Evidence Gathering Tools

Evidence Gathering Tools

Observation checklist

An observation checklist is useful when observing performance in both real-work situations or in simulated environments where candidates are able to demonstrate skills, application of workplace procedures, including OHS.

An observation checklist enables the assessor to observe in a focused way, to take structured notes that can be referred to  when  making the assessment decision, to provide informed feedback to candidates, and to enhance the objectivity of the assessment decision.

Observation is not appropriate for …

• activities that occur irregularly, take place over an extended period of time or are difficult to observe
• activities that require privacy and confidentiality
• situations where it may be culturally inappropriate to observe the activity
• situations where workplace safety may be compromised.

Questioning

Asking questions is a widely used teaching, learning and  assessment technique. Tools that you might develop to support this methodology include:

• oral questioning
• written questions
• interviews
• questionnaires

Oral questioning is a common assessment technique,  which  is  used in a number of situations. It does not involve a large investment of time, and responses lo oral questions provide useful evidence of:

• a candidate’s technical knowledge
• their understanding of workplace procedures, legislation and safety requirements.

Questioning allows you to probe to obtain clarification,  confirmation or supplementation when needed. For example, responses  to “what would you do if…” questions are effective ways of determining whether a candidate is able lo deal effectively with contingencies (an important dimension of competency) and to anticipate and pre-empt problems that may arise out of the work process.

Oral questioning may also be a reasonable way to accommodate a candidate’s need for consideration of their language and literacy skill levels. Remember that the assessment should not  demand  higher literacy, language or communication skills than those required for the job itself.

Questioning is appropriate for .,.

• Times when observation cannot be used

• Verifying observations
• Underpinning knowledge
• Dimensions of competency

Third party Report

Third party evidence is evidence gathered from workplace supervisors, peers and others to support an assessment decision. An assessor cannot always observe a candidate over a period of time and some competencies are difficult to assess by observation alone. Therefore gathering third party evidence can be an essential part of the assessment process.

Portfolio

A portfolio is a collection of materials prepared by a candidate to demonstrate his knowledge, skills and understanding. It has often been used as a tool for candidates seeking RPL. New streamlined approaches   to RPL encourage assessment methods that reduce the previous reliance on paper-based evidence and provide opportunity for candidates to  gather evidence of their competency in a range of ways that better match the requirements of the unit/units.

Increasingly, methods that are being used to gather evidence for RPL mirror assessment methods that are used in a training program. These include self-assessment, interview processes and/or direct observation either on the job in the workplace, or in a simulated environment.

If you elect to use portfolios, as part of the evidence on which you base your assessment judgement, your guidelines for candidates need to leave no doubt as to the intended purpose and expected composition of the portfolio.” Portfolios can be time-consuming to compile and to assess, so if you elect to use this methodology, you need to exercise care in developing precise guidelines.