Module 5: Reading 2 Reflection

Exploring assessment in flexible delivery of vocational education training programs (Australian National Programs, 2004.)

This is an extensive study designed to determine the range of assessment methods, why certain assessments are selected, and the validity of these approaches in the flexible delivery of vocational education training programs. I was interested in the issue of formative assessment in flexible delivery. Some important considerations related to the modes of delivery were made. For example, it was stated that assessment feedback is particularly important when assignments constitute most of the contact between the teacher and the learner. Assessment strategies need, therefore, to be considered in the design process. Near to my own philosophy and assessment practice was the caveat that the design of the learning experiences should “seamlessly incorporate the formative model of assessment in such

It was concluded that although formative assessment is critical regardless of the learning environment, formative assessment needs more emphasis in flexible delivery programs because of the “learners’ isolation and lack of a supportive learning community.”