3. Our aim is to find better methods of assessment for prevocational trainees.
Among our underlying assumptions, we think that these are the purposes
of assessment.
1. Formative: to guide the trainee’s professional development.
2. Safety: to identify safety concerns and underperformance issues.
3. Summative: to document satisfactory performance
(certification/registration/progression).
4. Systemic: to identify strengths and weaknesses of the education and
training process.
These are four big purposes, and it is quite likely that a range of assessment
methods is required to meet all of them. However, in NSW, and I think in
other jurisdictions as well, assessment is conducted through a mid‐term
formative appraisal and an end‐term summative assessment — two forms,
filled out at two interviews between the term supervisor and the trainee.
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