L&D9Di Assess Workplace Competence Using Direct and Indirect Methods (FD41 04)

Who this Unit is for

This Unit is for those who assess in the workplace using a wide range of assessment methods, both direct and indirect. The person wishing to achieve this Unit (the assessor-candidate) will use the following direct methods:

observation
examination of work products (both created and not created at the time of observation)
questioning

They may also be involved in authenticating indirect evidence such as:

discussing with candidates
testimony of others (witnesses)
examining candidate statements
assessing candidates in simulated environments
Recognising Prior Learning (RPL) — otherwise known as the Accreditation of Prior Achievement (APA)

The assessment decisions made by the assessor-candidate will be used to confirm achievement in a range of situations such as assessing SVQs, other workplace qualifications or in-company standards.

For this Unit, assessments must be of a substantial but realistic and manageable piece of the candidate’s work. Each assessment should cover the full assessment cycle to include planning, judging evidence, providing feedback and recording the decision.

What the assessor-candidate must do:

1. Prepare to assess

(a) Ensure candidates understand the purpose, requirements and processes of assessment

2. Plan assessments

(a) Identify evidence that is valid, authentic and sufficient.
(b) Plan to use valid, fair and reliable and safe assessment methods
(c) Plan assessment to meet requirements and candidate needs.

3. Assess candidate performance and knowledge

(a) Collect evidence that is valid, authentic and sufficient.
(b) Use valid, fair, reliable and safe assessment methods.
(c) Make assessment decisions against specified criteria.
(d) Work with others to ensure the standardisation of assessment practice and outcomes.

4. Confirm progression and achievement

(a) Provide feedback to the learner that affirms achievement and identifies any additional requirements.
(b) Maintain required records of the assessment process, its outcomes and candidate progress.

What the assessor-candidate must know:

1. Prepare to assess

1.1 How to judge when the candidate is ready for assessment.
1.2 The range of information that should be made available to candidates before assessment begins.
1.3 The concepts and principles of assessment.
1.4 Standards to be assessed, assessment/evidence requirements, regulatory requirements.
1.5 The candidates’ job role and their work environment and how this influences which assessment approach to use.

2. Plan assessments

2.1 The principles of assessment (validity, authenticity, reliability, currency,sufficiency (VARCS)).
2.2 The uses, benefits and drawbacks of the different assessment methods, including those that use technology.
2.3 Types of risks, including health, safety and welfare and quality assurance risks, when assessing and how to manage them.
2.4 How to plan assessments in own area of responsibility, involving candidates and allowing access.
2.5 How assessment arrangements can be adapted to meet the diverse needs of individual candidates.
2.6 How disputes and appeals will be handled and how confidentiality will be maintained.

3. Assess candidate performance and knowledge

3.1 The principles of competence based assessment (competent versus not yet competent).
3.2 How to judge evidence in relation to specified criteria ensuring the quality assurance principles are applied (valid, fair, reliable, current, safe).
3.3 Achieving objectivity and consistency when making assessment decisions and what to do when there is doubt.
3.4 Standardisation processes and how to contribute to those.
3.5 How to co-operate and work effectively with others involved in the assessment process.

4. Confirm progression and achievement

4.1 The purpose and value of feedback in the assessment cycle.
4.2 How to deliver constructive feedback and the next steps in the assessment process.
4.3 How to ensure access and data protection requirements are adhered to when maintaining records of assessment and candidate progress.
4.4 Internal quality assurance processes and procedures and how to apply these in practice.
4.5 The value and purpose of continuing professional development for assessment practitioners.