Assessment Case Study

2 Macquarie Resources

16613 Prepare and deliver business presentations as a first line manager (Level 4)

Case studies of assessment and moderation
Commentary
Background
Issues encountered
Quality systems
Support documents

Commentary

This is an example of contexualised assessment that uses a range of assessment tools to demonstrate on-job performance. The design focuses on the skills and functions required in a role and this is mapped to the requirements of the unit standard.

Key points to note in the support documents are:

• Clear instructions to candidates
• Assessment Guide shows coverage of all the pcs with some clumping of evidence across the tasks/element (El 2 a clear example with Task 4 covering all the elements)
• Judgement Statements are clear and encompass requirements of the unit standard
• Knowledge Test indicates PC coverage and some clumping present
• Observation Table provides clear instructions to the observer
• Self Review Checklist is a feature of this submission and is particularly interesting when considering the domain of first line management where reflective practice is encouraged in the aspiring manager
• Manager's Attestation Sheet is very clear and simple
• Although there is quite a large amount of evidence required it is appropriate for a performance standard at this level. Clarity of assessment also allows assessors to cross reference evidence to other unit standards that candidates are working toward

It is worth noting the comment from a stakeholder in the submission that the "personality and approach of the assessor is critical" - suggesting that assessment is very much a human activity.

Background

The assessment activity is designed for people in the workplace who wish to achieve national qualifications through recognition of current competence/prior learning. Workplace assessment can be used to identify any gaps in skills that are corrected by training and reassessment and therefore the process incorporates a training needs analysis function which has been welcomed by organisations as they are delighted to have specific employee/work group needs addressed.

Issues encountered

Assessors should be able to put themselves in the shoes of the candidates and be realistic about what happens in the workplace and what evidence can be produced. It is a common practice to develop generic assessment activities and then tailor them to specific organisations so that tasks are written in organisational language.

Key learning points to note are:

• Assessment should ideally be able to be carried out with very little disruption to the workplace.
• A variety of evidence should be collected to ensure the assessor looks at the "big picture".
• To be credible, workplace assessors should have significant experience in industry.
• Assessment activities should be constantly improved to meet unit standard updates, technological, legislative and environmental changes and industry practice.
• Moderation should be viewed as an opportunity for feedback and improvement.

Quality systems

• All assessment material is developed by an assessor who holds unit standard 4099 or 11552.
• The assessor must be qualified (or have equivalent experience) in the subject area to one level higher than the unit standard being assessed.
• All material is pre-moderated before use.
• The organisation meets all external moderation requirements.
• A robust system for raising and tracking assessment improvement is in place.

Support documents

The following documents are provided here as examples of assessment in practice but are not intended as definitive guides. They are available to view in Word and PDF

Page updated: 17 December 2002