What are the three key roles in practical assessment?
1. Ākonga | Learner – Demonstrates their skills through hands-on tasks or evidence of past work.
2. Observer – Observes the performance of the ākonga, records and/or reviews the evidence the ākonga provides.
3. Assessor – Makes the final decision on whether the ākonga is competent.
What does an observer do?
Observers see and/or hear and/or sight the work naturally occurring in their role at the workplace. They help provide the assessors with clear evidence of how the ākonga performs. This is usually “naturally occurring evidence”—proof of learning or skills shown through regular work, not staged for assessment.
The observer:
· acts as the “eyes and ears” of the assessor
· observes the ākonga at work, or reviews the evidence of their past work
· clearly writes down what they saw, heard and/or sighted
· gives helpful feedback to the ākonga
· checks with the assessor if unsure about any part of the process.
Who can be an observer?
An observer could be anyone who:
· works closely with ākonga
· understands what good performance looks like in the workplace
· knows the task being observed and the standard it must meet
· knows how to apply workplace policies and procedures
· is either more qualified or more experienced than ākonga
· is comfortable giving feedback to ākonga.
And they may come from many roles, including:
· team leaders, supervisors, managers
· health professionals, social workers, youth leaders, cleaners
· senior or experienced staff
· coordinators or administrators
· (in specific situations) clients, whānau, people being supported
· educators or trainers.
What makes a good observer?
In general, good observers have the following qualities:
· skilled and experienced in their field
· able to write clear, accurate notes
· respectful of clients and their rights
· good at communicating
· culturally aware and inclusive
· approachable and supportive, but fair and realistic.
Download our Observer Top Tips below:
If you would like to know more about REAL Observers, please download the Observer handbook:
and contact your Careerforce Workplace Advisor: