M

a. Describe 6 assessment methods, with examples of when and how they can be used.

Assessment methods are the tools which teachers use to ensure learners have understood and retained the concepts and ideas being taught. Assessment
methods can be informal or formal. Assessments can also be used to establish any learning difficulties with the aim of offering a student additions support.
Gravells 2014 highlights ‘ all assessments methods should be suited to the level and ability of your leaners.’. The list below highlights 6 assessments
methods

Method When How

Work sheets/gapped out handouts This informal method of They can be delivered individually in
assessment can be carried out pairs and groups to challenge
Handouts with gapped or blank spaces for during the initial and learners level of knowledge on a
leaners to fill in missing words. formative stage. With the specific subject area. Worksheets
latter to assess the course is can be paper-based or electronic
at the right level for they
learner and to identify any
learning support needs.
Homework Tasks or assignments students The teacher will assign students a
must complete at home piece of work related what was
between lessons. This can be covered during class to strengthen
an informal or formal method learning. The student must submit
of assessment carried out the work to meet a socified deadline.
during the formative stage. The teacher will mark the homework
and roivide feedback and a mark
which ill enable to the stdent ro
reflect on thjier progress.
Exams This is a formal method of Exams are carried out in a controlled
assessment sued at the environment with an invigilator.
summative stage and The Invigilator must ensure all
contributed towards a candidates adhere to strict
learners final achievements on guidelines during the completion of
 the course. the exam to ensure standards are
maintained.
Practical activities This is an informal assessment Student will be given activities that
method carried during the require them to complete task in
formative stage. groups or individually. For example,
asking ESOL students to find out
specific information about the
college by physical going and finding
the information.
Role -Plays Role Plays are informal Learners are provided with a case
assessment methods used study or scenario. Each student is
during the formative part of allocated a role and acts out their
the course. part.
Observation/demonstration This is a formal assessment Observation can be used during
method and will count classroom by the teacher. Students
towards a student’s final can be observed whilst working in
achievements on the course. groups, completing roles plays or
It can be carried out during having discussions.
formative part of the course.

b. Explain 4 of those assessment methods that are most suitable for your specific area, with a comparison of their strengths and limitations for
meeting learners needs.

Assessment Method Strengths Limitations

Role-Plays are suited as a method of  Learner can have immediate  Some learners may feel shy and this
assessment with ESOL Learners as it gives feedback from peers and teachers may impact on how they participate
the learner the opportunity to act out the  Learner can learn from others  Learners may not understand the
scenario.  Leaners can demonstrate what instructions
they have learned  Time needed for teacher initial
 Learners can strengthen other instruction, student role and feedback
skills like communication and team 
work
  Can be fun
 Different roles can be allocated

Worksheets  Can be fun  Learners may struggle if they do not

 can be adjusted to meet learners’ understand the subject are
needs  Learners may loose confidence if they
find the task difficult

Practical Exercises  Learners are actively engaged in  Learners may not understand the
learning instructions
 Learners improve wider skills  Learners may work at different pace
including research or group work 
 Teacher can give students
guidance
Exams  The questions and expected  Learner may not cope well under
answers are standardised stress caused by exams
 Teacher can do mock exams with  Students who struggle with writing
student to prepare or dyslexia may find this difficult and
 will need additional support

c. explain how 2 assessment methods can be adapted to meet learners’ needs.

d. Identify (list) sources of information that should be made available to:

Learners - e.g. qualification standards, appeals process, equal opportunity policy, Individual Learning Plans

Others involved in assessment - e.g. registration details, long and short term assessment planning documentation, reviews, progress reports etc.

e. a summary of keeping records of assessment for and of learning in an organisation.

e.g. what records of assessment should be kept, how long, who should have access, in what format, any requirements from the organisation.
 Reference

1. Gravells A 2014 p154 Sage Publications London

Teaching today: a practical guide

Petty, Geoff Nelson Thornes 2010 4th ed.