Observational assessments involve an observer rating a participant on tasks, skills, and abilities, rather than participants directly responding to questions. This type of assessment can more reliably measure performance of specific procedures, knowledge application, and skills than traditional exams. The observer logs into the assessment system, selects a participant to observe, then rates the participant's preparation, task performance, and wrap-up. Results are reported back to stakeholders. Observational assessments are commonly used for certification, training evaluation, and in medical and driving schools.

1. Observational Assessments
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2. What are Observational Assessments?
 Observational assessments provide a mechanism
for an ‘observer’ to assess a participant
 For example, a participant might be observed and
rated on…
 Performance of a specific task or procedure
 Knowledge acquisition and application
 Demonstration of skills/abilities that ‘traditional’
assessment may be less reliable in measuring
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3. Observational assessment vs.
‘traditional’ quiz, test or exam
Traditional assessment
• Participant is presented with
questions for direct response
Observational assessment
• Observer is presented with
questions to ‘rate’ participant’s
knowledge, skills and abilities
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4. If assessing performance of a task, observer
typically rates participant in three areas:
Performing
Preparation Wrap Up
the task
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5. Typical workflow for observer
Monitor/observer logs in
Selects assessment
Selects participant to be observed
Answers/submits responses to questions
Results/feedback reported to stakeholders
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6. Monitor/observer
logs in

7. Selects assessment

8. Selects participant
to be observed

9. Answers/submits
responses to
questions

10. Feedback to Participant on Performance
Results/feedback
reported to
stakeholders

11. Mobile devices
 Mobile devices such as tablets and smart phones
are ideal for delivering observational
assessments
Copyright © 1995-2011 Questionmark Corporation and/or Questionmark Computing Limited, known collectively as Questionmark. All rights reserved.
Questionmark is a registered trademark of Questionmark Computing Limited. All other trademarks are acknowledged.

12. The same assessment
that is delivered on
traditional laptop can be
delivered via a handheld
mobile device such as
iPad, iPhone or Android
phone/tablet

13. Example applications of Observational
Assessment
Certification Observational assessments can be used as critical components of the certification process – in some cases are
required by regulatory authorities.
Process
Performance or An organization has delivered a training course to its employees and is now evaluating its effectiveness. By
observing and monitoring behavioral changes in the workplace before and after the training, the organization will
level 3 be able to assess the changes caused by the training and evaluate the return on investment gained.
assessment:
Medical and Medical and dental schools make extensive use of observational assessments such as the Objective Structured
Clinical Examination (OSCE).
Dental School
exams:
Equipment Observational assessment can be used to record and rate operators' skills, abilities, safety practices and
adherence to required procedures
operation:
Customer Service Workplace Assessments can also be used to evaluate retail sales and customer service staff on how well they
cope in different situations to assess where additional training is required or where personnel excel.
evaluation:
Driving school A driving school examiner observes and rates the license applicant against several pre-elected tasks, such as
parking, observation and awareness.
examiner:
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Questionmark is a registered trademark of Questionmark Computing Limited. All other trademarks are acknowledged.

14. Questions?
More information:
http://www.questionmark.com/go/observational
Copyright © 1995-2011 Questionmark Corporation and/or Questionmark Computing Limited, known collectively as Questionmark. All rights reserved.
Questionmark is a registered trademark of Questionmark Computing Limited. All other trademarks are acknowledged.