Understanding the Principles and Practice of Assessment

1. Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment
      2.1. Explain the functions of assessment in learning and development
Assessment is a judgement on a learner’s performance and knowledge against criteria set by the awarding body. It is used to measure and record a learner’s level of knowledge and skills and gives feedback on their performance.   It also allows the employer to determine whether the learner is able to meet the requirements of their role by monitoring their development.   Assessment can be in the form of formative assessment in tracking learner progress or summative assessment to assess their achievement.
Assessment must be objective and unbiased and is solely a tool to determine the learner’s skill and knowledge.   Assessment may also involve the learner’s employer or other expert within the workplace.
      2.2. Define the key concepts and principles of assessment
Key concepts and principles includes whether the assessment is:
  * Fair, which includes making reasonable adjustments to allow the learner to make progress
  * Reliable, ie judging whether the learner could perform at the same level over a period of time and in a range of circumstance
  * Valid and relevant to what is being assessed
  * Safe and manageable, ie is the assessment being conducted in a safe environment and is it in an appropriate setting, eg away from distractions
  * Suitable to the candidate’s needs
  * Authentic, ie produced by the learner independently with no help from anyone else
  * Current, to show that the learner’s knowledge and skills are up to date
  * Sufficient to show that the evidence has met all the requirements
  * Meeting Equality and diversity needs so that learners are treated equally and not disadvantaged in any way
  * Ethical and shows integrity.   The assessment process must be honest, objective, transparent and fair and personal opinions should not affect the outcome of assessment.

      2.3. Explain the...