Procedures for Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) of All Programmes Introduction Internal Quality Assurance is a major part of CAVC College s drive to ensure consistency of standards within all qualifications it offers. Effective and reliable assessment of student learning and achievement is one of the central pillars of all our curricula. The responsibility for assessment lies with individual lecturers and course teams. Internal Quality Assurance assists in this process by fulfilling the following functions: sampling assessment procedures and assessors marking of student work to ensure that the process exemplifies good practice, and is also fair, reliable and consistent; observation and standardisation of learners work is recorded, to ensure all assessors and assessment decisions are constant (records of learner s practical work must recorded and, where possible, photographic evidence can be used.) providing feedback to assessors and to the course team on the effectiveness of their assessment processes and how they might be further improved; providing a key link with the College s Lead Internal Quality Assurer and the Awarding Body s External Verifier/Moderator or Examiner, ensuring that the former s quality assurance requirements are fulfilled. All teaching staff are responsible for Internal Quality Assurance if they are part of a team delivering any course that involves Internal Quality Assurance. For every course that CAVC College runs, a Main Internal Quality Assurer must be appointed. Their role is to monitor Internal Quality Assurance of their assessors and candidates work within their appointed course. In the case of smaller courses or teams, this person is most likely to be the Course Team Leader. The Main Internal Quality Assurer needs to have the authority and responsibility to enable them to carry out their role to the full. All Internal Quality Assurers need to be sufficiently knowledgeable about the subject area, the requirements of the qualification and assessment methodology. This is to enable and aid their judgements to be made about the performance of Assessors. Internal Quality Assurers may also act as Assessors, but are not permitted to Quality Assure assessments that they have conducted themselves. Page 1 of 22
Internal Quality Assurance Internal Quality Assurance is a quality assurance process designed to ensure consistency of assessment, and to confirm that the tasks set are achievable against all of the grading criteria for each unit. This involves: The scrutiny of assignment briefs prior to issue. In practical assessments standardisation and observations of assessments should take place to ensure that the grading assessment used for each element is consistent. Monitoring the quality of assessor decisions for all units and providing appropriate feedback to Assessors, with an action plan where necessary; Monitoring consistency across teams/assessors on one or several sites through a standardisation programme; Ensuring that internal quality assurance is carried out on time and the information gathered is placed in the Internal Quality Assurance File. ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE LEAD/MAIN INTERNAL QUALITY ASSURER All Courses; Non-Competence (BTEC) & Competence (NVQ, VRQ, C&G) 1. Ensure that tutors have registered learners on to the correct courses with awarding bodies within the correct time scale. 2. Oversee the Internal Quality Assurance and standardisation of learner work for a Principal Subject Area (PSA) 3. Ensure the department s quality assurance mechanisms for a specific qualification are operating effectively by carrying out a process of Internal Quality Assurance. 4. Ensure that a department s IQA files are organised and maintained. 5. To verify the quality of a department s internal systems and procedures in relation to a specific qualification. 6. To ensure the standardisation of assessment decisions within the Centre in order to maintain the national standards. 7. To act as a link between the Assessors and the External Quality Assurer (EQA) /Standards Verifier (SV). Page 2 of 22
8. Liaise with the allocated EQA/SV if needed. Internal Quality Assurers must be able to spend time with the EQA/SV at each visit if requested. 9. Maintain minutes of standardisation meetings. Where action is required from individual Assessors, ensure that this action is taken by the date specified, and that it is reviewed at the next meeting. In addition, any sections of the minutes that become relevant must be highlighted for the EQA/SV. (Copies of all minutes to be sent to Billy Adams Quality Nominee). 10. Discuss any imposed changes/updates to procedures or qualifications with the course team, and ensure that all Assessors understand the implications of sampling of evidence and monitoring assessments 11. Ensure all Internal Quality Assurance is carried out using the specific cross college standardised forms. 12. Provide feedback on the Internal Quality Assurance process to assessors and ensure that the assessors carry out identified actions. Support and guidance to achieve all actions is at all times available from the Quality Nominee. All action plans are monitored by the College s Quality Department. Non-Competence Based Courses Only 13. Undertake online induction training 14. Register for on line standardisation (OSCA2) 15. Cascade information to subject team members Page 3 of 22
