This presentation is part of the online TAE40110 Certificate IV in Training & Assessment course offered by Fortress Learning.
Fortress Learning's TAE program is based on the belief that every student is unique. Each student has an individual program tailored to reflect their prior learning, current situation, future goals and their preferred learning style. More information is available from www.fortresslearning.com.au or by telephoning 1300 141 994.
There are many different types of assessment methods. Regardless of the method, validation consists of a review of the same four things, the principles of assessment.
The principles of assessment are: Validity: does it assesses what it claims to assess Reliability: is the assessment repeatable and consistent Flexibility: can the method be used in different situations or adapted for candidates with special needs And Fairness: does the measure assess all candidates equally or does it some how advantage or disadvantage some candidates.
In addition to the principles of assessment, it is important that: - the candidate understands the context and purpose of the assessment - the assessment focuses on the application of knowledge and skill to - the workplace standard, and - the assessment method is equitable for all candidates, taking into account needs of culture, language, literacy, and numeracy
With respect to the assessment tool, the assessor decides: - what information to include in the assessment tool - what information to not include in the assessment tool - the type of language that is used in the assessment tool - the type of things that candidates will need to do to be assessed - the type of evidence that is needed to make a decision of competency - the types of things that candidates can do to provide that evidence and - the level of performance that the evidence indicates (or specifically, is the candidate competent?)
When validating the assessment, we are examining each of the questions to see if the decisions made by the assessor are good decisions. A good decision meets the principles of assessment and rules of evidence
Validation is important because if we cannot trust the assessment, then we cannot trust the qualification.
There are many different types of errors in judgement that can be made by an assessor. Some of these include: - the Halo Effect - Pre-judging and - Cultural or gender stereotyping
The Halo Effect occurs when an assessor thinks so highly of a participant, they allow him to receive a qualification without meeting the same standard of competency other learners must achieve.
Pre-judging is when judging is influenced by earlier judgements of a person’s performance.
Cultural or gender stereotypes occur when judgements are influenced by a bias about the potential level of a person’s performance based on the person’s characteristics.
Awareness of the Code of Practice for Assessors can help prevent making judgements in error.