CAF Unit Assessment Definitions For use with apt awards Access to HE Common Access Framework units Assessment Definitions may be found on the reverse of all CAF units. The Optional choice should be applied to as many Assessment Methods as are appropriate for each unit to offer maximum flexibility. The Prescribed choice should be selected if indicated. The same Assessment Methods should be used for both units when mapping 2 to 3. 1. Case Studies 2. Oral Question and Answer 3. Written Question and Answer/Test/Exam 4. Essay 5. Report 6. Project 7. Production of an Artefact 8. Role Play/Simulation 9. Written Description 10. Practical Demonstration 11. Group Discussion 12. Performance/Exhibition 13. Reflective Log/Diary 14. Practice File
Assessment Activity 1. Case Studies Consideration of a particular, relevant situation or example, selected by the tutor or by students, which enables students to apply knowledge to specific situations. May be used as a collective/ group activity and discussed in a group or by an individual student; or may be used with individual students as a written activity through case study materials and student responses. Activity Learning may be assessed by Evidence could include Case studies allow the application of knowledge in a number of areas and contexts. Discussion should be directed but allow a degree of autonomy. Written work should be directed but allow a degree of autonomy. Case studies allow the application of knowledge in a range of complex areas, in a variety of familiar and unfamiliar contexts. Discussion should be guided but self-directed. Written work should allow autonomy, evaluation and reasoned judgements to be made. Tutor observation or assessment of written work, peer assessment, self assessment, one to one or group tutorial discussion Through peer assessment, self assessment, tutor observation, or assessment of written work. Tutor record of observation, student notes, peer checklist, summary of discussion, tutorial notes, audio/ video/ photographic record, or written work. Tutor record, Student record, peer checklist, summary of discussion, audio/ video/ photographic record, or written work. 2. Oral Question and Answer Specific, open or closed questions for immediate response, ranging from formal questions, for example, an oral test, to a quick, fun quiz. Allows response and questioning from students and immediate feedback from tutor. Activity Learning may be assessed by Evidence could include Open and closed questions should be included, covering a By tutor, with a degree of self- Tutor records, student log or notes, number of topics. Students should be encouraged to assessment by student. audio/ video record. expand on their answers Questions should cover a wide range of knowledge and contexts. They should allow responses to unfamiliar and unpredictable problems. The process may be time limited and formal, or may be a structured two-way discussion. By tutor, with a degree of selfassessment and evaluation of own learning. Tutor records, Student log or audio/ video record. 2 Page 2 of 8
3. Written Question and Answer/ Test / Exam Specific, open and closed questions for immediate response. Can range from formal exams and tests, to a quick, fun quiz. Allows response and questioning from students and feedback from tutor. Activity Learning may be assessed by Evidence could include Include open and closed questions, covering a number of areas. By tutor, or external marker (for tests/ Written questions, student Encourage students to make use of/ interpret knowledge rather exams). Through responses by responses tutor feedback. than just testing recall. May be time limited. Questions should cover a wide range of knowledge and contexts. They should allow responses to unfamiliar and unpredictable problems. The process may be time limited and formal, or may be a structured two-way discussion. individual students, on-line assessment By tutor, or external marker (for tests/ exams) Written responses. 4. Essay A discursive written response to a question or statement which involves the Student in finding an presenting information and opinion in a structured way, which normally includes an introduction, the information / opinions / evaluation / analysis and a conclusion. Activity Learning may be assessed by Evidence could include The essay subject should be familiar and the response demonstrate the ability to interpret information, make comparisons, apply knowledge, and demonstrate comprehension in a number of different areas. Students should be given information on the expected structure of the essay and criteria for By tutor against clear criteria. The essay and tutor feedback. achievement. The essay subject should allow the Student to access and evaluate information independently; to analyse information, make reasoned judgements and demonstrate comprehension of relevant theories. Students should be given information on possible structures for an essay and on the criteria for achievement. By tutor against clear criteria. The essay and tutor feedback. 3 Page 3 of 8
