Post on 24-Oct-2019
transcript
Understanding Initial
Assessment
YOUR SUCCESS IS OUR
BUSINESS
The Learner Journey
Aims & Objectives
1. To understand the Initial Assessment process
2. To understand how Initial
Assessment informs the Individual Learning Plan
A quote from OFSTED
Over the years, Ofsted have identified that Initial Assessment has often been inadequate: “An Individual learning Plan cannot be prepared, with any hope of being pertinent, without the most careful interview and probably, well chosen testing....however, Initial Assessment is often inadequate”
• Initial Assessment – it is the starting point of the learner journey, identifying abilities,
aspirations and needs and informs the selection of the right learning programme.
• Diagnostic Assessment – this involves a more detailed assessment of specific
skills such as literacy, language or numeracy to further support the learner. Diagnostic
Assessment:
• Helps to identify specific learner strengths and weaknesses
• Determines learning targets, appropriate teaching and learning strategies
• Usually happens at the beginning of a learning programme, following initial assessment, and
then subsequently as the need arises
• Formative Assessment – at this stage of the journey, progress is being
assessed and an evaluation of the delivery takes place.
• Summative Assessment – marks the end of the learner journey, or at least a
specific stage of that journey. At this point, the goals and targets are reviewed for final assessment
and certification of learning.
An overview of the different types of
assessment
Initial Assessment identifies:
• Learning needs – skills, knowledge, competence which needs to
be acquired
• Support Needs – additional help that a learner requires to help them
address barriers which may prevent them from fulfilling their learning
programme and reaching their goals
It acknowledges prior attainment
It determines the starting point to the learning programme
It is the start of the learning cycle
Why do we need Initial Assessment?
Identification of
learning needs
Monitor/review progress/ Plan learning to evaluate learning meet needs
THE LEARNER
Train/Assess in accordance
with learning plan
The Learning Cycle
• Places learners on an appropriate programme
matching their skills, knowledge & abilities
• Ensures the learner works towards a level, in
the appropriate occupational area where
relevant to learning programme
• It identifies learning and support needs
What is its purpose?
For work-based learners, you need to consider:
• Does the job role match their learning and assessment
requirements?
• What are the employers’ expectations?
Other questions to think about include:
• What are the needs of other stakeholder, partners, funding bodies and referral
agencies?
• What are the awarding organisation’s expectations?
• What are the needs of the skills sector?
• Are there specific legal requirements (e.g. child protection screening)?
• Are there any equality & diversity issues?
• How do you intend to use the information used to assess learning styles?
Other considerations
• Career preferences & suitability
• Qualifications & Achievement
• Aptitude and potential
• Basic Skills
• Interests
• Learning styles
• Job role
• Recognised Prior Learning & Experience
• Personal Effectiveness
• Personal Circumstances
• Learning Difficulties
What information is collected and used
for Initial Assessment?
• Starts from first contact with
prospective learner
• Ends when Individual Learning Plan is
signed on
However.............assessment never ends:
Ongoing learning and support
Part of the learner IAG and review process
Reflected in learning plans
When does Initial Assessment take
place?
• Learner
• Training Adviser/Tutor
• Employers
• Referral agencies & others who can
provide information
Who is involved in Initial Assessment?
First of all providing sensitive and constructive feedback is a fundamental part of developing a successful learner journey – especially within the context of a person-centred approach. Some of the key issues to consider are:
Putting learners at ease and establishing a rapport
Asking open questions
Listening sensitively and empathising
Using reflection and analysis
Being prepared
Allowing plenty of time
Reading body language and using observational skills
Building confidence
Ensuring that the learner understands and is happy with the next steps
Giving Initial Assessment feedback -
Skills required
What results are gained from each of
the Initial Assessment methods
Assessment method used Results
Application & IAG The application form and the IAG interview will hold a wealth of information including: •Achievements/Qualifications/prior experience/learning •Learning difficulties/other support needs •Career preferences & suitability •Interests & hobbies •Personal & social skills/health/circumstances •Barriers to learning
Essential skills Results show current level of: Maths
English ICT
Learning styles Results show whether learner is: Visual, Auditory and/or Kinaesthetic
Skills scoping & learning required Scoping activity will demonstrate that the qualification is relevant for the learners’ job role and identify the learning required
How is the best way to discuss the
results and make recommendations
All the results need to be brought together and discussed during the IAG interview with the learner.
REMEMBER initial assessment is a process that is done with the learner not done to them!
A good IAG session will help to summarise with the learner the recommendations for:
•The learning programme to be followed •Exemptions based on existing qualifications •Additional support arrangements to help them achieve their goals •Results of Essential Skills/learning styles assessment and what these mean
‘BASICALLY GETTING THE RIGHT LEARNER ON THE RIGHT LEARNING PROGRAMME AT THE RIGHT TIME’
How do I complete an effective IAG
interview incorporating IA results and
make recommendations?
You will need to undertake the next e-learning modules in the Learner Journey series:
1.What is IAG and the Matrix Standards
2. Providing Effective Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) during “1st Part Sign
Up”