Module 2

Planning Competency Assessment

Types of Competency Based Assessment Institutional Competency Assessment National Competency Assessment

Institutional Competency Assessment (ICA) Administered by the trainer at the end of each Learning Outcome /Module. Provides feedback on progress of training. Result of assessment serve as basis for the movement of the trainee to the next unit of competency. Result of the assessment serve as basis for their assignment of grade for a particular unit of competency. Suggested method of assessment: written, oral questioning.

National Competency Assessment (NCA) Administered by an accredited assessor to determine competency in a specific unit or the full qualification. Administered to graduates of TVET, walk- in clients A COC or a National Certificate is issued to the successful applicant. Adopts a variety of methods within the parameters of the competency standard.

Learning Outcomes: 1. 2. 3. 4. Establish evidence requirements Establish suitable evidence gathering method Prepare evidence gathering tools Plan evidence gathering opportunities

LO 1: Establish evidence requirements

Objective To establish evidence requirements which are relevant to the competency required.

Content: 1. Familiarization of Competency Standard 2. Establishing Evidence Requirements

Familiarization of Competency Standard

Parts of a Competency Standard

Unit of Competency Describe a work activity guide the assessor in determining whether the learner / candidate is competent.

Unit Descriptor It outlines what is to be done in the workplace. It expands information in the unit of competency. It clarifies the scope and intent of the unit. It helps to differentiate units with similar titles. Elements Are the building blocks of a unit of competency. These describe in outcome terms the functions that a person who works in a particular area of work is able to perform [start with a verb] These also describe actions or outcomes that are demonstrable and assessable and which the candidate must achieve. Performance Criteria Specifies what is to be assessed and the required level of performance Precise as possible so that standards are assessable Covers all components of competency Focus on evidence to prove competency Contains an outcome and a level of performance Range of Variables Describe the circumstances or context in which the work is to be performed. Range of Variables Defines the boundaries within which the unit of competency applies Range of situations that should be the focus of assessment Relates to the unit of competency as a whole Allows for insertion of specific knowledge and enterprise requirements

 Adjusts Range of Variables to update standards Avoids standard / repetitive phrases Evidence Guide The Evidence Guide is mandatory The purpose of the Evidence Guide is to guide the assessor in the collection of evidence. Evidence Guide must relate directly to: the Elements and Performance Criteria Range of Variables Parts of the Evidence Guide There are six sections: Critical aspects of competency Underpinning knowledge Underpinning skills Critical aspect of competency Describe the assessment requirements in unit of competency Underpinning Knowledge Competency involves applying knowledge to perform work activities. Underpinning knowledge includes: Specific knowledge that is essential to the performance of the competency such as trade theory, safety practices, blue print reading and plan specifications evidence of knowledge of legislation, regulations and Codes of Practice knowledge beyond the immediate scope of the unit Underpinning Skills This provides the assessor with a list of the skills needed to achieve the elements and performance criteria in the unit of competency. Underpinning skills include both: Generic skills communication, listening Industry specific skills - use of relevant equipment/instruments Resource implications Method of assessment Context of assessment

Resource Implications This section identifies the resources needed for the successful performance of the work activity described in the unit of competency. This would usually include: Work environment and conditions Tools Equipment Material

Context of Assessment In most cases, assessment may be conducted at work or in a simulated workplace environment. There may be instances where it is impractical to carry out the assessment in the workplace. Developers should provide guidance on appropriate simulation techniques. The achievement of valid assessment in a simulated environment may require additional factors to be included in the assessment process.

TR TM1&AM.doc Establishing Evidence Requirements What is competency? Competency involves applying knowledge, skills and attitudes to perform work activities to the standard expected in the workplace. Key features of competency being able to do the job (task skill) knowing how and why things are done(task management skill) knowing what to do if things go wrong (contingency management skill) having the right approach to do a job properly and safely. (Job role environment)

Dimensions of competency

Task Skills This requires performance of the task[s] to the required standard as described in the unit of competency and expected in the workplace. Assessor needs to collect evidence that the candidates can do the individual actions as well as the whole task. Ex. Cut pipes

Which statement is a task skill? A Tools and equipment are cleaned and stored in accordance with workplace requirements. B Emergency shutdown procedures are carried out in accordance with manufacturers instructions and site procedures. C Occupational health and safety procedures are implemented in line with legislative requirements. Task Management Skills Captures the skills used as people plan and integrate a number of potentially different tasks to achieve a complete work outcome.

