Jan 11, 2017

Workplace trainers who need to become workplace assessors will find this post invaluable.

When selecting assessment methods and tools, it is important to take into account the context in which the workplace assessment will take place and how the principles of assessment will be met.

Principles of assessment guide the assessment process and influence the selection of appropriate assessment.

These four principles include:

Validity

A valid assessment assesses what it claims to assess. Evidence collected is relevant to the activity and demonstrates that the criteria have been met.

Assessment of competency should be a process which integrates knowledge and skills with their practical application. As far as possible, the assessment tasks should be demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated environment closely resembling the workplace.

During assessment, judgments to determine a learner's competency should be made on evidence gathered on a number of occasions and in a variety of contexts or situations. Using a variety of assessment methods will assist with validity.

Reliability

Reliability refers to the consistency of interpretation of evidence by assessors and the assessment outcome. Assessment practices should be monitored and reviewed to ensure that there is consistency across assessors in interpreting evidence.

The development of well-constructed assessment tools which include instructions for candidates and assessors will assist with reliability.

Flexibility

Assessment is a process that should be conducted at a mutually convenient time and place. The assessment methods and tools used need to be adjusted to suit the needs of the candidates.

Assessment procedures should provide for the recognition of competencies no matter how, where or when they have been acquired.

Fairness

Assessment practices and methods must be fair for all candidates. Assessment procedures and the criteria for judging performance must be made clear to all candidates seeking assessment, and the process of assessment should be jointly developed and agreed between the assessor and the candidate as much as possible.

Opportunities must be provided to allow learners to challenge assessment decisions and provisions must be available for reassessment and appeals When selecting assessment methods it is also important to ensure they will enable candidates to show recognition of current competency.

For more information, take a look at our Professional Development portfolio of courses.

Stan Thomas