What is an Assessment Tool?
By: Jennifer Pazaratz
21 April ‘21
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What is an Assessment Tool?
An Assessment Tool, known also as an evidence‑gathering tool, includes the instrument and the instructions for collecting and interpreting evidence in an assessment. Assessment Tools create the framework of resources required for effective assessment procedures as outlined in the Standards which state:
A student must:
- be assessed against all of the tasks identified in the elements of the unit or module
- demonstrate they are capable of performing these tasks to an acceptable level.
Source: https://www.asqa.gov.au/standards/training-assessment/clauses-1.8-to-1.12
Assessment Tools include the following:
- the context and conditions required for assessment
- the tasks to be completed by the learner
- a clear outline of evidence to be gathered from the learner
- the evidence criteria for making a judgement on competency
- the administration, recording and reporting requirements
When developing quality Assessment Tools, make sure the Principles of Assessment are met (this is not only best practice, but a requirement under the Standards).
These Principles require that assessment is valid, reliable, flexible, and fair.
The Rules of Evidence must also be met and will ensure that evidence collected is valid, sufficient, current and authentic.
It is widely believed that a quality Assessment Tool allows you to collect evidence of competency for the following:
Practical Assessment Checklist: assesses the student’s ability to complete a task to the required level of competency.
Knowledge Test: assesses the student’s conceptual understanding and competency of assessment material.
Third Party Report: assesses the student’s skills and knowledge at work at their ability to work consistently and use these skills and knowledge in a range of different situations and conditions.
These assessment types may be combined when appropriate, or separated depending on the competency being assessed.
Assessment Tools should be developed in consultation with industry and tested on a significant number of students.
Top Tip: Putting the tool through its paces with a trial before it is used by learners will test the effectiveness without affecting a learner. Select a group of people who have similar characteristics and levels of ability to the target learner group. You should find if the tool is cost effective, engaging to the leaner, and if it produces valid and reliable evidence.
Source:
https://www.dtwd.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/uploads/Assessment%20in%20the%20VET%20Sector%20-%202016%20-%20Final.pdf
