The role of the assessor in the assessment process

Author: Lindsay Smith

The Role of the Assessor in the Assessment process

Lindsay Smith
5 February 2019

Smith, L.J. (2019). The Role of the Assessor in the Assessment process; identifying the key factors which Assessors contribute to the success of the Assessment of Prior Learning practice within the Capable NZ programme. (A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of Master of Professional Practice, Otago Polytechnic.) [PDF 1,761KB]

Abstract

This Stage Three advanced practitioner enquiry set out to answer the questions raised in my stage Two Learning Agreement;

• What is the assessment process expected to achieve and what do the Assessors add to the overall outcome?
• Is the role one of an auditor to ensure standards are met or does the assessment and Assessor have a part to play in the learner’s transformational learning?
• How does an organisation like Otago Polytechnic then use the answers to these questions to identify, recruit and retain effective Assessors?

As I began the project, I expected to confirm my observation, gained from seven years’ experience as an Assessor, that the role’s purpose is placed along a continuum ranging between quality assurance and learner support. And as I carried out the literature review phase of this project, it initially appeared that the process was biased towards the assurance end of the scale. The legislation, policies, procedures and guidance documentation available to an Assessor were almost entirely focused on the measurement of achievement against standards.

Key words: Assessment; Assessor; Prior Learning.

Licence

This thesis is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Share-Alike licence CC BY-SA 4.0 International.