Describe and evaluate the initial assessment techniques used to consider learner needs and characteristics and to negotiate appropriate individual goals with learners.
Ensure the identification of literacy, language, numeracy and ICT skills which are integral to my own specialism and how each of these supports learner achievement.
Assessing learner’s initial and ongoing needs are crucial to any form of learning. As Petty (2004, p 497) stated “We used to teach courses. Now we teach students”. Petty (2004, p 496) also stated the following fundamental points, “putting the learner and learning first, believing that learning is not a privilege for the few, but an entitlement for all and striving for equality of opportunity, and for inclusiveness”. Bearing all of the aforementioned points in mind the following initial assessment techniques used to consider learner needs and characteristics could consist of the following methods: Interview – this would generally be carried out by an individual or individuals who are familiar with both course content and learner needs. Discussions – an opportunity to talk informally with learners, to evaluate and discuss expectations, needs and requirements. Tasks and assignments – these could be specifically designed to identify an individual’s learning style, thus allowing a tutor to accommodate these needs during lessons and further group or individual tasks etc. Tests – this assessment method could include a more formal means of testing to evaluate existing skills and knowledge, or a self assessment method could be utilized. Of course, other relevant forms of initial assessment could be used appropriately such as a training needs analysis. All of the aforementioned methods are relevant and could vary depending on the tutor and indeed the learner. Learners could also negotiate, where appropriate, suitable assessment methods taking into consideration their individual strengths and weaknesses. As an example, an initial...