What is assessment?
Assessment is about gathering enough reliable evidence about a learner's skill and knowledge through the most practical ways possible. The most common ways of being assessed are:
- questions and scenarios to assess a learner's knowledge and understanding
- third-party validation, where someone familiar with the learners work role and work output can validate their knowledge and skills
- observation of 'simulated/role play' workplace activities
- using case studies and scenarios based on 'real' workplace functions/activities with third party validation, where someone familiar with the learner’s work role and work output can validate their knowledge and skills
- questions based on the essential knowledge contained within units of competency
- scenarios based on essential skills contained within units of competency
- using documents created through the learning process as evidence
- using group work/discussions to develop essential knowledge
- classroom projects aligned to work place functions and assessing the outcomes/products/processes used.
What is competency?
Competency is the ability to perform particular tasks and duties to the standard of performance expected in the workplace. It means relevantly applying specified skills, knowledge and attitudes to effectively participate in an industry, industry sector or enterprise. Competency covers all aspects of workplace performance and involves:
- performing individual tasks
- managing a range of different tasks
- responding to contingencies or breakdowns
- dealing with the responsibilities of the workplace, including working with others.
Workplace competency requires the ability to apply relevant skills, knowledge and attitudes consistently in the required workplace situations and environments.
Assessment of recognised training under the Australian Skills Quality Authority framework
Student assessment will be competency-based, and require them to show they can demonstrate required competencies in the workplace. Assessment may be in various forms including:
- written exam
- practical exam
- take home work
- case studies
- work-based projects.
To achieve an award (statement of attainment or qualification)
Students must fulfil the requirements of the endorsed training package or accredited course (i.e. they must complete all competency standards and/or modules specified). Students are expected to satisfactorily progress in their studies. If they can’t maintain acceptable progress, it is incumbent on the student to discuss the situation with the Course Coordinator.
If a student has been assessed at the completion of training as not yet competent, Mater Education may refuse further assessment if it feels there’s little chance of the student becoming competent.
However, if the course coordinator believes the student has made a genuine effort to become competent and may benefit from further training and/or assessment, Mater Education may provide further training and/or assessment.
This will be at the discretion of the course coordinator, and additional fees will apply. (Fair and reasonable fees will be negotiated with the student, depending on the assistance they need to become competent.)
The student may appeal the decision to refuse further training and/or assessment in writing.
Award to be given to participants
Awards for courses based on nationally accredited courses or endorsed training packages will carry the Nationally Recognised Training logo.
Should a student leave the course before completion, they will receive a Statement of Attainment for any modules or units completed.
Requests for a replacement certificate or statement of attainment must be made in writing on the required form and must include appropriate identification. The student may be contacted to verify their written request.
A fee of $25 will apply for any replacement qualification, statement of attainment or record of results. A further fee of $15 will apply for any urgent requests for a certificate or statement of attainment unless special circumstances can be demonstrated.