How Assessment Decisions Are Measured Against the Required Outcomes

Assessing National Vocational Qualifications is about making judgements as to the extent to which the required outcomes set by the awarding body have been demonstrated. I measure the evidence provided by the students against the criteria set in the unit specification.

For a performance-based criterion that requires the student to produce a safe system of work, a work product evidence, the student must upload one of the following pieces of evidence: a risk assessment, method statement, construction phase plan, health and safety file, etc. They must discuss their role in the production of the system of work they have uploaded. I ensure that the minimum work products required by these criteria are met by the students.

For the knowledge criteria that require more than one answer or solution, I ensure the students discuss at least two ways/methods/systems that can be used to achieve the required task.

To ensure that I am making fair, valid, and reliable decisions, I produced and shared with all the students a breakdown file showing the possible pieces of evidence and discussion that can be made against each criterion of the NVQ units.

Also, when providing feedback to the students, I ensure these are clear and well laid out so that the students know what pieces of evidence or discussion are appropriate and sufficient to achieve the units.