UNIT OVERVIEW
The activities you are likely to be involved in:
What the unit covers:
1 agreeing and reviewing plans for assessing candidates' performance
2 assessing candidates' performance against the agreed standards
3 assessing candidates' knowledge against the agreed standards
4 making an assessment decision and giving feedback.
Preferred methods of assessment for this unit:
The minimum evidence you need to provide for this unit is listed in the evidence requirements section. Evidence will be assessed using one or more of the following assessment methods:
Observation may take place in person or using appropriate technology such as video tape.
You must be able to do the following:
a) identify the best situations when you can assess performance
b) use evidence that takes place in the workplace and ask relevant questions
c) choose opportunities for assessment which disrupt normal work as little as possible
d) choose opportunities for assessment which provide access to a valid, safe, reliable and fair assessment
e) explain the options open to the candidates clearly and constructively if somebody disagrees with the proposed assessment plan
f) discuss and agree the proposed assessment plan with the candidates and other people who may be affected
g) review and update plans at agreed times to take account of candidates' progress
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 candidate's 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
You must be able to do the following:
a) identify which areas of candidates' 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 candidates' knowledge
d) ask clear questions which do not 'lead' 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
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
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 candidates' 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.
PLUS
TWO written outcomes from progress reviews you have conducted with a minimum of 2 candidates.
PLUS
THREE assessment decision records for a minimum of 2 different candidates.
PLUS
Each plan must cover a minimum of 2 full components (units) of a qualification (eg 2 N/SVQ units). Each plan must indicate:
The two written outcomes should include evidence of having updated assessment plans.
The assessment decision records must relate to the 3 assessment plans you are submitting for A2.1.
ONE record of a professional discussion.
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.
PLUS
ONE observation.
PLUS
TWO records covering feedback to two different candidates.
PLUS
TWO assessment records for 2 different candidates.
PLUS
ONE written statement from the person responsible for internal quality assurance (eg an internal verifier for N/SVQs).
The record of a professional discussion between you and your assessor must demonstrate how you have:
A minimum of one observation by your assessor of you providing feedback to 1 candidate.
The written records may be replaced with endorsement by another recognised assessor from a registered centre of your feedback to two 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.
The statement must demonstrate that you have contributed to agreed quality assurance procedures in your centre.
ONE record of a written or spoken explanation.
PLUS
ONE record of a written or spoken explanation of the procedures used in your assessment centre.
The record of a written or spoken explanation must show how you:
The explanation must include the following procedures:
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:
The nature and role of assessments of national standards
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 candidates' 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.
Principles and concepts
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 how to give constructive feedback to candidates in line with your assessment decision
11 how to adapt feedback to candidates' 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 candidates' 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.
External factors influencing the assessment of national standards
27 how to meet candidates' 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.
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Unit A2 - Assess Candidates’ Performance through Observation