Active IQ Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement (sample manual)

The principles, legal and good practice requirements of assessment
Section 1
Valuing reflective practice and continuing professional development
Reflective practice is important for the assessor. It is thinking about (or reflecting on) what you did or the experience
you had and deciding from that what you would do the same or differently next time.
Reflective practice requires a conscious effort to think about the experience and develop future ideas. All individuals
involved in the learning and development process can benefit from it.
Gravells’ (2011) EDAR approach provides a simple mechanism to follow for reflection:
Experience
Describe
Analyse
Revise
Experience – the assessment you gave and would like to improve or reflect on
Describe – who was involved, what happened, when and where it happened
Analyse – think more deeply, think how and why it happened
Revise – what would you do differently? What would you keep the same? Try it out next time
Following this method can allow an assessor to reflect on their own assessment practice and identify areas they
may wish to change. Assessors can reflect on their assessment experiences in a variety of ways including simple
templates, notebooks, evaluation forms, self-reflection logs, learning logs or diaries.
Continual professional development (CPD) is a means by which assessors can maintain, improve and broaden
their knowledge, skills and assessment practice. This can be achieved in many ways, including attending workshops,
online training, conferences, shadowing, buddying, mentoring others or taking further qualifications. With respect to
assessment, CPD is vital as standards and qualifications change, regulations are amended, and subject knowledge
and skills are constantly evolving. Without CPD, an assessor risks not being occupationally competent and being
unable to perform their role. Most awarding organisations and training providers will require evidence of regular CPD
to maintain the standards, licence or qualifications needed to assess.
CPD:
✓
✓
✓
ACTIVITY
Develops how to cope positively and confidently with assessment challenges and changes.
Showcases assessors’ achievements and enhances credibility.
Defines, monitors and achieves career goals.
Reflect on your current experience as a new assessor using the EDAR approach described above. Include
the opportunities you will take over the coming months to develop your knowledge, skills and practice.
Notes
Understanding principles and practice of assessment in education and training
Copyright © 2019 Active IQ Ltd. Not for resale 11