Cross College IV/IQA Plan Awarding Body Logo IQA 1 ASSESSMENT TEAM SIGNATURES IQA 2 SAMPLE PLAN TIMETABLE IQA 3 TRACKING FORM Cross College IQA Plan IQA 4 ASSIGNMENT BRIEFS IQA 5 & 5A ASSESSMENT DECISIONS IQA 6 OBSERVED ASSESSMENT IQA 7 ASSESSOR PERFORMANCE IQA 8 STANDARDISATION REPORT IQA 11 LEAD IQA FORM IQA 10 IQA ASSESSMENT PLAN IQA 9 (OPTIONAL) FINAL COURSE EVALUATION Page 4 of 22
Subject Area: IQA Sample Plan 2015/2016 IQA2 SU N MON TUES WED THUR FRI SAT SUN MON TUES WED THUR FRI SAT SUN MON TUES WED THUR FRI SAT SUN MON TUES WED THUR FRI SAT SUN MON TUES WED THUR FRI SAT SUN MON TUES WED SEP 1 2 3 4 5 6 IQA04 Students start 7 8 9 10 11 412 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Engagemen OCT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 HALF TERM NOV 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 27 28 29 30 DEC 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 IQA4 & 5 XMAS JAN 1 2 3 4 Inset Day XMAS 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 FEB 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 IQA5 HALF TERM MAR 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 EASTER HOLS IQA4 & 5 APR 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 IQA4 & 5 EASTER HOLS MAY 1 2 May Day 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 1 2 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 IQA5 JUN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Last HALF TERM IQA9 Day 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Assessment team specimen signature list Awarding Body Logo (if essential ) IQA1 Course : Course Tutor Full Name Sample Signature Sample Initials Assessor/verifier units/projects & achieved Location Units/Elements to Assess
Summary of unit and qualification achievement IQA 3 Course/Class Year Candidate Name Registration Number Registration IQA Assessor Assessment Planner Unit/ project number or title Full Certification ( Completed) Unit/Part Certification 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Assignment -A Student Interview (SI) Observation (O) Practical (P) Test (T) Q- questioning
INTERNAL QUALITY ASSURANCE ASSIGNMENT BRIEF Award / Course Awarding Body Logo IQA 4 Assignment Title/Number. Unit(s) or Units Elements Assessor INTERNAL QUALITY ASSURANCE CHECKLIST COMMENTS Are assessment criteria to be addressed listed? Does each task show which criteria/grading descriptors are being addressed? Are these criteria/grading descriptors actually addressed by the tasks? Is it clear what evidence the learner needs to generate? Are accurate programme details shown, plus Awarding Body logos if required? Are accurate unit details shown? Are clear deadlines for assessment given? Is this assignment for whole or part of a unit(s)? Are the activities appropriate? Is there a scenario or vocational context? Is the language and presentation appropriate? Is the timescale for the assignment appropriate? Does the assignment brief follow the programme s standardisation arrangement? Is the Essential Skills criterion mapped and appropriate? Overall is the assignment fit for purpose? W/P Y/N Y/N If No is recorded and the Internal Quality Assurer recommends remedial action before the brief is issued, the Assessor and the Internal Quality Assurer should confirm that the action has been undertaken If No is recorded in the shaded area the assignment brief is not fit for purpose and action has been undertaken. Internal Quality Assurer Signature
Action required: Action taken: Assessor Signature Internal Quality Assurer Signature
Award / Course Learner Name Unit(s) or Unit elements Assignment Title INTERNAL QUALITY ASSURANCE ASSESSMENT DECISIONS Assessor IQA 5 Which criteria has the assessor awarded?( Whole or Part of Unit) Evidence provided by learner Pass Merit Distinction Elements Elements Elements Details Do the criteria/grading descriptors awarded match those targeted by the assignment brief? Has the work been assessed accurately? Is the feedback to the learner: Constructive Linked to relevant grading criteria Identifying opportunities for improved performance Does the grading decision need amending? Remedial action taken: Details Details Details Details Internal Quality Assurer name Internal Quality Assurer signature Confirm Action completed Assessor signature Internal Quality Assurer signature
INTERNAL QUALITY ASSURANCE ASSESSMENT DECISIONS IQA 5A Award / Course Assessor Unit(s) or Unit Elements Assignment Title Assessment Decisions Learner 1 Learner 2 Learner 3 Learner 4 Learner Name Criteria Awarded Assessor Decision Evidence provided by learner Do the criteria/grading descriptors awarded match those targeted by the assignment brief? Has the work been assessed accurately? Is the feedback to the learner: Constructive Linked to relevant grading criteria Identifying opportunities for improved performance Does the grading decision need amending? Details Details Details Details Details Remedial action taken: Internal Quality Assurer name Internal Quality Assurer signature Confirm Action completed Assessor signature Internal Quality Assurer signature
*Action required: to be completed: Action taken: Completed: Assessor Signature Internal Quality Assurer Signature
