Embedding Literacy and Numeracy Module/Knowing the learner

There are a variety of approaches you can use to assess or get to know your learner.


 * Conducting a 1:1 interview
 * Conducting focus or discussion groups
 * Contextualised diagnostic assessments
 * Using the Assessment Tool
 * Profiling your student

The primary purpose of assessment should be to support learning by generating feedback that Learners and Educators can act upon in terms of:


 * What literacy and numeracy skills does the Learner need (in relation to qualifications, work demands or social contexts)
 * What are the Learner’s current literacy and numeracy skills
 * What is the Learner’s next learning step to make progress towards the skills needed

Information gathered for this purpose may also be used for other purposes, but the focus should always be addressing each Learner’s own mix of learning needs.

Using the Assessment Tool at Otago Polytechnic

Contact the facilitator of this course at Otago Polytechnic for training in the use of the Tool.

{{Activity |
 * Before asking your Learners to commence a literacy or numeracy assessment, explain to them the purpose of the assessment. This [[media:Assessment_Tool_Blurb.pdf|powerpoint presentation]] may be useful.
 * After completing the assessments you should debrief with the learners. Here is a quick presentation for learners after doing the assessment: [[media:Learning_Centre3.pdf|Debrief]]

Formative Assessment Tasks
}}
 * Look at this example of a [[media:BMETS_Reading_Assessment_2010.pdf|reading assessment task]]. Create a reading activity for your course.
 * Look at this example of a [[media:Diagnostic.Writing.pdf|writing assessment task]]. Create a writing activity for your course.