Assessment is the process of making judgments about an individual's competence
through matching evidence collected to the appropriate outcomes related to a
specific unit standard, a series of unit standards, or a full qualification that have
been registered by the south African Qualifications Authority
.
Candidates who are deemed not yet competent on a summative assessment
(following training) will normally not be allowed to be re-assessed on more than two
occasions.
When learners have to undergo re-assessment, the following conditions will
apply
Specific feedback will be given so that candidates can concentrate only on
those areas in which they were assessed as not yet competent
Re-assessment will take place in the same situation or context and under the
same conditions as the original assessment
Only the specific outcomes that were not achieved will be re-assessed
Candidates who are repeatedly unsuccessful should be given guidance on other
possible and more suitable learning avenues.
A candidate for assessment has the right appeal against assessment decisions or
practices they regard as unfair on the basis of
Unfair assessment
Invalid assessment
Unreliable assessment
Unethical practices
Inadequate expertise and experience of the assessor
In order to ensure assessments are fair and reliable there are various principles
that must be adhered to. These are
Appropriate: The method of assessment is suited to the outcome being
assessed Fair: The method of assessment is fair in relation to the subject matter and
outcomes to be assessed.
Manageable: The methods used allow for ease of arrangements, are cost-
effective and do not interfere with learning or assessment process
Integrated: Evidence collection is integrated into the work or learning process
where this is appropriate and feasible
Valid: The evidence focuses on the requirements laid down in the relevant unit
standards and match the evidence requirements of the specific outcomes
Current: The evidence is up to date and does not refer to old or outdated
information and knowledge.
Authentic: The assessor is satisfied that the evidence is attributable to the
person being assessed
Sufficient: The evidence collected is sufficient to establish all criteria, as set
out in the specific assessment criteria have been met
Systematic: The overall process ensures assessment is fair, effective,
repeatable and manageable
Transparent: The process is transparent i.e. candidates understand the entire
process and the criteria that apply and can contribute to the planning and
accumulation of evidence
Reliable and Consistent: The same assessor or another assessor would make
the same judgment in similar circumstances
Qualities of an assessor
Assessors need to have certain skills and expertise in order to be competent.
Generally assessors need expertise in the following areas
Interpersonal skillls
It is important for the assessor to have good interpersonal skills and to be able to
communicate effectively with learners. The assessor needs to establish a trusting
relationship with learners - not only so that they can perform optimally during an
assessment, but also can trust the assessor has their interests at heart. The
candidate should feel
The assessment is fair
The assessor acts with integrity
The assessor maintains confidentiality
The assessment is conducted according to the principles of a good
assessment
Subject matter experts
Assessors must be proficient in the subject matter of the learning area in which
they are assessing. They should be experts in their field of knowledge with a
thorough understanding of the unit standard requirements or qualifications for which
they are registered to assess.
In addition, the assessors subject matter knowledge should be at least one level
higher than that of the unit standard being assessed.
Assessment expertise
All assessors must have completed the relevant assessor training and should
have been assessed as competent following the submission of a portfolio of
evidence.
He or she should have been awarded a certificate of competence by the ETDP SETA.
In addition the qualified assessor should be registered as a constituent assessor with
the relevant SETA and should have a certificate indicating what unit standards
and/or qualifications he or she is registered to assess.
The role of the assessor
1. Ensure the assessment is appropriate to the requirements of the unit standard
and/or qualification to be assessed.
2. Inform the learner about the qualification or unit standard requirements
3. Support and guide the learner in the collection of evidence
4. Help the learner plan for the assessment
5. Inform the learner about the timing of the assessment
6. Conduct the assessment and give relevant and appropriate feedback
In addition to being responsible for, and managing the assessment process,
assessors will be required to
Conduct assessments according to the relevant ETQA/SETA principles and policies
In association with the training provider, complete the documentation and recording requirements, and forward the results to the SETA to ensure the candidate is registered on the National Learner Record Data Base (NLRD)
Regularly review and update knowledge on the assessment process and implement changes as and when required
Comply with all assessment and moderation requirements
The assessor must manage the assessment process so as to ensure the following
are part of the process
Familiarity with the standards being assessed
Knowledge of current practices associated with the role against which
performance is being assessed
Communication with relevant parties
Assessment details are worked out, including learning outcomes/standards to
be assessed, methods of assessment, time frames, technical details and
understanding the process
Assessment is carried out in accordance with agreed procedures
Feedback and guidance are given
Evidence is evaluated
The assessment decision is made
Achievements are recorded
Appropriate people are advised of results
Candidates are advised of alternative options as appropriate
Reports are provided
Personal competence is maintained throughout the assessment process
T
o this end all documentation as required by the relevant SETA and/or the
training provider must be adhered to and completed