5. Report A record of an activity and/ or a summary of research which presents information in a structured way. Does not include opinion, but may include analysis or evaluation. May be presented in written or oral form. Activity Learning may be assessed by Evidence could include Report could be presented orally or in written format. Oral presentation should be to a familiar audience. Information should be from a range of sources and activities; from familiar or unfamiliar but predicable contexts. Students should be clear on possible structures for the report and the criteria for achievement and given guidance on planning and presentation. Report could be presented orally or in written format. Oral presentation should be formal and include a range of methods. Information should be from a wide range of sources and be evaluated. Activities should be well defined but could be unfamiliar or unpredictable. Students should be clear on the criteria for achievement but would be expected to decide on the format and structure of the report. Tutor for written report By tutor and /or peers for oral presentation. By tutor and /or peers for oral presentation. Written report with tutor feedback or student plan for oral presentation with peer and/ or tutor feedback. Written report with tutor feedback or Student plan for oral presentation with peer and/ or tutor feedback. 6. Project A specific task involving private study and research for individuals or groups. Normally involves selection of a topic; planning, finding information and presenting results orally or in writing. Activity Learning may be assessed by Evidence could include Task should be selected with tutor guidance to allow the demonstration of knowledge and understanding in a range of contexts, and the interpretation of information. The project should be completed within and agreed timescale. Task should be selected with tutor guidance to allow the demonstration of knowledge and skills in a range of areas and contexts, and to show the use of reasoned judgements. The project should be planned and completed within and agreed timescale. Tutor/ student or peer discussion during and at the end of process, and through selfassessment. Tutor/ student or peer discussion during and at the end of process, and through selfassessment Tutor record, peer records, student notes, plans, reports, student log, or audio/ video / photographic record. Tutor record, peer records, student notes, plans, reports, student log, or audio/ video / photographic record. 4 Page 4 of 8
7. Production of artefact Production of a relevant artefact selected by the tutor or by students, which enables students to demonstrate and to apply knowledge. Activity Learning may be assessed by Evidence could include Artefact should be selected with tutor guidance to allow the demonstration of skills and the application of knowledge in a range of areas and contexts. A degree of Student autonomy should be encouraged within the scope of the demonstration. The artefact should be completed within an agreed timescale. Artefact should be selected with tutor guidance to allow the demonstration of skills and the application of knowledge in a range of areas and contexts. Production of the artefact should be guided but self-directed. Production of the artefact should be planned and completed within and agreed timescale. Through tutor/ peer observation, one to one tutorial, discussion, self- assessment and questioning during and at end of process. Through tutor/ peer observation, one to one tutorial, discussion, self- assessment and questioning during and at end of process. Tutor record of observation, student notes, Tutor lesson plan, tutorial notes, reports, Student log, audio/ video / photographic record and completed artefact. Tutor record, Student notes, plans, reports, Student log, audio/ video / photographic record and completed artefact. 8. Role Play / Simulation Use of a situation selected by the tutor or by students, to enable students to practice and apply skills and to explore attitudes. Activity Learning may be assessed by Evidence could include Role-plays should allow the application of skills in Through tutor / peer observation, Tutor record of observation, student notes, several areas and contexts. Role-plays should be one to one tutorial, discussion and tutor lesson plan, tutorial notes, audio /video / directed, but allow for a degree of Student autonomy. Role-plays should allow the application of skills in a range of complex areas and in a variety of familiar and unfamiliar contexts. self-assessment. Through tutor / peer observation, one to one tutorial, discussion and self-assessment. photographic record or student log. Tutor record of observation, Student notes, tutor lesson plan, tutorial notes, audio /video / photographic record or Student log. 5 Page 5 of 8
9. Written Description Consideration of a particular subject, situation or example selected by the tutor or by students, which enables students to apply knowledge to specific situations and to present them in written format. Activity Learning may be assessed by Evidence could include Subjects should allow the application of knowledge in a Tutor, one to one tutorial, self- Tutor record of observation, student notes, number of areas and contexts. Written work should be assessment and discussion. summary of discussion and feedback or directed but allow for a degree of autonomy. Subjects should allow the application of knowledge in a range of complex area, in a variety of familiar and unfamiliar contexts. Through self-assessment and tutor assessment. completed work, charts, plans. Tutor record, Student record, summary of discussion and feedback or completed work. 10. Practical Demonstration A practical demonstration of a skill/situation selected by the tutor or by students, to enable students to practice and apply skills and knowledge. Activity Learning may be assessed by Evidence could include Practical