The First Session

2. Initial Assessment

An outstanding tutor uses initial assessment to negotiate and effectively plan individual and group learning and assessment.  Challenging tasks are set that are highly personalised for each learner according to their ability and needs.

An outstanding tutor ensures there is highly effective identification of individual learning needs.  They provide excellent learner support.  The materials and learning resources are carefully selected, and the session is skilfully planned and delivered to meet a variety of individual needs, styles and a wide ability range.  The tutor sets high expectations that challenge and stretch all learners. 

Initial assessment;

• Establishes the existing skill and knowledge levels of learners
• May establish how each learner learns
• Introduces learners to some of the skills and knowledge they will need to acquire on the programme
• Provides information to help tutors plan the programme
• Can be a fun way of getting learners used to assessment without it being too intimidating
  

Well-planned and executed initial assessment is integral to the induction process.  This may commence at the enrolment stage with a pre-course questionnaire to establish learners’ interests, experience and motivation.  It may be part of the “getting to know you” activity in induction.

It is important, however, that there is also

• some form of skill/knowledge assessment which can be validated by the tutor

• discussion with individual learners about what they can do and want to be able to do
  

Methods of initial assessment

• Discussion
• All about you form
• HL16c – Learner Plan
• Skill scan
• Questionnaire
  

You might decide to create a simple form for learners to complete as they arrive.  Remember to stress the confidentiality of any information provided and how it will be used e.g.