ABSTRACT

This chapter identifies the critical principles which underpin good assessment practice. Skills are said to be transferable because they can be applied to every aspect of work and life and they provide a foundation for developing personal effectiveness. Indeed, with the introduction of standard assessment tasks (SATs) as part of the National Curriculum in the primary and secondary sectors, and the parallel development of General National Vocational Qualifications (GNVQ) and National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) for vocational courses, there has been a revolution in assessment methodologies. The idea that knowledge is underpinning is one that the National Council for Vocational Qualifications (NCVQ) have put forward because the NVQ assessment model is based upon discrete competence outcomes or measurable performance, demonstrated in a work setting. Capability is viewed as an all-round human quality which involves the integration of knowledge, skills, competences and any other relevant personal attributes.