Assessment Overview
Tutors and learners are continuously engaged in the process of assessment, even though it may not be overt, planned or formal.
This overview will consider the types of assessment
- Initial Assessment
- Formative Assessment (Assessment for Learning)
- Summative Assessment (Assessment of Learning
Initial Assessment
Initial Assessment
Initial Assessment is the first part of the RARPA process. It provides the platform for course development, and ensures the curriculum is appropriate to the learners needs.
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
See ‘first session’ section of this handbook for more information.