So how should an assessor and ITQ candidate prepare for a Professional Discussion?

Good preparation is the key to a successful Professional Discussion.

Terry Loane talks to Di Dawson about how the assessor and candidate should prepare for a Professional Discussion. 

Terry refers to Framework templates that help the candidate prepare for the Professional Discussion.

Level 1 Framework

Level 2 Framework

Level 3 Framework

Listen to External Verifier, Alison Lones, who also recommends advance preparation. 

Wilf Voss from the British Computer Society talks about the three steps to effective planning.

Professional Discussion: Checklist

A checklist can be helpful for the assessor to prepare for the Professional Discussion and also to help keep on track.

Let's consider what needs to be on a preparation checklist.

• Agree the time that the discussion will take place. Also, agree the suggested length of time to be taken for the full Professional Discussion. This may be an estimate but a reasonable length away from someone's desk can place undue stress on the candidate and his/her colleagues. 
•  Agree the venue or place. Perhaps the best place is away from the candidate's desk. However the meeting place needs to be free from excessive noise and the candidate needs to make sure that there will be no interruption by phone or otherwise.
• Agree what equipment will be required. Will the candidate be demonstrating any actions using specific work-based software and therefore a computer or laptop is required?
• Agree what criteria will be covered and assessed during the Professional Discussion. Is the candidate really familiar with all the standards?
• Ensure the candidate is ready to be assessed. Does he/she have the required evidence to bring to the Professional Discussion?
• Ensure that the candidate is aware of the process of the Professional Discussion. Make clear if questioning and observation will also be included and at what stage.
• Ensure the candidate is aware that the assessor will be expecting the candidate to take the lead during the Professional Discussion after the initial entry question. Is the candidate aware that the assessor will interrupt if the topic has been fully covered or whether a new focus needs to be adopted?
• Ensure the candidate is aware of the recording device and the rationale for its use.
• Agree a plan if the Professional Discussion cannot be achieved because of difficulties with time, timings, venue or other unforeseen problems.
  
  

Checklist

Professional Discussion can be particularly appropriate for candidates with literacy problems or dyslexia as it makes the production of evidence easier for them. An assessor should ask if the candidate wishes to have a copy of the recording for his/her later reference. Participation in a Professional Discussion could also be good evidence for Communication Skills evidence.

Next ->

Last modified: 16 Oct 2007