Understanding Initial

Assessment

YOUR SUCCESS IS OUR

BUSINESS

The Learner Journey

Aims & Objectives

1. To understand the Initial Assessment process

2. To understand how Initial

Assessment informs the Individual Learning Plan

A quote from OFSTED

Over the years, Ofsted have identified that Initial Assessment has often been inadequate: “An Individual learning Plan cannot be prepared, with any hope of being pertinent, without the most careful interview and probably, well chosen testing....however, Initial Assessment is often inadequate”

• Initial Assessment – it is the starting point of the learner journey, identifying abilities,

aspirations and needs and informs the selection of the right learning programme.

• Diagnostic Assessment – this involves a more detailed assessment of specific

skills such as literacy, language or numeracy to further support the learner. Diagnostic

Assessment:

• Helps to identify specific learner strengths and weaknesses

• Determines learning targets, appropriate teaching and learning strategies

• Usually happens at the beginning of a learning programme, following initial assessment, and

then subsequently as the need arises

• Formative Assessment – at this stage of the journey, progress is being

assessed and an evaluation of the delivery takes place.

• Summative Assessment – marks the end of the learner journey, or at least a

specific stage of that journey. At this point, the goals and targets are reviewed for final assessment

and certification of learning.

An overview of the different types of

assessment

Initial Assessment identifies:

• Learning needs – skills, knowledge, competence which needs to

be acquired

• Support Needs – additional help that a learner requires to help them

address barriers which may prevent them from fulfilling their learning

programme and reaching their goals

It acknowledges prior attainment

It determines the starting point to the learning programme

It is the start of the learning cycle

Why do we need Initial Assessment?

Identification of

learning needs

Monitor/review progress/ Plan learning to evaluate learning meet needs

THE LEARNER

Train/Assess in accordance

with learning plan

The Learning Cycle

• Places learners on an appropriate programme

matching their skills, knowledge & abilities

• Ensures the learner works towards a level, in

the appropriate occupational area where

relevant to learning programme

• It identifies learning and support needs

What is its purpose?

For work-based learners, you need to consider:

• Does the job role match their learning and assessment

requirements?

• What are the employers’ expectations?

Other questions to think about include:

• What are the needs of other stakeholder, partners, funding bodies and referral

agencies?

• What are the awarding organisation’s expectations?

• What are the needs of the skills sector?

• Are there specific legal requirements (e.g. child protection screening)?

• Are there any equality & diversity issues?

• How do you intend to use the information used to assess learning styles?

Other considerations

• Career preferences & suitability

• Qualifications & Achievement

• Aptitude and potential

• Basic Skills

• Interests

• Learning styles

• Job role

• Recognised Prior Learning & Experience

• Personal Effectiveness

• Personal Circumstances

• Learning Difficulties

What information is collected and used

for Initial Assessment?

• Starts from first contact with

prospective learner

• Ends when Individual Learning Plan is

signed on

However.............assessment never ends:

Ongoing learning and support

Part of the learner IAG and review process

Reflected in learning plans

When does Initial Assessment take

place?

• Learner

• Training Adviser/Tutor

• Employers

• Referral agencies & others who can

provide information

Who is involved in Initial Assessment?

First of all providing sensitive and constructive feedback is a fundamental part of developing a successful learner journey – especially within the context of a person-centred approach. Some of the key issues to consider are:

Putting learners at ease and establishing a rapport

Asking open questions

Listening sensitively and empathising

Using reflection and analysis

Being prepared

Allowing plenty of time

Reading body language and using observational skills

Building confidence

Ensuring that the learner understands and is happy with the next steps

Giving Initial Assessment feedback -

Skills required

What results are gained from each of

the Initial Assessment methods

Assessment method used Results

Application & IAG The application form and the IAG interview will hold a wealth of information including: •Achievements/Qualifications/prior experience/learning •Learning difficulties/other support needs •Career preferences & suitability •Interests & hobbies •Personal & social skills/health/circumstances •Barriers to learning

Essential skills Results show current level of: Maths

English ICT

Learning styles Results show whether learner is: Visual, Auditory and/or Kinaesthetic

Skills scoping & learning required Scoping activity will demonstrate that the qualification is relevant for the learners’ job role and identify the learning required

How is the best way to discuss the

results and make recommendations

All the results need to be brought together and discussed during the IAG interview with the learner.

REMEMBER initial assessment is a process that is done with the learner not done to them!

A good IAG session will help to summarise with the learner the recommendations for:

•The learning programme to be followed •Exemptions based on existing qualifications •Additional support arrangements to help them achieve their goals •Results of Essential Skills/learning styles assessment and what these mean

‘BASICALLY GETTING THE RIGHT LEARNER ON THE RIGHT LEARNING PROGRAMME AT THE RIGHT TIME’

How do I complete an effective IAG

interview incorporating IA results and

make recommendations?

You will need to undertake the next e-learning modules in the Learner Journey series:

1.What is IAG and the Matrix Standards

2. Providing Effective Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) during “1st Part Sign

Up”