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A1 - Achieving the Assessors Award

© Keith Lawson 2004

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The duties of an Assessor

Being an Assessor brings a lot of responsibility -

It is necessary to understand the process of assessing, the awarding body’s rules, regulations and expectations.

You have a duty to the awarding body and a duty to every candidate you assess to work in a fair, equitable and supportive manner.

Your own skills and knowledge are important -

Skills and knowledge as an Assessor

Skills and knowledge in the occupation of the candidate.

© Keith Lawson 2004

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Undertaking Training

To assess NVQs you need the A1 award.

It stands alone as a qualification for NVQ Assessors but also is a Unit in full NVQs such as “Training and Development”.

You are enrolled (or are about to enrol) on a programme to gain this nationally recognised award and what follows is simple advice on what is required to gain this award….

© Keith Lawson 2004

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The AI Unit is made up of 4 Elements

Element 1.1 Develop plans for assessing competence with candidates.

Element 1.2 Judge evidence against criteria to make assessment decisions.

Element 1.3 Provide feedback and support to candidates on assessment decisions.

Element 1.4 Contribute to the internal quality assurance process.

© Keith Lawson 2004

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A Logical Progression - Plan>Act>Review

Element 1.1 Develop plans for assessing competence with candidates.

Element 1.2 Judge evidence against criteria to make assessment decisions.

Element 1.3 Provide feedback and support to candidates on assessment decisions.

Element 1.4 Contribute to the internal quality assurance process.

© Keith Lawson 2004

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Stage 1: The Initial Assessment Plan

Element 1.1

You need to agree 3 assessment plans, one per unit,

with a minimum of 2 candidates.

Each plan must cover 1 full Unit.

Over the 3 plans, you must apply 4 assessment methods...

© Keith Lawson 2004

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Assessment Methods

Assessment methods include (and there is more detail in your set of standards)

• PRODUCT - hard evidence such as documents.

• OBSERVATION - watching a candidate perform

• WITNESS - someone who knows the candidate and the work

• PERSONAL STATEMENT - by a candidate on how they work and why. Useful when no Product is available, e.g. a telephone conversation.

© Keith Lawson 2004

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Stage 2: Judging Evidence

Element 1.2

You need to collect 3 different pieces of evidence* from the candidates in line with the assessment plans and assess against the standards

* for example PRODUCT, OBSERVATION, WITNESS

© Keith Lawson 2004

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Stage 2: Judging Evidence

Element 1.2

Assess the evidence against the standards and RECORD your decision on the proper documents.

Using OBSERVATION, you may have given FEEDBACK at the time. Record this as well.

© Keith Lawson 2004

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Stage 3: Provide Feedback

Element 1.3

Using the RECORDS of assessment DECISIONS, give FEEDBACK to the Candidates.

Use this opportunity to REVIEW the ASSESSMENT PLANS to see if successful or need to adapt.

Only one FEEDBACK session has to be seen by your ASSESSOR.

© Keith Lawson 2004

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Stage 4: Standardisation and Quality

Element 1.4

You need to write FOUR reviews on evidence for at least TWO candidates (2 pieces each) submitted to the QA team for the internal standardisation process.

The person responsible for the internal quality assurance (typically the Internal Verifier) needs to provide a written statement to demonstrate how you have contributed to agreed QA procedures.

© Keith Lawson 2004

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Finally

You need a professional discussion with your Assessor to review any method of assessment not covered by your performance evidence.

And provide a written or spoken explanation of the procedures used within your centre

© Keith Lawson 2004