a1 assessor
Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment.
1. Explain the functions of assessment in learning and development
The function of assessment in learning and development is primarily to provide a measure of the
students progress.
Assessment is carried out through formative (checks throughout the course), passive (to test
against previous marks), and/ or summative (at end of course) activities to help the learner see their
development whilst allowing the Assessor to give valuable feedback when appropriate.
Its purpose is to measure the learners understanding of the subject against the anticipated outcomes set
by the criteria.
For example, assessment provides clear measurement and recording of achievement during a course
that provides identification of individual achievement or learners’ needs. This captures evidence of
learners understanding of a task prior to the assessment deadline to allow intervention to give extra
help.
The learner’s development is typically measured using formative or summative assessment that
meets criteria in a fit-for-purpose Assignment and consequently reflects the required standards and
performance/ assessment criteria in any given course.
The purpose is to monitor development via evidence that can be quantified and used as performance
review/ targets/ benchmarking throughout a course.
From an Assessors point of view it is essential to ensure that assessment decisions are consistently
reviewed and internally/ externally verified where possible so as to contribute to the awarding
institutions quality assurance and on-going development of best practice.
2. Define the key concepts and principles of assessment
The key concepts and principles of assessments include:
Fairness – Assessment must be objective and tied to criteria stated by examining body. Internal
and External checks in samples of marking are needed at regular stages to ensure the
1. Explain the functions of assessment in learning and development
The function of assessment in learning and development is primarily to provide a measure of the
students progress.
Assessment is carried out through formative (checks throughout the course), passive (to test
against previous marks), and/ or summative (at end of course) activities to help the learner see their
development whilst allowing the Assessor to give valuable feedback when appropriate.
Its purpose is to measure the learners understanding of the subject against the anticipated outcomes set
by the criteria.
For example, assessment provides clear measurement and recording of achievement during a course
that provides identification of individual achievement or learners’ needs. This captures evidence of
learners understanding of a task prior to the assessment deadline to allow intervention to give extra
help.
The learner’s development is typically measured using formative or summative assessment that
meets criteria in a fit-for-purpose Assignment and consequently reflects the required standards and
performance/ assessment criteria in any given course.
The purpose is to monitor development via evidence that can be quantified and used as performance
review/ targets/ benchmarking throughout a course.
From an Assessors point of view it is essential to ensure that assessment decisions are consistently
reviewed and internally/ externally verified where possible so as to contribute to the awarding
institutions quality assurance and on-going development of best practice.
2. Define the key concepts and principles of assessment
The key concepts and principles of assessments include:
Fairness – Assessment must be objective and tied to criteria stated by examining body. Internal
and External checks in samples of marking are needed at regular stages to ensure the