The impact of different modes of assessment on achievement and progress in the learning and skills sector

This study was commissioned to investigate whether or not use of different assessment methods makes a difference to learner achievement and progress in the learning and skills sector. The research found that clarity in assessment processes and criteria has underpinned the widespread use of coaching, practice and provision of formative feedback to boost achievement. However it also indicates that such transparency encourages instrumentalism and that this is the most significant challenge confronting assessment in the LSS: balancing the explicitness of learning objectives and instructional processes against the validity and worthwhileness of learning outcomes.