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THE VALUE OF PLACEMENT ASSESSMENT FOR ABET AND LEARNERSHIPS
The Value of Placement Assessment ABET and Learnerships have become the latest addition to skills priorities in a large number of major industries. The perplexing question is - where to start?
Placement assessments, especially in the fundamental learning areas, are the most sensible place to start, because it will: " Identify any gaps in the learner's current knowledge and skills that may require a learning intervention i.e. development, revision etc. Determine where learning interventions should be pitched to embrace and support the learner and set him/her up for success, not failure " Assist in the planning for the learning i.e. time table, sequence of learning etc.
A few of the reasons for doing placement assessment, even when a candidate has a Gr. 12 certificate at hand, are: "If the candidate went to school ten years ago, he may have regressed or progressed in especially the fundamentals (think of how well you would do if you were to write a Gr 10, 11 or 12 exam now!)" Some candidates did not complete the required learning areas at Gr 12 level - i.e. mathematics - Many candidates are English second language users, which mean that a skills gap in communication will result in them struggling through the theory of the learning programme.
Organisations are often stunned by the results of a placement assessment. It is essential to understand that the placement assessment is not a disparaging instrument, but one that identifies the areas of development required and suggests the most sensible pathway to support the learner. It is really a snapshot of skills. For that reason, results have a lifetime of no longer than six months. Any person could have regressed or progressed over such a period.
A good placement assessment will place the learners into four primary groups:
- D-Learners who have no foundation to build on and whom will require development from foundation level.
- B-Learners who have the foundation in place, but have regressed, because skills have fallen into disuse.
- Q-Learners who have sufficient skills to start at the level of the qualification.
- RPL Learners who are above the level of the qualification in the specific area and who should complete an RPL assessment.
In terms of the SAQA regulations, learners may request a re-assessment or remark should their opinions and self-assessment differ radically from the result of these assessments. As part of a quality assurance system, all assessments (including placement assessments) should be sent for external moderation.
HR Future - Jan 2004
