use opportunities to update your skills and experience
34 how to identify and use information on current assessment best practice
35 how to use personal development opportunities to improve your assessment skills.