Diagnostic Assessment : Diagnostic Assessment, Assessment And Assessment Levels

2.2 The strengths and limitations of a range of assessment methods in relation to the individual learner needs:

An initial or diagnostic assessment establishes the starting point and ascertains the student’s previous skills and knowledge. This enables the student to see how much he/she achieves during the course, it also fosters a more reflective approach to learning and enables the teacher to effectively plan the individual student’s needs. The teacher can then review the students’ progress and achievements, which improves the quality of teaching

Assessment is carried out through formative (checks throughout the course), ipsative (to test against previous marks), and/ or summative (at end of course) activities to help the learner see their development whilst allowing the Assessor to give valuable feedback when appropriate. It’s purpose is to measure the learners understanding of the subject against the anticipated outcomes set by the criteria.

Assessment is used so that I can check that learning has taken place and to what extent. I use assessment at all stages of the learning process in line with organizational requirements; firstly by conducting an initial assessment with the learner. This shows me the level at which the work to be completed needs to be set and gives the learner a starting point. A diagnostic assessment is completed by the

To deliver a useful, appropriate teaching session, the needs of the students must first be identified and understood. Whilst I deliver both accredited courses, with a set of specifications which must be met and achieved, and non-accredited courses, with less specific criteria and instead one overall aim or outcome, I need to plan and structure sessions differently depending on different students, in terms of content, pace and resources. This makes an initial assessment a vital part of any course.

Initial assessment is the starting point of a learning journey. The information gathered provides a base on which to plan your learner’s progress. Initial assessment is very important so you find out the learners individual needs in order for you to support them appropriately.

Assessment provides information to support the planning of effective learning experiences. By assessing my students I will understand better what they know and can do, so I can further extend their learning where they are already accomplished or I can support the areas which need work. Assessment is also useful as a diagnostic tool (McConney 2015 pp1) when it comes to learning problems and also giftedness in students, so that they can then be better provided for.

Initial and diagnostic assessment can often assist the teacher in deciding on the most appropriate teaching method to use in order to meet the needs of the individual learner. An initial assessment could indicate that a learner requires additional support for a number of reasons.

There is a large variety of assessment methods available for assessing learners’ achievements. These include observation; questioning the learner; examining product evidence; discussion; witness testimony; looking at learner statements; recognising prior learning; simulated environment; skills tests; oral and written examinations; assignments; case studies and projects. Choosing the most appropriate assessment methods is vitally important, to help and support the learner and to ensure the job of the assessor is as straightforward, reliable and problem-free as possible.

The purpose of an initial assessment is to firstly, make sure that a learner can enter the programme of study at a level that is appropriate to them. Secondly, these assessments also allow the learner to be able to plan their individual achievable learning goals. These initial assessments will become the framework of learners ILP’s (individual Learning Plans). They will also ensure that the learner provider and tutor can identify the gaps in learning sooner

According to The Excellence Gateway (accessed 12/7/14) “initial assessment and diagnostic assessment is needed for each learner in order to find a starting point, or baseline for learning. It makes possible development of the learning plan”. Initial assessment and diagnostic tools can serve two purposes, firstly to assess potential students’ academic ability in relation to national standards. This will then dictate support required for targets and progression. Secondly initial and diagnostic assessments can be used for higher level qualifications where there are pre-requisites to ensure that the standard is up to the required level for that

The function of assessment in learning and development is to provide a measurable way of planning and supporting students’ progress. Assessment is carried out by means of checks and tests carried out throughout the course. Assessors should provide feedback throughout ensuring that learning is occurring and the learner is at the correct level. It is also important that assessor’s decisions are also consistently reviewed and internally and externally verified.

Assessment is a valuable tool to measure students learning and achievement. It is an essential element for teacher to reflect on what and how they teach. To assess students is to collect evidence of their learning. Teachers use the information to modify their lesson plans and adjust their instructional methods; students need feedback on their performance to concentrate on their vulnerable areas. Assessment is necessary for parents to reinforce their children strength and assist them where extra attention is required. The data collected will inform school

Diagnostic assessment is seen to be an essential tool for teachers. This form of assessment can be used to identify the strengths of the learner and the areas for improvement for a learner in a particular subject/topic. Diagnostic assessment involves the collection and thoughtful evaluation of data through using the student’s knowledge and understanding in a particular area. The data that is collected is then used to provide help and support for teachers to plan effectively and scaffold the needs of the learner. Diagnostic assessment is also used for learning where teachers take appropriate action in improving learning outcomes for all of their students. It is recommended that specialist leaders of literacy or numeracy conduct diagnostic assessment.

Assessment is the systematic collection, review, and use of information about educational programs undertaken for the purpose of improving student learning and development (Palomba & Banta, 1999). Assessment is frequently divided into summative assessment and formative assessment. The distinction between formative and summative is made mainly in terms of purpose and timing, in formative assessment the positive achievements of a pupil may be recognised and discussed and the appropriate next steps may be planned, whereas summative assessment is the recording of the overall achievement of a pupil in a systematic way (DES/WO, 1988, para. 23).