Learn about the types and methods of assessment in this free online training course on education and assessment skills.

Assessment is evaluating learners' performance, skills or knowledge to pre-determined standards. Do you know the difference between formative and summative assessments? We begin by exploring the purposes of the various types of assessments with their strength and limitations. We will illustrate some examples of formal and informal assessments with characteristics of assessment methods. We outline ways of implementing differentiation in the classroom and other teaching styles to meet the needs of learners, like a student-centred approach and visual-auditory kinaesthetic.

We then look at the methods of involving learners in the assessment process, such as assessment for learning (AFL), initial assessment and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). We compare self-assessment with peer assessment highlighting their advantages and disadvantages. We explore how to engage other professionals in the evaluation and provide you with standardised procedures like VARCS (Validate, Authentic, Reliable, Current and Sufficient) to ensure consistency and fairness. Learn to monitor and maintain quality through an Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) process.

Finally, we go through the available sources of information to support the assessment process with some examples of types of information. Familiarise yourself with the main features of constructive feedback and how to provide effective feedback. We indicate the benefits of giving learners constructive criticism and delve into keeping assessment records. We discuss the reasons for record-keeping and principles of data protection. This course is suitable for people in the education sector to gain relevant skills for carrying out assessments. Sign up today!