7 Professional Discussions

Overview

A Professional Discussion (PD) is a planned, in-depth, two way exploratory conversation between the Practice Tutor/Trainer/Assessor and the Apprentice. It is a unique and effective way of assessing the apprentice’s understanding and knowledge and how they have met the assessment criteria in their Degree Apprenticeship Standard. It is efficient in regards to time and as a useful holistic assessment method. The PD can enable apprentices with additional learning needs or an apprentice that may find written evidence a challenge to produce and they can voice record their evidence of how they meet the criteria. The Practice Tutor produces an assessment plan that provides an outline of the main focus of the professional discussion, this will cover which learning outcomes or assessment criteria’s will be covered, date and time, who will be present and any supplementary evidence which can be presented during the discussion. This is then followed by the Practice Tutor and apprentice meeting virtually on conference call platform. The Practice Tutor will facilitate the questions and the learner will lead on the discussion. The conversation is recorded. Line Managers can be invited to the discussion so that they can authenticate and validate the examples provided by the apprentice. This can form part of the feedback process and the Practice Tutor records the assessment outcome on the required assessment records on the e-portfolio system. Professional discussions can help the Assessor/Trainer to:

 explore and assess the learner’s in-depth understanding of a subject/topic  assess practice that cannot be directly observed

 assess aspects of work practice that are difficult to observe, are rare occurrences, or take place in restricted or confidential settings

 assess a discrete set of learning outcomes/assessment criteria using a two-way conversation

 access additional information to supplement and support other assessment methods, for example a portfolio or project report, assignment etc.

 enable the learner to explore and elaborate on areas which may not otherwise be easy to demonstrate

 to follow up on any Expert Witness testimonies (EWT) provide by the learners Manager and/or workplace supervisor.

Key principles of the assessment method: Inclusivity is a key consideration when using technology in assessment. It supports diverse students, students with additional learning needs by using alternative formats. Technology can be used to create authentic simulations that allow students to develop digital literacy skills for the work place.