Taga

1.1 The functions of assessment and learning and development. Initial assessment is the set of procedures that are gone through to ascertain what previous experience, aptitudes and abilities a learner has. The process may include screening tests for literacy, numeracy and language (Key skills) as well as learning styles, manual dexterity and skills testing. The results of initial assessment should be a basis for individual learning plans so that training and support are delivered that will meet the needs of each learner. Formative assessment is the assessment at regular intervals of a student’s progress with accompanying assessor feedback and activity plans in order to help improve the student’s performance. Feedback given as part of formative assessment helps learners become aware of any gaps that exist between their desired targets and their current knowledge, understanding, or skill and guides the student through actions necessary to obtain the targets set. Summative assessment is the process of evaluating and grading learning of students at a point in time. The methods used for Summative assessment include written observations, witness testimonies, and review and grading meetings. Whereas Summative Assessment involves measuring what has been learned in formal assessment, Formative Assessment refers to any process by which pupils are made aware of how they can make progress. Black and Wiliam (1998b) define assessment broadly to include all activities that teachers and students undertake to get information that can be used diagnostically to alter teaching and learning. Under this definition, assessment encompasses teacher observation, classroom discussion, and analysis of student work, including homework and tests. Assessments become formative when the information is used to adapt teaching and learning to meet student needs. Feedback given as part of formative assessment helps learners become aware of any gaps that exist between their desired goal and their current knowledge, understanding, or skill and guides them through actions necessary to obtain the goal (Ramaprasad, 1983; Sadler, 1989). With the agreement of the learner, results collected from formative assessment activities may be used for Summative assessment.