Academic excellence for business and the professions

Assessments: Do they assess learning outcomes

Gill Harrison

7th December 2012

CAonsortium for the

SE

ccreditation of

onographic

ducation

CA

onsortium for the

SE

ccreditation of

onographic

ducation

The role of CASE

“ Ensure that ultrasound practitioners are safe and competent to practice”

How do you as an accreditor ensure that?

Learning outcomes

Higher education academy suggests:

“HE teachers are expected to be able to show:• how the educational outcomes for a programme and

learning outcomes for a module are being achieved; 

• that the assessment methods used are appropriate to test the achievement of the intended outcomes; 

• that the criteria used to judge achievement are aligned to the intended learning outcomes. "

http://www.heacademy.ac.uk/hlst/resources/a-zdirectory/learningoutcomes

Clinical Competency

Learning outcomes for clinical competency e.g.

By the end of the module the student should be able to:

• Undertake ultrasound examinations safely and competently• Utilise the equipment to provide safe, appropriate diagnostic images• Be aware of the limitations of the examination• Provide verbal or written report of the findings• Critically evaluate the role of ultrasound within the patient care

pathway

Things I look for before getting to the final assessment stage

• Processes for monitoring clinical progress during the course

(full Pg course or focussed courses)

• Communication between clinical department and university team

• Student input into progress monitoring

CA

onsortium for the

SE

ccreditation of

onographic

ducationAssessment of Competency: Where?

• CASE commissioned competency guidelines n=116

Assessment of Competency: How?

Assessment of competency: How?

• What format will the assessment take?

• Is the paperwork suitable to demonstrate all areas have been assessed and a minimum standard met?

• What process is in place to ensure that all students are assessed to a similar standard?

CA

onsortium for the

SE

ccreditation of

onographic

ducation

Assessment of Competency: Who?

Assessment of Competency: Who?

• How are assessors selected?

• What training is available for the assessor?

• Support for clinical staff in their role as supervisor / mentor / assessor?

• Is there moderation of the assessment by a university nominated assessor?– How is parity ensured?

Why external moderation / assessment? My thoughts.

Assessment of Competency: fail at 1st attempt?

Why do trainees fail?• Unable to scan• Inaccurate interpretation / clinical implications• Unaware of their limitations

Summary: is the trainee competent?

Who decides?Is the

assessment process fit for

purpose?