Main focus of the approach.

Using oral communication as a discreet approach or to support assessment both in context of summative and formative assessment.

What are trying to achieve from using oral approaches to assessment?

The purpose of any assessment approach must be clearly defined. These purposes may overlap or conflict (see Brown G 2001). Oral approaches to assessment can be particularly positive in:

• Providing the opportunity for learners to present what they know and are able to do in a way that   others understand and which can be validly recorded.
  

• Integrating learning and assessment processes.

The key principles of assessment are applicable to the use of oral assessment approaches. These are that:

• Assessment shapes learning so if you want to change the learning you change the assessment approach.

• Assessment tasks are mapped to the learning outcomes.
  

• Assessment criteria are matched to the learning outcomes and are simple in construction.
  

• Assessment is fair, reliable and valid in making judgements.
  

• Provides meaningful and timely feedback.
  

References

Brown. G, (2001) Assessment; A Guide for Lecturers Assessment Series No3
Aligning Assessment