What are Assessment tools?

Oddly enough, the Australian VET sector has no consistent definition of assessment tools, although all following statements are fairly similar.

• At one stage, assessment tools were differentiated from assessment instruments.
• Some are descriptions rather than definitions
• Some are "may include" statements.

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BSBLED702A Lead learning strategy implementation

Assessment tools may include:

• instruments for recording summative assessment outcomes against the requirements of a unit of competency
• procedures, information and instructions for the assessor or candidate on use of assessment instruments and assessment conditions
• tools for use in assessments such as:
• evidence or observation checklists
• templates, proformas
• profile of acceptable performance measures
• specific questions or activities
• checklists for the evaluation of work samples
• candidate self-assessment materials

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TAEASS301B Contribute to assessment

Assessment instruments may include:

• instruments developed by an assessor as part of formative or summative assessment activities, including:
• profiles of acceptable performance measures
• templates and proformas
• specific questions or activities
• evidence and observation checklists
• checklists for the evaluation of work samples
• recognition portfolios
• candidate self-assessment materials
• instruments developed elsewhere that have been modified by the assessor for use with a particular client group.

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TAEASS301B Contribute to assessment

Assessment tools include:

• the learning or competency unit(s) to be assessed
• the target group, context and conditions for the assessment
• the tasks to be administered to the candidate
• an outline of the evidence to be gathered from the candidate
• the evidence criteria used to judge the quality of performance (i.e. the assessment decision-making rules)
• the administration, recording and reporting requirements
• the evidence of how validity and reliability have been tested and built into the design and use of the tool.

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Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015 (p. 7)

Assessment system is a coordinated set of documented policies and procedures (including assessment materials and tools) that ensure assessments are consistent and are based on the Principles of Assessment contained in Table 1.8-1 and the Rules of Evidence contained in Table 1.8-2.

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National Quality Council

An assessment tool includes the following components:

• the context and conditions for the assessment
• the tasks to be administered to the candidate
• an outline of the evidence to be gathered from the candidate
• the criteria used for judging the quality of performance (i.e. the assessment decision making rules), and
• the administration, recording and reporting requirements.

Based on: "Work-based Education Research Centre of Victoria University in conjunction with Bateman and Giles Pty Ltd. 2009. Guide for developing assessment tools. N.p.: National Quality Council."