This course is continuously assessed. There is a focus on formative assessment using end-of-session tasks, self-assessment exercises, discussion board postings, reflections on progress and an ongoing subject knowledge audit. These will contribute to a portfolio of evidence that trainees will build up throughout the course. There is a checkpoint after each module to ensure that the required academic standards are being met.
Each on-demand session culminates in an end-of-session task. These involve building on the knowledge and understanding developed in the session and could involve researching the answer to a question, testing a hypothesis or applying the trainees’ understanding to solve a series of problems. The purpose of these tasks is not just to check factual knowledge but also to test trainees’ ability to apply knowledge and concepts by using open-ended questions and extended writing tasks to allow an opportunity to show their depth of understanding.
These tasks are designed to be self-assessed to help promote the trainees’ ability to reflect on their own progress and gain confidence as independent learners. There is, however, scope for additional tutor support if necessary.
Self-assessment is made against exemplar answers that indicate the key characteristics of work at different standards. The purpose of using this mechanism for assessment is to facilitate target setting and give the trainees some specific feedback on the required level of understanding of a particular topic. Trainees also keep a weekly learning diary to reflect on the content of the sessions and their progress and also to set themselves learning targets. Encouraging trainees to make a reflective comment on their progress will also help develop metacognitive skills.
Formal assessment has a focus on the development of a portfolio of assessed tasks within each trainee’s specialist subject area. These tasks will include the reflections on the formative assessments outlined above in addition to more formal assessments.
