There are four Principles of Assessment – Reliability, Fairness, Flexibility and Validity. In our previous Blog we discussed the Principle of Reliability. Here we discuss Fairness. This will be followed by additional Blogs which will discuss the remaining Principles of Assessment.
Principle of Fairness
Assessment is fair when the assessment process is clearly understood by candidates and agreed by both assessors and candidates and when candidates’ needs and characteristics are addressed.
Fairness is one of the four Principles of Assessment. When writing assessment instruments to make up an assessment tool, you need to build fairness into the tool.
Understood and agreed by the candidate
The assessment tool should provide evidence that the assessment process has been explained to the candidate, that they understand and agree to the process. This instrument should be signed by the candidate at the commencement of the assessment process.
This instrument can also provide an area for the assessor to confirm that they have checked whether the candidate needs any LLN support or whether they consider an accelerated progression with only gap training is appropriate for the candidate:
Addressing candidate’s needs
You can assume that a qualified assessor is familiar with the Principles of Assessment and competent to apply them in their assessment practice. However, it is recommended to remind the assessor of how to apply this principle in relation to reasonable adjustment.
Example:
The following wording is provided as guidance for your assessor:
Reasonable Adjustment
If the candidate has special needs which require reasonable adjustments, then you, the assessor, must ensure that you have:
- Reviewed the unit requirements and determined that adjustments will not compromise the outcome.
- Determined the adjustments to be made, in consultation with the candidate and, if necessary, a specialist.
- Clearly documented the adjustments made as part of the assessment record, in sufficient detail to enable another qualified assessor to make a judgement of competency.
- Ensured that you protect the candidate’s right to privacy and confidentiality in relation to any personal information such as medical conditions, and where personal information needs to be recorded, gained the candidate’s consent in writing.
As trainers and assessors within the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector, it is important that we not only understand the Principles of Assessment but that we also apply the Principles of Assessment when designing and developing assessment tools and conducting assessment. TAEASS502 Design and Develop Assessment Tools is a core unit in the TAE40116 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and TAE50116 Diploma of Vocational Education and Training.
Written by Sandy Welton
Please post your thoughts below on the Principle of Fairness.
Fairness in assessment means that consideration of individual candidate’s needs and characteristics, and any reasonable adjustments that are required can be considered. The relationship must be include clear
communication between the assessor and the candidate to make sure that the candidate is
completely aware of, understands and is able to participate in, the assessment process. Then they agree that the process is fair or appropriate. Part of the process includes an opportunity for the person
being assessed to challenge the result of the assessment and to be reassessed if
necessary.
By taking all necessary precautions, the candidate and assessor ensure that the process is fair for both parties.
The Principle of Fairness makes perfect sense, especially considering that all people have different levels of understanding and different needs. What may be clear and reasonable to one person may be difficult to understand by another, particularly if that student has specific needs or an LLN issue.
To give all students reasonable opportunity to fulfill the requirements of the unit or course supports them and makes it fair for all.
Fairness is an important part of the assessment process to ensure that the candidate is fully aware of what they need to do to achieve competence. It is also important that the candidate is aware of their rights and the support available to them.
Fairness in this context also means that assessment should be objective and inclusive, free from discrimination and bias and that reasonable adjustments should be made possible to achieve this.
I understand the the concept of the Principle of Fairness. However I struggle with its application regarding this idea of reasonable adjustment, it keeps popping up and I’m not entirely sure how it can be applied. Units are very clear in the Criteria, Performance Evidence and Knowledge Evidence required to be competent; does reasonable adjust mean these are up for negotiation?
Following the Principle of Fairness seems to be a good way to cover the needs of both assessor and candidate, as it makes sure that each party understands and agrees to the assessment. Reasonable adjustment ensures that candidates have a more level playing field so that their competence can be assessed without unfairly being disadvantaged by rigid rules and methodologies.
The Principle of Fairness makes perfect sense to me, considering that people have different levels of understanding and different needs. What may be clear and reasonable to one person may be difficult to understand by another, particularly if that student has specific needs of an LLN issue.
It is important to understand all the Principles of Assessment. With regard to the Principle of Fairness, we must ensure we demonstrate impartial and just treatment for all our students. Providing clear instructions and details for a successful outcome with assessments, being sure not to include additional requirements beyond the competency benchmarks. To be fair, assessors need to ensure they explain the support available, right to appeal and how to do so and provide feedback and the provision to be reassessed. It is also important that assessors recognise either prior knowledge and skills of the candidate, apply reasonable adjustments or provide LLN support if needed to enable the candidate to progress to competency.