Quick study for those who want a qualfication in assessing NVQs

1. A1
A1 - Achieving the Assessors Award
© Keith Lawson 2004 1

2. A1
The duties of an Assessor
Being an Assessor brings a lot of responsibility -
It is necessary to understand the process of assessing, the
awarding body’s rules, regulations and expectations.
You have a duty to the awarding body and a duty to every
candidate you assess to work in a fair, equitable
and supportive manner.
Your own skills and knowledge are important -
Skills and knowledge as an Assessor
Skills and knowledge in the occupation of the candidate.
© Keith Lawson 2004 2

3. A1
Undertaking Training
To assess NVQs you need the A1 award.
It stands alone as a qualification for NVQ Assessors but also
is a Unit in full NVQs such as “Training and Development”.
You are enrolled (or are about to enrol) on a programme to
gain this nationally recognised award and what follows is
simple advice on what is required to gain this award….
© Keith Lawson 2004 3

4. A1
The AI Unit is made up of 4 Elements
Element 1.1 Develop plans for assessing competence with
candidates.
Element 1.2 Judge evidence against criteria to make
assessment decisions.
Element 1.3 Provide feedback and support to candidates
on assessment decisions.
Element 1.4 Contribute to the internal quality assurance
process.
© Keith Lawson 2004 4

5. A1
A Logical Progression - Plan>Act>Review
Element 1.1 Develop plans for assessing competence
with candidates.
Element 1.2 Judge evidence against criteria to make
assessment decisions.
Element 1.3 Provide feedback and support to candidates
on assessment decisions.
Element 1.4 Contribute to the internal quality
assurance process.
© Keith Lawson 2004 5

6. A1
Stage 1: The Initial Assessment Plan
Element 1.1
You need to agree 3 assessment plans, one per unit,
with a minimum of 2 candidates.
Each plan must cover 1 full Unit.
Over the 3 plans, you must apply 4
assessment methods...
© Keith Lawson 2004 6

7. A1
Assessment Methods
Assessment methods include (and there is more detail in
your set of standards)
• PRODUCT - hard evidence such as documents.
• OBSERVATION - watching a candidate perform
• WITNESS - someone who knows the candidate and
the work
• PERSONAL STATEMENT - by a candidate on
how they work and why. Useful when no Product is
available, e.g. a telephone conversation.
© Keith Lawson 2004 7

8. A1
Stage 2: Judging Evidence
Element 1.2
You need to collect 3 different pieces of evidence* from
the candidates in line with the assessment plans and
assess against the standards
* for example
PRODUCT,
OBSERVATION,
WITNESS
© Keith Lawson 2004 8

9. A1
Stage 2: Judging Evidence
Element 1.2
Assess the evidence against the standards and RECORD
your decision on the proper documents.
Using OBSERVATION, you may
have given FEEDBACK at the time.
Record this as well.
© Keith Lawson 2004 9

10. A1
Stage 3: Provide Feedback
Element 1.3
Using the RECORDS of assessment DECISIONS, give
FEEDBACK to the Candidates.
Only one FEEDBACK session has to be
seen by your ASSESSOR.
Use this opportunity to REVIEW the
ASSESSMENT PLANS to see if
successful or need to adapt.
© Keith Lawson 2004 10

11. A1
Stage 4: Standardisation and Quality
Element 1.4
You need to write FOUR reviews on evidence for at least
TWO candidates (2 pieces each) submitted to the QA
team for the internal standardisation process.
The person responsible for the internal quality assurance
(typically the Internal Verifier) needs to provide a
written statement to demonstrate how you have
contributed to agreed QA procedures.
© Keith Lawson 2004 11

12. A1
Finally
You need a professional discussion with your Assessor to
review any method of assessment not covered by your
performance evidence.
And provide a written or spoken explanation of the
procedures used within your centre
© Keith Lawson 2004 12