It represents a human, third-party verification of skills demonstrated by a person over a course of time. Unlike tests that measure skill comprehension, observed assessments provide verification that a person demonstrates proficiency under real world conditions. Skills such as verbal communication and self-control are extremely difficult to measure on a test and are better measured by observation. This assessment aligns to how businesses use personal references to verify a person’s skills
This assessment is conducted by a teacher, instructor or program manager using their observations. This is not a test that a person takes on paper or online.
It should only be used in a program where a person’s skills are observed multiple times in different situations over a course of time. We recommend a minimum 6 week observational period. This ensures that a skill set is habitual versus a temporary performance.
It should be used formatively to support a person’s skill growth. Ideally, a person gets assessed at periodic intervals over the course of a program and provided feedback on how to improve. Unlike tests that can lose efficacy the more they are given, observed assessments are only impacted by the assessor’s ability to measure observed behavior.