There are a variety of different assessment methods that can be used, weather they are self or peer methods, here is an example:
Question and Answers: depending on the ability level of the group, the tutor has the flexibility to adapt the questions to meet the needs of the learners, for example a higher ability class could have questions and have to write their answers down, whilst a lower ability group could be done verbally so prompt can be used to help and support them. this is a formative assessment method.
Observation: is a good assessment method, especially if the learner doesn't have very good literacy skills. The tutor can actively see the learner demonstrating the skills they have learnt, this is inclusive because the learner doesn't need to be told they are being observed as this can add more pressure. This is a summerative assessment method.
Cloze: are good for any ability level, they are a fun way to assess learners understanding of a subject as they are very inclusive as the answer should be stated at the bottom of the page so the learners can fit them in the correct space. This assessment method can be both summerative and formative depending on how it is used.
Exam: should be used with higher ability goods as they show individual achievement and are a good way to collect data. As they are standardised they tend not suit lower ability groups as their true potential may not come across on the test paper. This is a formative assessment method.
Once the needs of the learners have been assessed and the right techniques have been selected it is vital to choose the correct resources to support and meet the needs of the learners. There is a wide range of resources that can be used but here is a selection that may meet the needs of your learners:
Films: appeal to all learning styles and all abilities of learners, they create a more relaxed environment and can offer real life situations that can't be created in the class room setting. for the lower abilities films have a way of explaining different points of view in an alternative way however for the higher abilities, questions could be set and the learners have to find out the answers from the film, this is also a good assessment method to check the learners have understood what has been shown.
Quiz: this is a fun and interactive resource that can be tailored to different learning styles, for example if the group is of lower ability and learn best visually, then 4 pictures can be put up around the room and the students have to run to the correct answer, this will get the learners interested and interacting. Alternatively higher ability groups can have a read/write quiz where they have to write their answers down and share them with the rest of the group, this is also a good peer learning technique and assessment method.
Power Point Presentation: are a vital resource when delivering information, they can appeal to all learning styles IF they are used in the correct manner, for example expecting the learners to sit for 3 hours and listen and not take part in any other activity the learners wouldn't learn anything because they would become disengaged. however if the power point provides the basis of the teaching other activities and resources can be used along side it, the power point can be left up at all time to remind students, e.g. of their aims of objectives.
Picture Cards: are good resource if the group is of a lower ability, they are visual aid and can support what is being said, for example if you showed a learner a selection of photo's they can select the most relevant 1, this is also a good assessment method. Ask the learner a question and get them to point at the answers (or picture card) to assess their learning. Picture cards can be any size or colour, they can be adapted easily and they are inclusive, for example if someone was from another culture and spoke a different language they can still be included in the sessions if picture cards are used, they wont feel excluded.
Once I have assessed the needs of my learners I can plan what inclusive methods or techniques i am going to use, here is a few examples:
Role Play - this is a fun and interactive way to engage all learners, it can offer learners with a realistic situation and the tutor can actively see how the individuals would deal with the situation. if the group is of a lower ability with technique would be beneficial as there is no reading or writing. how ever some students may find it embarrassing so this activity would be good for learners that know each other.
1-2-1 Support - is vital for a lower ability group, it offers student individual time slots with their tutor to discuss any worries or if they are struggling. the tutor can then offer support in a way that is going to directly benefit that individual, for example if they learn best by being visually shown then the tutor should provide opportunities for the leaner, e.g. by showing them pictures or a video clip. This is inclusive as it can bring all learners up to same level, with out singling people out.
Demonstration - this allows the tutor to show the learners how to do something, this is good for all ability levels as the learners can see what they need to be doing. This is an appropriate technique if the course is practical, for example cake decorating, as the best way for learners to learn is by doing something and they can visually see how to do something and ask questions on it if they are unsure.
Delphi Technique - is an anonymous technique that allows people to share their opinions with out feeling pressure to get the answer right, it is also a good way to gain a group consensus on a subject. It is inclusive as the 'post it' notes should all be the same colour and the tutor can post them on the wall if the students don't feel comfortable with this. For lower ability groups this may not be the most relevant as learners need to have some idea of the subjects they are learning about and if the class if beginners, this may be seen as setting someone up to fail if it isn't done in the right manner.
The first part of the teaching and learning cycle is to identify needs of the learners, this can be done in variety of ways, depending on the individuals.
For example:
- Referral Forms; this can be consulted to find out basic information about the person, however this information can be limited as there is only specific boxes and questions to answer.
- If the referral form isn't sufficient information an interview or informal chat can be arranged, this will help to get to know the individual and they will be able to view if they have any specific needs they need addressing.
- Doing a learning styles quiz is a great way to find out what learning style the person is, this will enable me as the tutor to plan the sessions in a way that will engage all my learners.
- Observation of skills; this way the learner can actively show the tutor their knowledge and skills but also the tutor can assess the needs of the individual and see what specific needs they have, if any.
It is vital that I find out the needs of my learner's, this is so I can:
- Know their ability Level - this is vital because i wouldn't want to pitch a degree level course to a group of learners that were entry level 3, this would be very dis empowering.
- Provide extra support - for example if someone had dyslexia i could arrange a time when they could come to see me so that i could provide them extra support, by it being away from the rest of the group they can feel free to voice their concerns or worries to me.
- See if they have had any previous learning - if they have, the course i am running my not be appropriate for them as they might have to much knowledge and experience to benefit from it.
- Understand their level of motivation - for example if they have volunteered to go on the course they will be more willing and motivated to take part, however if they have been told to come on the course they may be more reluctant to take part in activities and have less motivation.
- Know their learning style - this is vital for the tutors to know so that they can plan their sessions, for example if the group learns best visually, they i should tailor my sessions around this. alternately make sure all learning styles are covered.