 Candidates should provide evidence that they can work efficiently to meet deadlines, handle a sequence of interrelated tasks and progress smoothly between tasks. Ex. Cut and thread pipe.

Which statement is a task management skill? A Sources of contamination and cross contamination are identified using enterprise guidelines. Test results are recorded in line with laboratory operating procedures Following presentation, feedback on product design is obtained from the appropriate personnel. Any modifications are identified and incorporated into the final design.

B C

Contingency Management Skills The requirement to respond to irregularities and breakdowns in routines. Candidates should show evidence of dealing with contingencies. For example: breakdowns irregularities imperfections the unknown

Ex. Respond to any unexpected situation...

Which statement is a contingency management skill? A. Staff are trained in emergency management procedures in line with enterprise and legislative requirements. Relevant safety systems information is accessed, analyzed and used in responding to an identified hazard. Tools and equipment are selected in accordance with job requirements.

B.

C.

Job/Role Environment Skills The requirement to deal with the responsibilities and expectations of the work environment. The capacity to work with others and adapt to different situations is central to successful performance Does the candidate comply with workplace procedures and standard methods in performing the task? Does the candidate communicate effectively? Does the candidate observe enterprise and regulatory requirements?

Which statement is a job / role environment skills? A Results of evaluation are used to guide further training, where required. B Notification of shift availability, or non attendance for shift, is given without undue delay and according to store policies and procedures. C Pyrotechnics are executed on cue. What is evidence? Evidence is information that is gathered and matched against a unit of competency to provide proof of competency.

Different forms of evidence

Rules of evidence

Valid Is the evidence: Current Does the evidence: reflect the candidates current knowledge and/or skills in the relevant aspect of work? establish that the candidate can meet the elements and performance criteria specified in the current version of the relevant standards? related to the current version of the standards? relevant to the elements and performance criteria in the standard? consistent with the Range of Variables and the Evidence Guide?

Sufficient Does the evidence: cover all the elements? meet all the evidence requirements? illustrate that the candidate can meet the four dimensions of competency task skills,

task management skills, contingency management skills, and job/role environment skills?

Authentic Is the evidence presented the candidate's own work? What procedures are in place to ensure the authenticity of the evidence: Consistent Does the evidence: show that the candidate consistently meets the standards under workplace conditions rather than showing a one - off demonstration of the standards? incorporate multiple items of evidence? What type of evidence is Work record? Record of workplace training? Observation of work performance? Written test of current knowledge? Third party report? Previous qualification? Confirmation of relevant unpaid or volunteer experience? Example of a work product? observation of work in progress declarations drafting third party validation?

Ways of gathering evidence Multiple observations by the assessor of the candidate carrying out work activities Assessment of technical qualities of finished product

 Written test knowledge

of

underpinning

Review of previous work performed. References from previous employer.

Oral questioning of candidate Demonstration of specific needed to complete the task skills

Evidence may be collected by . Assessors Practical demonstration observation of real or simulated work by assessor or agreed third party Third party reports confirmation from supervisor of consistent performance Questions / interviews / tests confirmation of underpinning knowledge review of portfolio of evidence capacity to deal with contingencies clarification of ethics, values and attitudes but often needs to be collected by ... Candidates Personal statement Resume Workplace documents Training records Case study Work project Journal or diary entries

Testimonials Awards

Influences on selection of evidence Nature of the competency being assessed Characteristics of the candidates Context of the assessment Skills and expertise of the assessor Cost Resources

Influences on selection of evidence Nature of the competency being assessed Characteristics of the candidates Context of the assessment Skills and expertise of the assessor Cost Resources Strategic consideration of evidence Efficient assessment processes involve a strategic approach to the collection, consideration and judgment of evidence A strategic approach involves: focusing on evidence that gives an immediate indication of competence using other evidence to address less critical areas, fill gaps or confirm judgments

Being Strategic