Candidate name Awarding Body Logo IQA REPORT OBSERVED ASSESSMENT IQA 6 What is being observed/marked? Assessor name Today the assessor has given you a task to complete Did the Assessor/Trainer Tell you exactly what was needed to be done today? Put you at ease? YES NO Allow and encourage you to ask questions? Use appropriate and easily understood questions? Give written feedback? Give verbal feedback? Give feedback in a suitable place? Provide guidance and support for future? Candidate Comments: Has your assessor given you guidance on what you need to do throughout your course? Are you happy with the way your course is progressing Any other comments you wish to make about your course? Candidate Signature:---------------------- IQA Signature:.. :
INTERNAL QUALITY ASSURANCE REPORT ON ASSESSOR PERFORMANCE IQA 7 Assessor: Candidate: Internal Quality Assurer: Course: Units: Checklist Yes No Examples 1. Candidate put at ease? 2. Assessment procedure explained and negotiated? 3. Candidate encouraged to relate evidence to standards? 4. Relevant questions asked? 5. Evidence requirements met? 6. Clear, evaluative feedback provided? 7. All possible sources of evidence have been considered? 8. Further action agreed with candidate where appropriate? 9. Necessary assessment documentation completed? 10. Health & Safety & Equal Opportunities addressed Assessor: : Internal Quality Assurer: : Feedback to Assessor
STANDARDISATION REPORT ON ASSESSMENT DECISIONS IQA 8 (For Individual Use by Participants) Unit: Name of Participant: Assessor/IQA: Name of Lead IQA: Name of Candidate Evidence Provided by Candidate Has the Criteria Been Met? Comments on Candidate s Evidence by Participant: (Assessor) Feedback to Participant from IQA: Participant s Signature: (Assessor) : IQA s Signature: : Sign only when correct
STANDARDISATION REPORT ON ASSESSMENT PRACTICE IQA 8A (For Individual Use by Participants) Unit: Name of Participant: Assessor/IQA: Name of IQA: Name of Candidate Evidence Provided by Candidate Has the Criteria Been Met? Comments on Candidate s Evidence by Participant: (Assessor) Feedback to Participant from IQA: Participant s Signature: (Assessor) : IQA s Signature: : Sign only when correct
STANDARDISATION REPORT ON ASSESSMENT PRACTICE (For Individual Use by Participants) IQA 8A Unit: Name of Participant: Assessor/IQA: Name of IQA Name of Candidate : Evidence Provided by Candidate Has the Criteria Been Met? Comments on Candidate s Evidence by Participant: (Assessor) Feedback to Participant from IQA: Participant s Signature: (Assessor) : IQA s Signature: : Sign only when correct
Student Feedback Questionnaire (OPTIONAL) IQA 9 Course: Your Name: Course Tutor : (Please tick the relevant box) 1) How challenging did you find your course? very not at all 2) How effective did you find the general teaching methods on your course? 3) How helpful did you find the teaching staff on your course? very very not at all not at all 4) How enjoyable did you find your course? very not at all 5) How hard did you feel that you worked during your course? very not at all 6) Were there any aspects of your course that you found particularly useful or interesting? 7) Were there any aspects of your course that you would like to see changed / improved? 8) How could you have improved your performance during this course?
INTERNAL QUALITY ASSURANCE ASSESSMENT PROCESS IQA 10 : Reasons for Varying From the Plan/Action Needed Action Taken
LEAD INTERNAL QUALITY ASSURANCE OF PRINCIPAL SUBJECT AREAS Internal Quality Assurer IQA 11 Assessor Learner s Name Assignment Title/Number. Unit(s) or Units Elements Award / Course LEAD INTERNAL QUALITY ASSURER CHECKLIST Comments Has the Assignment Brief been IQA d corrected? Y/N Is the course IQA file present and up to date? Y/N Does the Internal Quality Assurer provide positive and / or constructive feedback to the assessor? Y/N Is there evidence of an established and coherent Internal Quality Assurance process in place? Y/N Has the work been assessed and IQA d accurately? Y/N Is the overall judgement of the IQA a true and accurate picture of the assessment process? Y/N Is there evidence of a professional dialogue between the team and the IQA? Y/N Are you happy to release certification for your PSA? If No is recorded and the Lead IQA recommends remedial action before they can sign off the course, the Assessor and Internal Quality Assurer should confirm that the action has been undertaken. Lead IQ A Signature
Action required: Action taken: Assessor Signature IQA Signature
Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Brief Assessment & Assignment Plan Develop course assessment & assignment standardisation procedure. IQA Sample Plan is produced. Plan IQA Activities Form IQA 1 & IQA2. IQA File. Form IQA3 IQA File. Assessor submits draft Assessment brief to IQA, Form IQA 4. (All assignment briefs must be IQA d before given to students) Assessment Verified - YES Assessment Verified - NO Assessment contains Key Skill opportunities pass to Essential Skills IQA Assessment returned for amendment Verified - YES Verified - NO Amended Assignment resubmitted to IQA Assessment Signed as approved Assessment returned for amendment Assessment verified - YES Assessment resubmitted to IQA Verified - YES Assessment + IQA Record Course File Hand- out Assignment to students