Hello,
I know this is probably going to sound a bit sniffy but I can't help but wonder what some assessors are actually doing with their candidates.
I regurlarly see posts from candidates asking for support that their assessors should have given them and some request so much support that by the time they've finished they've got answers for most of the knowledge specification! I know some things are a bit obscure and think that's fine to point them in the right direction, unscramble the jargon, but should we be giving them complete answers?
I really feel, that especially at level 3 candidates should be prepared to do a bit of leg work themselves and admit to being very disappointed at the lack of basic knowledge that some level 3 candidates display. I thought that level 3 should be in a senior role, have some sort of responsibility and a fair bit of knowledge that they can share with less experienced staff but it seems I am wrong.
I think these forums are an excellent way to share information, ideas, pick someone else's brains but think maybe some assessors should be doing a better job and some candidates need to take more ownership of their NVQ. Or QCF as I'm sure it will continue.
Steadysue

I agree, I always point them in the right direction , not give actual answers to questions. I expect them to think about it - that way they have done it themselves and will remember it. As you say, you do have to wonder what support their assessors are giving them - there's a lot of confused people out there.

steadysue
i need you help, i am stuck and getting frustrated

steadysue
Steady Sue - can you e-mail me pls.....on j.markie77@yahoo.co.uk

Thanks......John

I have spent an awful lot of time researching to find answers to the questions for my QCF, by taking the time to read various books and websites i have learnt lots of valuable information. By copying answers someone else has written you are not learning anything, i think it is more helpful to point the candidate in the right direction let the candidate do their own and that way the candidate is learning along the way.

I do agree with u Sue, i already have used ur help a few times. yes maybe we should be seeking our assessors support, then most of us are working a 6 day week!! i am using my day off Sunday to study, meet once a month with assessor if lucky, also on my course we are having to study for fuctional skills exams in English and Maths (my spelling gonna be a problem lol) as well, this leaves very little time to phone assessor, if available, work, study and run a household. Not moaning just putting a point forward.

We are able to do nvq at this level, but need more time and support, your site is our life saver, we have the knowledge, but not always the ability to transfer it to paper without help. Again many like me have not had to study for many years, and require help in this.

Thanks for the support
Jane

I do agree with u Sue, i already have used ur help a few times. yes maybe we should be seeking our assessors support, then most of us are working a 6 day week!! i am using my day off Sunday to study, meet once a month with assessor if lucky, also on my course we are having to study for fuctional skills exams in English and Maths (my spelling gonna be a problem lol) as well, this leaves very little time to phone assessor, if available, work, study and run a household. Not moaning just putting a point forward.

We are able to do nvq at this level, but need more time and support, your site is our life saver, we have the knowledge, but not always the ability to transfer it to paper without help. Again many like me have not had to study for many years, and require help in this.

Thanks for the support
Jane

hi, i do agree with you sue, but my assessor is unapproachable and has his own idea of what he wants to say when we meet once a month. i have emailed him a couple of times but i never get the explaination i need. thank goodness for this site xx

kimmysboi
Hello,
Really sorry to hear you have an unapproachable assessor.
You have a right to bring this to the attention of the training provider. Maybe you could talk to your manager, let them know what is happening and ask them to contact the training provider and relay your concerns. You need an assessor you can get on with and they must be supportive. It's your qualification so you should be using your ideas. Don't put up with it!
Steadysue

The main problem is that some training providers put huge pressure on their assessors and do not treat them well, this leads to a high turnover of staff and a backlog of out of funding learners.

I talk from experience, I started with a large training company as an assessor and immediately had 65 learners allocated to me covering two counties. Some had not been seen in 5 months. The company wanted me to go in and basically cut as many corners as I could to get learners complete. It was impossible for me to have regular meetings with all 65 learners across such a large area of the country. I wasn't prepared to be part of that culture and left after 3 months to join a smaller training company who were pleased for me to do things properly.

It is the assessors job to ensure they support their learners to acquire the knowledge they require for the qualification. This might include helping them to develop skills in research. Many learners have not completed anything academic since school, I often speak to care staff who had poor experiences at school and have a few gremlins. My colleague always complains that they should not be undertaking level 3 but I disagree, the assessor should be supporting that individual to develop their skills and confidence. This is one of the reasons that I believe all assessors should complete a teaching qualification, as it gives assessors the skills in differentiation and learning stategies that can really help them to support candidates.

just gatecrashing here! saw the topic on the main list and thought it looked interesting. i have been wondering that myself over the last month or two, majority of questions asked are usually to be found in the persons relevant training etc . currently doing a svq 3 and do find that some of the questions are a bit "what planet are you on then" lol, so for that i would imagine some folks struggle with the understanding of the question esp when you dont think it refers to your relevant workplace. the other thing i have noticed is dont you do reflective accounting? it features in every unit of mine, i have seen questions asking what it is......which made me think...do the nvqs do it different?