Explain the Functions of Assessment in Learning and Development

|assessment as a process of making judgments of learners’ knowledge, skills and competence against set criteria |

Assessment plays a significant role in the learning experience of students. It determines their progression through their programmes and enables them to demonstrate that they have achieved the intended learning outcomes. It is assessment that provides the main basis for public recognition of achievement, through the awarding of qualifications and/or credit.

Once the learner has submitted an assignment or evidence, the assessor must review it to ensure that the learner has done what was asked of

Unit 1- 1.1, 1.2-This is a reflective account of the things I have done, experience and knowledge I have gained throughout the assessor 's course mainly during the process of assessment. First, I would like to describe the definition of assessment, its key concepts, stages to show the knowledge and understanding I have gained throughout the course. An assessment is a pre-agreed formal session with the learner. Assessment is judging performance against an agreed standard and is also a way of finding out if learning has taken place. It enables yo assessor to ascertain if learner has gained

Assessment can be defined as the systematic gathering of information regarding the knowledge and ability of learners which enables learners to obtain feedback on the quality of their learning and enables teachers or assessors to evaluate the effectiveness of their teaching/assessment.

The assessor’s role is to judge whether the evidence from the learner meets the criteria for the relevant units being assessed and that the evidence is Fair, Valid and Reliable.

Haydn (2009 cited in Capel et al 2009 page 329) defines assessment as "all those activities which are undertaken by teachers, and others, to measure the effectiveness of teaching and learning".

Assessment is carried out through formative (checks throughout the course), ipsative (to test against previous marks), and/ or summative (at end of course) activities to help the learner see their development whilst allowing the Assessor to give valuable feedback when appropriate. It’s purpose is to measure the learners understanding of the subject against the anticipated outcomes set by the criteria.

1.1 Assessment is about judging if, how and what level of learning has taken place. An assessor's function is to decide if a learner has developed skills, knowledge, understanding and competence in a particular field as well as if the learner is showing the attitude required for the application of the learning within that field. Assessing is not the same as evaluating. Rather than the focus being on the programme or course the learner is on (evaluation), the focus is instead on the learner and their development.

The function of assessment in learning and development is to provide a measurable way of planning and supporting students’ progress. Assessment is carried out by means of checks and tests carried out throughout the course. Assessors should provide feedback throughout ensuring that learning is occurring and the learner is at the correct level. It is also important that assessor’s decisions are also consistently reviewed and internally and externally verified.

From the research they conducted, the Assessment Reform Group (2002) has identified ten key principles in relation to assessment for learning. The two that stood out when looking at assessment to meet the learners’ needs are:

Assessment is often thought of as a punitive exercise. But the purpose of assessment is to ensure that students meet specific standards of progress and to rectify learning deficits before a child falls too far behind. Assessment can also identify a child's strengths as well as his or her weaknesses. As well as comparing the child's performance with his or her peers, the teacher can assess specific learning needs, learning styles, interests, aptitudes, and other critical components of the child's developing learning personality.

Explain the functions of assessment in learning and development, the key concepts and principles and responsibilities of the assessor

The assessment process is a vital part to teaching in the lifelong learning sector. All assessment requires the collection and recording of evidence of student learning. There are many aspects to assessment which will begin from the point of the leaner completing their initial application form. The principles of assessment come under three different headings, Initial assessment, formative assessment and summative assessment. Each of the assessment criteria come with specific outcomes for the learner this will assure the learner is getting the best possible outcome to their learning.

The Uk Assessment Reform Group (1999) identifies THE BIG 5 PRINCIPLES OF ASSESSMENT FOR LEARNING