Tools for Assessing and Evidencing Achievement and Progress

This section comprises tools that are of a generic nature which can be applied in a range of learning contexts.

Learners' Records of Achievement and Progress
A range of generic tools for learners to record their progress and achievement.

Measuring Soft Outcomes: a WEFO Research Report -June 2006
This report presents the findings of a research project undertaken to explore methodology for measuring 'soft' outcomes. The study sampled projects under the East Wales Objective 3 Programme and Equal Community Initiative, both co-financed by the European Social Fund (ESF) in Wales. Useful illustrations of the use of a range of tools and pertinent recommendations.

Catching Confidence - Evidencing Changes in Learners' Confidence
Catching Confidence Research Project Report
This report describes the background, research processes and findings of a small-scale action research study conducted to carry out qualitative research into learners’ and practitioners’ views on the development of confidence in relation to learning. It set out to examine the nature of confidence, what seemed to influence changes in confidence and whether any changes could be evidenced during episodes of learning. The research took place between September 2003 and March 2004.
Catching Confidence - A Grid for Learners
A useful and adaptable grid to enable learners to identify: their starting points and progression in confidence levels in particular circumstances.
Guidelines for Using the Catching Confidence Grid
 

A Personal Growth Barometer
An Excel table and charts to enable the measuring of personal development gained during a programme working with a group which included single fathers, ex-offenders and long-term unemployed, many with basic skills needs. (Hull CVS)

Bull's Eye - A Visual/Graphical Method of Recording Achievement
A very user friendly technique used in Kent's Family Learning programmes.

Rickter Scale: a tool for Measuring Distance Travelled and Soft Outcomes
A commercial tool, which allows clients to understand their present circumstances better, to identify priority areas for support or intervention, to recognise strategies that have worked for them previously and to explore future possibilities. It attempts to measure 'distance travelled' and ‘soft’ outcomes.

The Rickter Scale has been developed by a company in Edinburgh and is basically a coloured plastic board with sliders in a framework of scales. During the course of the interview (perhaps initial assessment, or on-going guidance), people would place themselves on a scale of 1-10 in terms of, for example, their self confidence, and then repeat the exercise at the end of a term/ course or after a specified period. As the interview progresses, ratings can be adjusted as different factors and contexts are taken into account.
An introduction to and explanation of the Rickter Scale by the Supplier
 

Spirit Level - a Tool for Measuring and Assessing Quality of Life
SpiritLevel is a useful and reliable tool that measures and assesses quality of life across a broad range of users, thus enabling soft outcome or distance travelled to be successfully monitored.

Measuring distance travelled in a learning session
A numerical approach to measuring learning before and after a learning session developed by The Northern College.
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