Unit 302: Assess occupational competence in the work environment Handout 7: Assessing in the work environment When assessing in your learner’s work environment there are several aspects which must be taken into consideration. For example, where does your learner work, how easy is it to get there, does s/he work shifts, do you need to communicate with his/her supervisor, what will you be assessing and how? Knowing these details in advance will help you prepare and agree a suitable assessment plan with your learner. Assessment planning Before you can agree an assessment plan with your learner, you need to know what you will be assessing, for example, a national qualification or in-house standards. If it is a national qualification there will be a qualification handbook available from the awarding organisation. You should ensure you are familiar with the requirements, assessment strategy and assessment criteria. It could be that your learner is already performing to the requirements expected, therefore you can plan to assess their current achievements on an appropriate date. However, you might have to carry out some training with them beforehand to ensure they are ready to be assessed. You will also need to communicate with your learner and others involved in the assessment process. Your assessment plan should show: who is being assessed what is being assessed ie the standards/criteria where and when ie the place, time and duration of the assessment the types and sufficiency of the evidence required the location and resources required for the assessment any specific learner needs and support required how assessment will take place ie the methods when feedback will be given. Methods of assessment You should ensure you are familiar with the following assessment methods and how they can be used with your learners: observation of performance in the work environment examining products of work questioning the learner discussing with the learner use of others (witness testimony) looking at learner statements recognising prior learning (RPL). You should also be aware of how technology can be used to enhance the assessment process, for example, by using: video or digital evidence of skills/performance; recording of oral evidence, using a paperless portfolio and computer-based/online testing.
Conducting the assessment When assessing your learner in their work environment, you need to be as unobtrusive as possible and not get in their, or anyone else’s way. You should have the assessment criteria to hand along with the assessment plan and feedback record. You should brief your learner beforehand to ensure they are aware of what is being assessed and why. You may see your