Assessment is carried out by foundation learning (adult literacy, numeracy and language) education providers in different ways and for different purposes. For some, the assessment is a starting point and part of enrolment. For others, the assessment is a way of measuring successful completion of a course, while others use the assessment as a reference point for the tutor and learning plans are based on ongoing assessment.
This research study was carried out in 2005 to establish an understanding of how New Zealand adult literacy, numeracy, and language tutors view and carry out assessment. Local practice was compared with national and international findings about effective assessment practice.
To ensure teaching is effective, it’s important to ensure that the provider, tutor and learner are all getting the most out of the assessment process and have a shared understanding of the purpose. Research repeatedly points to purposeful assessment as being a crucial factor in helping learners reach their goals.