ABSTRACT
Traditional assessment as practised by some of the examination boards, involves the very minimum of communication. In the quest for greater validity and reliability, a series of new methods of assessment have been developed by award bodies and teachers. In the search for scientific reliability, traditional methods of assessment have relied heavily upon the concept of the 'norm' and the normal frequency distribution. The design of criteria is generally speaking the responsibility of the tutor concerned as assessment should obviously take into account the needs of the particular students and course. Amongst the criteria identified by the Review of Vocational Qualifications is that assessment should be based upon skills, knowledge, understanding and ability in application. Some centres have attempted to assess Business and Technician Education Council core skill areas through tasks carried out at work, asking the student in consultation with the employer to select certain jobs for assessment purposes.