demonstrations allow the application of skills and knowledge in several areas and contexts. A degree of student autonomy should be encouraged within the scope of the demonstration Practical demonstrations should allow for the application of skills and knowledge in a range of complex areas and in a variety of familiar and unfamiliar contexts. Assessment through tutor / peer observation, one to one tutorial, discussion and self assessment. Assessment through tutor / peer observation, one to one tutorial, discussion and self assessment. Evidence could include tutor record of observation, student notes, tutor lesson plan, tutorial notes, audio / video / photographic record and student log. Evidence could include tutor record of observation, student notes, tutor lesson plan, tutorial notes, audio / video / photographic record and student log 6 Page 6 of 8
11. Group Discussion Discussion of a topic or situation selected by the tutor or by students, to enable students to share knowledge and thoughts and to assess their learning. Activity Learning may be assessed by Evidence could include Discussions should allow for consideration of several topics covering a number of contexts. The discussion should be directed, but allow for a degree of student autonomy. Discussion should allow for consideration of a range of complex topics and in a variety of familiar and unfamiliar contexts. Assessment through tutor, peer observation, one to one tutorial, discussion and self assessment. Assessment through tutor, peer observation, one to one tutorial discussion and self assessment. Tutor record observation, student notes, tutor lesson plan, tutorial notes, audio / video record and student log. Tutor record observation, student notes, tutor lesson plan, tutorial notes, audio / video record and student log. 12. Performance / Exhibition A performance or exhibition or music or drama with an audience, or a rehearsal or Student demonstration for individuals or groups. Activity Learning may be assessed by Evidence could include The performance / exhibition should be chosen with tutor guidance to allow the demonstration of knowledge and understanding in a range of areas. Provide the opportunity for interpretation of the chosen piece. The performance / exhibition should be chosen with the tutor to allow for the application of knowledge in a range of complex areas, in a variety of contexts. Performance should be guided but self-directed. Assessment through peer assessment, self assessment and / or tutor observation Assessment through peer assessment, selfassessment and / or tutor observation Tutor record, notes, plans, audio / video / photographic record of performance / exhibition, peer records, student log and summary of feedback. Tutor record, notes, plans, audio / video / photographic record of performance / exhibition, peer records, student log and summary of feedback. 7 Page 7 of 8
13. Reflective log or diary A description, normally in writing but may be oral, by the student reflecting on how and what they have learned. Completed at regular intervals during the learning process, allowing discussion on individual progress and how further learning could be supported. The student log/diary may be confidential and therefore not available for moderation Activity Learning may be assessed by Evidence could include Assessment by student supported by tutor through tutorials. The reflection process should be written in a structured format that allows some autonomy in recording. Students should record regularly what they have learned and make judgements on the learning in terms of usefulness, interest, how it has extended their knowledge / skills, what else they need to learn. The reflection process should be written and students given guidance on appropriate methods. Students should record regularly what they have learned and make judgements on how effective the learning process has been in terms of usefulness, interest, extension of knowledge / skills, their learning style and what else they need to learn. Assessment by student, discussed with the tutor. Evidence could include; log / diary, tutorial notes and tutor record. Evidence could include; log / diary and tutor notes. 14. Practice File A structured collection of documents from real situations such as work or voluntary activity, which evidence the application of knowledge and / or skills. The documents should be mapped to specific learning outcome/s in a unit of assessment. May need a short explanation of how the particular document evidences achievement of a specific learning outcome. Activity Learning may be assessed by Evidence could include Discussion with the tutor. Evidence should be chosen from a number of contexts to demonstrate application of a range of skills and /or knowledge. Students should receive guidance on the type of document which could be appropriate, how to ensure documents evidence specific learning outcomes and on how the file should be presented. Evidence should be chosen to demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills in a range of complex activities. Students should select appropriate and relevant evidence with minimal guidance, and present it in a structured format with sufficient information to demonstrate achievement. Assessment through discussion with the tutor. Structured file with tutor feedback. For example, minutes, reports, brochures, plans, witness statements, letters or emails Evidence could include; structured file with tutor feedback. 8 Page 8 of 8