Assessment strategy

A key component of the assessment strategy for WBL is the WBL Framework. This Framework uses level descriptors applicable across a range of levels of qualifications, from under-graduate to doctorate. These articulate the expected learning achievement at each level of qualification. The level descriptors are presented in the WBL Framework specification in four main categories: Knowledge and Understanding, Cognitive Skills, Practical Skills and Personal and Enabling Skills.

Knowledge and Understanding (KU)

1. Analysis and evaluation of work based information and concepts
2. Reflection on the wider contexts of work-based practice and learning
3. Work-based inquiry, action planning and problem solving

Cognitive skills (CS)

1. Analysis and evaluation of work based information and concepts
2. Reflection on the wider contexts of work-based practice and learning
3. Work-based inquiry, action planning and problem solving

Practical skills (PS)

1. Work-based project design and development skills
2. Professional networking and interpersonal skills
3. Communication and information management

Personal and Enabling skills (PES)

1. Self-directed professional development skills
2. Responsibility and leadership in work/practice contexts

Each of these components forms the assessments foci for all work based learning pathways at Otago Polytechnic. They contribute to the assessment criteria and are cross linked with the Graduate Profile and the individual learning outcomes for each of the programme of study. Alongside these broad areas criteria that reflect the appropriate level of the qualification are developed. One comparison is attached here.