UAL Awarding Body External Moderator Training
Sarah Atkinson Head of Academic Standards
Introductions
Aims of the Meeting
Attendees
The Process
The EM Role
The EM Handbook
UALab Approach
Setting the schedule
Communicating with Centres
Dear name of Course leader / Centre contact
I am writing to confirm arrangements for the forthcoming name of course moderation visit, and I am attaching a proposed schedule for the day.
To ensure that the assessment process is sound and that the standard meets the UAL Awarding Body assessment criteria for level of course, I will be moderating a sample of completed and formatively assessed assignments for the name of course – Unit number.
The sample size for the qualification will be 10% of the cohort (or a minimum of 6) and the actual candidates decided in discussion with you on the day of moderation, to ensure that a representative range is included.I will also need to see evidence of the tracking, monitoring, assessment and internal verification of the non-graded units, please can you also make available schemes of work, assignment briefs and assessment tracking for units unit numbers, it is not necessary to present student work for these preceding units.
Please have ready a completed final results sheet with student ULNs. I will need to sign this off and send to the Awarding Body shortly after the visit. The moderation team will be myself and if applicable cc'd. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any queriesI look forward to seeing you on confirm date of visit
Best WishesYour name and contact details
Selecting the Sample The sample for UAL Awarding Body qualifications is usually set at 10% of the
cohort.
This ensures that a sufficient number of sets of assessment evidence, covering all disciplines and/or pathways and a range of internal assessors are externally moderated and checked.
Where a cohort or specialist pathway is below 50 Students a minimum sample of six is acceptable.
The External Moderator will always select the sample
Samples should contain: Grades in all categories, Pass, Merit and Distinction where a qualification is graded.Sufficient examples of the Referral Category, to establish the Pass/Referral boundary and guidance for students to redeem the gradeA range of disciplines reflecting the range of qualification experience.Assessment evidence assessed by a range of internal assessors.
Documentation
To support the Sample Centres should provide External Moderators with:
An outline of the structure of the course internal assessment, standardisation and verification and process Schemes of work and Assignment/Project briefs.
Examples of assessment and verification records sufficient to enable the External Moderator to confirm that the methodology is working and adheres to UALab guidelines for good practice
EMs are required to confirm that the assessment and IV processes for the assessment of the non-graded units support decisions that are fair reliable and valid
Moderator Assessment Record Sheets
Reporting
Grade Confirmation
Marks/Results Sheets
Completing the Report
Coversheet
EM handbook
Part 1: Candidate Sample
Part 2: Candidate Authentication
Part 3: Profile of Assessment Evidence
Part 4: Assessment Methodology
Part 5: General Commentary
Part 6: Recommendations
Part 7: Actions
Part 1: Candidate Sample
Part 2 : Candidate Authentication
Candidate sample must be 10% of the cohort.Candidate sample may be extended by 5% to clarify the accuracy of centre grading decisions.Candidates in the sample should be identified only by their Unique Learner Number (ULN) which can be retrieved from the Course Leader.
Indicate either YES or NO to confirm that Candidate Authentication Forms were made available at the point of the external moderation visit.If the response is NO this must be an action for the following year.
Part 3: Profile of Assessment Evidence
Number of candidates in the cohort Number of candidates in the sample List the pathways and select a representative sample as a percentage of each area (10%-
15%) Number and percentage of D/M/P/R/W Any special consideration or reasonable adjustment should be supported by the correct UAL
paperwork. Any areas of concern in regards to malpractice and maladministration in the assessment and
internal verification process.
EMs should use this section to report on the candidate evidence in relation to the assessment criteria
Part 4: Assessment Methodology
Assessment paperwork is fit for purpose. Internally assessed units are rigorous and assessment decisions are fair, valid and free from
bias. Assessment internal verification and standardisation processes are suitably robust. Assessment and internal verification documentation clearly evidences the decision making
process in borderline candidates. Referred students are given clear feedback and time frame for resubmission. Grading decisions across all pathways are consistent The External Moderator is able to confirm that assessment decisions made by the centre are
consistent with national standards If they are unsound the External Moderator should provide a commentary on those aspects
which require re-design or strengthening. Any aspects described should be noted as actions
EMs should use this section to confirm that the assessment methodology conforms to good practice
Part 5: General Commentary
Teaching and Learning Materials Student understanding of criteria and expectations as evidenced in self assessment Opportunities for tutorial group critiques and peer review Employer engagement Quality of project proposals or overarching briefs – stretch and challenge Range and depth of topics Breadth and depth of research in informing project development Level of investigation and experimentation Quality of Centre documentation Student progression Overall quality of work by pathway
Provides an opportunity for a brief summary identifying areas of good practice as appropriate
The EM should select the appropriate definition to comment on each of the identified grading themes for the level and qualification being assessed
Use sub headings
Note differences between pathways
Note good practice and areas for improvement
Identify by ULN but not name candidates
Refer to EM handbook
Context
Research
Problem Solving
Planning and Production
Practical Skills
Evaluation and Reflection
Presentation
Part 6: Recommendations
Part 7: Actions
Recommendations are for guidance only and can be carried out at the discretion of the CentreRecommendations should refer directly to commentary made in the reportThe EM should report on any recommendations carried out from the preceding EM or Advisory report and what if any impact this has had on quality improvement
Actions are essential measures for improving standards for assessment and must be carried out by the date agreed between the EM and the CentreThe EM must follow up on any actions required in the preceding EM or Advisory report
Questions?
The Extras
Training and Events
Standardisation
Website
Visual Standards Platform
Senior Moderators
Training – Events – Standardisation – Conferences 2016
FAD
Fashion Business and Retail
Art and Design
Media
Performing Arts
Music
EM Annual Training Event: Jan
External Assessor Training: Feb/Mar
Conferences: Jan/Feb/Mar
Standardisation Events: Apr/May/Jun
Exhibition: July
Visual Standards Platform
http://workflow.arts.ac.uk/group/awarding-body-grade-standards/level2-diploma-in-art-design
Website
http://www.arts.ac.uk/about-ual/awarding-body/
Regions and Senior Moderators
FAD
Fashion Business and Retail
Art and Design
Media
Performing Arts
Music
North East
North West
Midlands
South East
South West
Chief Examiners
FAD
Fashion Business and Retail
Art and Design
Media
Performing Arts
Music
Sue Cook: [email protected]
Sarah Atkinson: [email protected]
Martin Vella: [email protected]
Andy Sankey: [email protected]
Marc Mollica: [email protected]
In Practice
Breakout Groups
Scenarios – Exercise
Reviewing Reports – Exercise
Handling Difficult Situations
Giving Feedback
Observations
Reviewing Reports - Exercise
On your own read through the example reports and make notes in relation to:
Good reporting
Poor reporting
You have 20 minutes to complete this task
Discuss your findings with the others in your group
Agree headline issues and appoint spokesperson
You have 10 minutes to complete this task
Feedback to delegates
Final Questions and Next Steps