Enhancing Learning Through Workplace Tasks: A Formative Assessment Approach
This article explores the innovative use of Workplace Tasks (WPT) to facilitate formative assessment in work-based learning. It outlines the importance of linking theory to practice, enabling students from diverse workplaces to demonstrate their competency through real-world tasks. By establishing a learning contract with identified outcomes, employers and students collaborate to align assessments with sector skill requirements and job descriptions. While challenges such as recognition by team hierarchy and the need for effective facilitation exist, WPT can significantly enhance workplace assessment and competency in health and social care roles.
Enhancing Learning Through Workplace Tasks: A Formative Assessment Approach
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Presentation Transcript
Formative Assessment and Work-based Learning Claire Thurgate Programme Director – Foundation Degrees Work-related learning co-ordinator
The use of Workplace Tasks (WPT) to demonstrate learning • Required an assessment which would enable students from a range of workplaces to demonstrate the linking of theory and practice. • Employers and students identify learning. • Learning outcomes identified in a learning contract. Marked against sector skill requirements and job description.
The use of Workplace Tasks (WPT) to demonstrate learning • Learning contract states the role of formative assessment whilst competency is achieved. • WPT contribute to the formation of the final module assessment.
Benefits • Employees demonstrate workplace competency. • Assessment is focused to the workplace. • Linked to job description and Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF).
Challenges faced • Need to be identified and valued by team hierarchy. • Student needs to see benefit. • Parity. • Facilitator v assessor. • HE colleagues. • Preparation of facilitators. • Assessing in the workplace – NMC. • Sharing WPT
Overcoming the challenges • Facilitators and managers need clear, timely and ongoing information. • Employees need to practise these skills within the workplace. • Moderation panels or academic lead can have an overview to promote parity. • A workplace facilitator responsible for assessment in the workplace.
In summary • WBL and employer engagement are integral to the development of new roles within health and social care. The challenge is supporting assessment within the workplace. WPT have a role in both formative and summative assessment which meets the needs of the workplace and the HEI.
