Category 102 – Assessing Learning Success in Capacity Building

Community Learning Development Resource Category 102

ASSESSING LEARNING SUCCESS

 

SUMMARY

Determining whether or not new learning is effectively in place and an individual learner has gained from a learning experience is key part of learning. The nature of community learning is such that individuals can and choose to learn and change their lives. Effective assessment approaches within community learning require that learners are willing, informed and active participants in the assessment processes. This category of resources explores assessment practice in this work. The resource files in this category are listed below together with some Learning Outcomes in respect of the use of these resources.

ASSESSING LEARNING SUCCESS IN COMMUNITY LEARNING

The Category 102 Resource Guide

Resource

Notes for Readers and Trainers
102 – 02

 

 Key ideas about the assessment of learningStatements and questions about the assessment of learning process, which can be used to:

  • prompt individual exploration, reflection and discussion of the assessment of learning
  • develop understanding of the implications for the learner, the worker and for agency practice.

 
102 – 03 The Assessment Cycle The generic model is presented and the universal nature of its application is explored. The processes are identified and briefly described. Prompts for reflection and discussion are provided.

 
102 – 04 Assessment issues within capacity buildingThe nature of capacity building is explored and a rationale for the learning outcomes and the assessment of learning is developed. The central importance of idea of the learner and their learning, purposefully driving action and change is explored.

 

 

102 – 05

 

 Observing changes in learner behaviourWithin individual capacity building, evidence of successful learning may be  observed as changes in learner behaviour. Tabulations of learning outcomes and assessment evidence are presented. Checklists are provided for participants to explore how assessment evidence can be gained and judgements made.

 
102 – 06

 

 

 Assessing learning within capacity buildingSome analysis of the practice of assessment within an overall strategy or scheme. The holistic learning outcomes grid is presented as a framework for prompting listening to learners. A rationale for assessing within capacity building is summarised.

 
102 – 07 Assessment – listening to learnersSupporting people to develop as learners and build their own capacity through learning, puts the individual learner at the heart of any assessment processes as an active participant and contributor of evidence, criteria and judgements.

 
102 – 08

 

 

 The purposes of assessment within capacity buildingA framework for exploring how nine purposes of assessment are applied, within individual and community capacity building practice. Each purpose is briefly described.
102 – 09 The assessment of learningA summary of reflection and discussion prompts around assessment approaches, including the role of the worker and the development of learner self-assessment skills within community learning.

 
102 – 10

 

 

 Assessment style and best practiceSome ideas prompting informal and participative assessment practice with non-confident adult learners – identifying conversation, listening, watching and recording as key practical skills

 
102 – 11 Soft learning outcomes and support needs in community learningA review of community-based first steps learning provision with LEA workers produced comprehensive listings of outcomes and the support provided by workers, identified by the learners, in conversations with the workers.

 

 

102 – 12

Overcoming people’s fear of assessment

A resource about working within community settings with non-confident and inexperienced adult learners, and recognising that one of the common challenges to be faced is a learner fear of assessment, linked either to earlier learning assessment experiences or to their lack of understanding of the process.

 
101 – 13

Why should we measure of estimate learning success?

When people learn, is it important for them to feel successful, to be able to value what they have learnt and to feel and understand that they can learn successfully? This resource explores assessment of learning purposes.

 

 

CLD Resource Category 102

ASSESSMENT OF LEARNING

SUMMARY OF POTENTIAL LEARNING OUTCOMES

 
 

  • Workers understand the nature of learning outcomes and are able to develop and use these within any individual and community capacity-building, and regeneration strategies.

 

  • Workers understand and use learning outcomes in relation to the benefits gained by the learners and the transfer, application and impact of learning by learners, within their lives, their neighbourhoods and their communities.

 

  • Workers understand and use effective assessment strategies and methods relevant to individual learners and their learning, including evidencing, measuring and demonstrating learning success – in the form of the benefits gained and valued by the learner, and the use and impact of learning within change and regeneration.