There are various different assessment approaches each with their own strengths and limitations. Teachers can utilize assessment methods to determine the competence of learners and tailor them to meet individual needs.
Exams provide a good way of testing someone's knowledge of an individual subject. They can be objective and marked to a set criteria. They are also an effective way of testing large groups of learners to a set criteria.
The downside to an exam is that some learners can suffer with ‘exam phobia’ which creates high levels of anxiety and limits their ability to perform well.
Coursework is the exact opposite to an exam where learners can study and demonstrate knowledge on a subject from the comfort of their own home. Students have time to bring in their own research and can use a variety of different resources.
Sadly learners can often miss the deadlines set by their tutor and plagiarism can also be high and hard to manage.
Presentations are a good way of bringing a group together with the potential to share ideas. They promote functional skills through the use of listening and talking through the presentation itself.
Drawbacks include the time it takes for all groups to deliver a presentation within a set class time.
Puzzles and Quizzes are a fun way of assessing if a learner has grasped a subject area.They provide a good backup if all activities have been finished.
The only downside is that mature learners may find this method of assessment trivial, despite the fact that it may help them meet their own criteria.
Observations are a natural way of assessing if a learner is performing to a criteria. The assessor can watch a learner perform a set skills in their work environment, with the potential to provide feedback and re-observe if necessary.
Creating a relaxed environment is important as the learner needs to perform as if they are not being tested. Ultimately the assessor will have to be careful to not be objective when making their decisions.
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