Hi I have just started as an assessor and was considering if most poeple carry out observations specific to a unit or holisitcally? How many observation per candidate do you try to achieve and observed on what topics?

I generally do them holistically, this saves so much time and work.
If you look at the units it will state if you need an observation, generally you only need to do 1 per unit and if you plan well with your candidate you can cover all parts with one observation.
I am a workbased assessor so I know what I need, it is probably harder for outside assessors coming into a workplace.

What I also meant to say was some times the observation may need to be specific to the unit, it all depend on what your are observing and your candidates chosen units.

Hi

Holistic every time!
Surely you cannot observe a candidate or assess a piece of evidence without there being some elements of the mandatory units covered?
I actually know of an organisation that will only assess evidence against the specific unit they are dealing with at the time - how ridiculous and time wasting is that? And demotivating for the candidate?

Dave

Yes thankyou both. I am attempting to do them holistically since I realise that it saves more time, the problem I have at the moment is that I am just learning the standards for NVQ4 so dont always know or catch as much evidence as I should be - but I guess this will come with time?!!!

I have generally completed observations on staff meetings and client reviews? What other areas are useful in catching evidence?

Does sight of work products and confidential documents count as observations?

Your knowledge of the standards will come with experience.

What I do with my observations is write a paragraph and then leave two or three lines and then write some more. When I subsequently assess the observation against the standards and come across a PC that I did observe but didn't record I then can add it to my record. (I write my observations by hand as they happen)
Another thing you can do is have the standards on your clipboard as you are writing the observation, this will prompt you what to look for and record.
Having sight of work products and confidential documents is supporting evidence rather than an observation. You could include in your observation that you have seen the evidence, signposting where the evidence is filed, or you could include it in a professional discussion - an important and useful tool for a level 4 NVQ.
I didn't appreciate that you were asking about a level 4 NVQ. I would not be too worried about the number of observations as at level 4 you are looking for competence at a more theoretical level such as planning and budgeting etc. These can usefully be covered by a professional discussion with the candidate presenting his/her evidence for a particular unit to you.

Hope this helps.

Dave

That helps a lot thank you. It reassures me that I am doin everything fine actually and that everything else will come with time.

HI

i AGREE WITH YOU EVERY TIME. YOU CAN OBSERVE SO MUCH HOLISTICALLY AND SAVES TIME, GIVE THE CANDIDATE SO MUCH MORE CONFIDENCE WHEN YOU TELL THEM HOW HAS BEEN COVERED AND GETS THROUGH THE AWARD IN JIG TIME.

Hi Dave
I have my 2 candidates and am seeing them monday for initial interview and I plan first observations for 2 weeks time. I have been told to assess holistically but concentrate on comunication for my award since we need to only do 1 unit although we carry on with the candidates for the others for continuity.
I am still waiting for my assessor to contact me and have 1 more day of training when I bring my observations to the tutors to learn how to add these to the fusion system on the computer.
My query is should my 3 plans needed for A1 be for the communucation unit or should I plan for others but cross reference until all the communication criteria have been acheived.
We have been told to do our first observation on our own to gain confidence then we will be assessed for the 3 observations needed for the A1 afterwards.
Also, can a planning session be done with a feedback /review or must they be separate for the award.
thanks for any help/advise
Sue

Hi Sue

I thought you had to cover three units using two candidates, two with one and one with the other, although I can be corrected on that.
It does say about the assessment plans "Each assessment plan must cover one full uint of competence which can be verified", difficult if you're only covering one unit.

Observation is included in the range of evidence to be used when assessing candidates but I'm not sure what you mean about the "3 observations needed for the A1". You have to be observed by your assessor giving feedback to your candidate.
Planning, review and feedback are all integral so there's no problem in doing them at the same time as long as you carefully document it to show that the planning, review and feedback took place.

Hope this helps.

Dave

Hi Dave
Thanks for help re combining review, feedback and planing it makes sence it was because they wanted 3 plans submitted for the A1, I wasn't sure whether they should be included and because we are to give feedback asap but not remove a canidate for more than 30 mins from the floor so wasn't sure how long it would take.
The 3 observations i mentioned are my assessor watching one observation with me and one feedback wiht nthe other candidate and the independant assessor watching one feedback with either BUT my centre says how can the assessors assesss whether feedback is correct unless they see the observations too hence I will be observed 3 times.
I will query the one unit again it did seem surprising we would only be assessed on one but to be fair we are the first A1 candidates our centre has had so there may be errors.
I am ringing them tommorow for essential skills results and to try and make contact with my assessor so will have ask them.
I have made my own check list because I thought the process will help me learn and understand whats required better.
Thanks again Sue

The A1 standards will state all the evidence requirements.

Hi Sue

Having your own checklist is a good idea as it focusses the mind.

I always use a checklist for the induction of new candidates as there's so much to cover and it's easy to miss bits.

As far as the A1 goes, the standards do specify what evidence is required for each unit and so it's quite easy to follow.

At first, I would concentrate on getting things right for your candidates and settling into the NVQ process. The evidence for your A1 will be naturally generated during your meetings with the candidates.

Good luck.

Dave