Assessment case study

4 Academy South

3465 Describe driving hazards and risk reduction responses to driving hazards (Level 1)

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

Commentary

This is a theory assessment that demonstrates contexualisation for the target group by using graphical simulations to assess knowledge and understanding. It provides a simple approach to assessing the requirements outlined in the unit standard. Included in the Assessment pack is a Tutor's Introduction to the assessment, an assessment schedule that is clear and to the point and includes a set of sample answers, a Student Result Form, Instructions to Trainees and the Assessment Task.

Background

This theory assessment was developed for a Commercial Driving Programme aimed at getting long term unemployed people back into the workforce as drivers. The programme is based on 50% training and 50% work placement. Assessments need to be relevant to the industry in order to meet ITO needs and provide clear, easily interpreted instructions and activities to meet the needs of the students, some of whom have low literacy skills.

Issues encountered

The challenge was to keep the level of questioning as simple and effective as possible while retaining the integrity of the unit standard requirements and the sufficiency of the assessed knowledge.

Candidates have generally found the material good to work with but based on feedback some changes have been made. For example, each vehicle has been given a reference letter and a clearer judgement on quantity of evidence has been added.

The key learning points are:

ensuring the tasks are accessible to the target group by providing simple layout and instructions
providing assessment schedules for assessors that have sample answers that indicate the quality of the answers required.

Quality systems

All Academy South tutors are provided with opportunities to complete 4098 and other adult education qualifications.
Internal moderation is based on a comprehensive Performance Appraisal system that operates at Branch Level. This includes tutor self-evaluation across all aspects of their programme and performance followed by Manager/Training Advisor observation and discussions. The process also includes student evaluations taken at various times during the programme. These all feed into the QMS system.
Overlaying this are regular visits to Branches by the Management Team. These visits include discussions with tutors and support staff and observations completed in the classroom that feed into professional development training requirements for delivery and assessment.

Support documents

The following Assessment Pack is provided here as an example of assessment in practice but is not intended as a definitive guide. It is available to view in PDF .

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Page updated: 17 December 2002