How important is it for the attainment of your learners?

ObjectivesThis workshop will explore the following:What works well ? Top tips and practical

solutionsHow to adapt initial assessments tools to

support your learners’ needsHow to effectively use the initial assessment

tools

Initial AssessmentInitial assessment happens at the time of a learner’s

transition into a new learning programme. It is a holistic process, during which you start to build up a picture of an individual’s achievements, skills, interests, previous learning experiences and goals, and the learning needs associated with those goals. This information is used as a basis for negotiating a course or programme.

(Guidance for assessment and learning www.sflip.org.uk)

Initial AssessmentFor the Learner establishes the starting point so that the learner can see

how much he/she achieves during the course fosters a more reflective approach to learning

For the Tutor enables the tutor to effectively plan to meet individual

learners’ needs establishes a starting point in order to review learners’

progress and achievements improves quality of teaching

Activity OneIn small groups reflect on and discuss the questions

on the wheel hubSelect the appropriate response cards and place

them where you consider they might fit on the wheelUse the blank cards to write any additional

responsesShare your findings with all participants

Initial Assessment Wheel

Initial AssessmentUsing a range of assessment methods will enable you to capture a learner’s

starting point tutor observations self assessment exercises group discussion one-to-one with tutor games and practical activities quiz and questionnaires Whichever method(s) you choose, it is important that initial assessment

contains some form of skill/knowledge assessment which can be validated by the tutor.

Before you choose or devise an assessment method think is it appropriate for the needs of the learner? is it appropriate for the dynamics of the group? are you, as a tutor, comfortable with this method? can it be easily recorded?

Examples of Initial Assessment ToolsThere are a wide variety of IA tools available:

BSA

West Notts

CTAD Target Skills

Read/Write/Plus

Move-On mini test

SLLN Project Case study

Context As part of the SLLN project in the North West one of

the Lead Providers worked with a provider to improve their initial assessment procedures within their vocational courses.

They had recently had a successful Ofsted inspection achieving an overall Grade 2; however the report highlighted the need to improve the use of skills checks and in particular Initial Assessments across the learning provision.

SLLN Project Case studyThe following questions needed to be answered:How to standardise IA?How to ensure all tutors were undertaking IA in all

courses?What happens to the information?How is the information brought back to the core

team?Some vocational tutors not confident in delivering

IA?

SLLN Project Case studyProcessNew policy written to identify and outline the new process

and procedure relating to SfL initial assessment .Current referral processes already in place were

reviewed.Requirement was for an appropriate, fit for purpose skills

check that could be used with confidence across the service.

The ‘Fast track’ 20 questions skills checklist was adapted to suit the provision.

The skills checklist was piloted by 5 tutors from January 2011 across a range of courses: ICT, Arts & Craft, Employability, Wider Family Learning.

SLLN Project Case studyImpact

An evaluation of the pilot is on-going but preliminary feedback is positive. The tutors are continuing use the skills checklist with all courses.

Referral to SfL provision has increased (data to be collated)

Vocational tutors are confident in the use of the new system

Identified staff who require training and development