Where do I find extra support on using the Assessment Tool if I need it?
As already mentioned, there are three extra modules on using the Assessment Tool. If you haven’t already, you should work your way through these too. They include:
- Creating the right assessment.
- Engaging learners.
- Making the most of the reports.
These are in the main PD section of Pathways Awarua.
Which option do I choose?
As with the Reading Assessment or Starting Points, many tutors and trainers will already be using the Assessment Tool Numeracy assessments. You need to choose a numeracy assessment from one of the two options available. These are:
- The Adult Option. This is the default option of the Assessment Tool. The TEC recommends this for most adult learners.
- The Youth Option. There are no restrictions on age, but the TEC recommends this option for learners aged 15 to 25.
Which assessment strand?
There are three options here that you can choose. You’ll recognise these as strands from the Numeracy Progressions.
Most of the time, tutors select the General Numeracy option. Choose this one if you are unsure as it includes questions from all three strands:
- Number Knowledge.
- General Numeracy.
- Number Strategies and Measurement.
Which format do I choose?
As before, numeracy assessments are available in the following formats:
- Online adaptive: If you can, you should use the online adaptive assessments for numeracy. This means the computer chooses the questions based on how your learner is answering. Each learner gets an individualised experience and the results are more robust and reliable. The computer marks the assessment. It’s a no-brainer, but only if your learners have the computer skills to navigate it online.
- Snapshot: These are a shorter version of the online adaptive assessment. If you can, you should also use these. The are often perfect for a follow-up or progress assessment.
- Non-adaptive, paper-based: If you don’t have access to computers or it’s not appropriate, such as in a prison teaching context, you may have to use the paper-based assessments. You can also get shorter, snapshot assessments for printing as well.
You and your organisation should choose the option that is most appropriate to you learners.
What does the Adult Numeracy Assessment look like?
Again, if you know and can do all of this, please skip ahead. But if you haven’t seen a Numeracy Assessment or you want to have a go yourself, then we can show you.
Here’s how you can access a sample online snapshot Numeracy Assessment in the Assessment Tool Training Environment:
- Go here and log in with this code: em487j
Again, have a play. As before, your assessment will not be saved. Even if you don’t like maths and numeracy, this is a safe place to experiment. Even if it’s just to experience what it’s like for your learners who also don’t like numeracy.
And remember, this is a preview code for a sample assessment in the training environment for the Assessment Tool. You will need to talk to the Assessment Tool administrator in your organisation to set up real assessments for your learners.
What do the learner reports look like for Numeracy?
What do I have to provide as evidence for the NZCALNE (Voc)?
As supporting evidence for this qualification, you’ll need to submit Assessment Tool reports like this for Numeracy for at least two learners. These are the same two learners that you’re tracking through the rest of the course work.
There are a few cases where it may not be appropriate for you to use the TEC numeracy assessment. One example is If you are working with low-level ESOL learners such as refugees and migrants who lacked the English language skills to understand the questions. Another case could be with any learners who lack the computer skills to navigate this assessment online. Talk to us if you have learners like this.
You should supply these reports as PDFs or scans. The reports should look similar to the one in the image and show the step score and other details.
You can blank out learner names if you need to make them anonymous. If you do this, please refer to them as Learner A and Learner B.
Here it is again. You need to collect and then supply:
- Learner A: PDF or scanned copy of a Numeracy Assessment Report showing step score and details.
- Learner B: PDF or scanned copy of a Numeracy Assessment Report showing step score and details.