Course Overview

This unit standard is for people who conduct internal or external moderation of outcomes-based assessments. The assessments could be in terms of outcomes defined in several documents, including but not limited to unit standards, exit level outcomes, assessment standards, curriculum statements and qualifications.

This unit standard will contribute towards the achievement of a variety of qualifications particularly within the field of Education Training and Development Practices and Human Resource Development.

Those who have achieved this unit standard will be able to moderate assessments in terms of the relevant outcome statements and quality assurance requirements. The candidate-moderator will be able to use the prescribed Quality Assurance procedures in a fair, valid, reliable, and practicable manner that is free of all bias and discrimination, paying particular attention to the three groups targeted for redress: race, gender, and disability.

In particular, people credited with this unit standard are able to:

• Demonstrate understanding of moderation within the context of an outcomes-based assessment system,
• Plan and prepare for moderation,
• Conduct moderation,
• Advise and support assessors,
• Report, record and administer moderation,
• Review moderation systems and processes.

Learning Assumed to be in Place and Recognition of Prior Learning
The credit calculation assumes that learners have previous assessment experience when starting to learn towards this unit standard, and in particular, recognition for the unit standard: NLRD 115753: "Conduct outcomes-based assessments".

It is further assumed that the person has evaluative expertise within the field in which they are moderating assessments.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate Understanding of Moderation Within the Context of an Outcomes-Based Assessment System.
  • Moderation is explained in terms of its contribution to quality assured assessment and recognition systems within the context of principles and regulations concerning the NQF.
  • A variety of moderation methods are described and compared in terms of strengths, weaknesses, and applications.
  • Key principles of assessment are described in terms of their importance and effect on the assessment and the application of the assessment results.
  • Examples are provided to show how moderation activities could verify the fairness and appropriateness of assessment methods and activities used by assessors in different assessment situations.
• Plan and Prepare for Moderation.
  • Planning and preparation activities are aligned with moderation system requirements.
  • The scope of the moderation is confirmed with relevant parties.
  • Planning of the extent of moderation and methods of moderation ensures manageability of the process.
  • The contexts of the assessments under review are clarified with the assessors or assessment agency, and special needs are taken into consideration in the moderation planning.
  • Moderation methods and processes are sufficient to deal with all common forms of evidence for the assessments to be moderated, including evidence gathered for recognition of prior learning.
  • The documentation is prepared in line with the moderation system requirements and in such a way as to ensure moderation decisions are clearly documented.
  • Required physical and human resources are ensured to be ready and available for use.
• Conduct Moderation.
  • The moderation is conducted in accordance with the moderation plan.
  • The assessment instruments and process are checked and judged in terms of the extent to which the principles of good assessment are upheld.
  • Moderation confirms that special needs of candidates have been provided for but without compromising the requirements specified in the relevant outcome statements.
  • The proportion of assessments selected for checking meets the quality assurance body's requirements for consistency and reliability. The use of time and resources is justified by the assessment history or record of the assessors and/or assessment agency under consideration
  • Appeals against assessment decisions are handled in accordance with organisational appeal procedures.
  • The moderation decision is consistent with the quality assurance body's requirements for fairness, validity, and reliability of assessments to be achieved.
• Advise and Support Assessors.
  • The nature and quality of advice facilitates a common understanding of the relevant outcomes and criteria, and issues related to their assessment by assessors.
  • The nature and quality of advice promotes assessment in accordance with good assessment principles and enhances the development and maintenance of quality management systems in line with ETQA requirements.
  • Support contributes towards the further development of assessors as needed.
  • All communications are conducted in accordance with relevant confidentiality requirements.
• Report, Record and Administer Moderation.
  • Moderation findings are reported to designated role-players within agreed timeframes and according to the quality assurance body's requirements for format and content.
  • Records are maintained in accordance with organisational quality assurance and ETQA requirements.
  • Confidentiality of information relating to candidates and assessors is preserved in accordance with organisational quality assurance and ETQA requirements.
• Review Moderation Systems and Processes.
  • Strengths and weaknesses of moderation systems and processes are identified in terms of their manageability and effectiveness in facilitating judgements on the quality and validity of assessment decisions.
  • Recommendations contribute towards the improvement of moderation systems and processes in line with ETQA requirements and overall manageability.
  • The review enhances the credibility and integrity of the recognition system.

Competency Scores

All learners are to achieve 80% and above.

Training Aids

Slide Show Presentation

Moderation of Outcomes Based Assessment Training Manual Certificate on completion of the course.