Julie Capon Unit 012
Principles of assessment in lifelong learning
The types of assessment a trainer will use in lifelong learning include initial, diagnostic, independent assessment, formative, summative, internal, external, formal and informal assessment. “Assessment is a way to find out if learning has taken place.” Tummons (2007: p5)
Gravells (2011:p91), describes the assessment cycle in the following terms; “the initial assessment, assessment planning, assessment activity, assessment decision and feedback and finally, review of progress”. The cycle restarts at the initial assessment with the next subject or unit of the qualification. To ensure that there is consistency and fairness through out the assessment cycle, standards and
The disadvantage with this method is that the trainer is unable to assess the level of understanding or if the learner has the ability to apply knowledge. These assessment methods may also appear trivial to the more mature students. Role-play is another method that can encourage participation and discussion and can be a good way to assess theory to practice. However, role-play can be a time consuming activity and some learners may find it difficult to participate. (Gravells 2011).
Other methods of formal and informal assessment are essays, case studies, assignments, examinations, projects, gapped handouts, discussions and oral and written questions. “All assessment activities should be valid, authentic, current, sufficient and reliable.” (VACSR) (Gravells 2011: p101)
“There is strong evidence that involving students in the assessment process can have a very definite education benefits” (OCSLD 2002). This involvement could include the learner completing a self-assessment sheet, marking a fictitious student’s work, marking peers work and giving feedback. “ The evidence is that through trying to apply criteria the student gains much greater insight into what is actually being required and subsequently their own work improves” (OCSLD 2002). Self and peer-assessment encourages learners to check their work prior to submission. The disadvantage of self-assessment is learners may well credit themselves with levels of higher