Moderation Policy

South African Mountaineering Development & Training Trust

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Preamble

The purpose of the policy is to ensure that all certifications awarded are of the same standard and that the assessment of the candidate is fair, valid and reliable.

Principles

The moderation function will be carried out in a manner that ensures that the assessment of candidates is fair, valid and reliable. Measures will be included to ensure the integrity and security of assessment. The moderation process will:

Verify assessment decisions and ensure that the assessment procedures are current and appropriate to the scheme.

Ensure that MDT organisational requirements for assessment are adhered to, and

Ensure that there is compliance with national and industry standards requirements.

Moderation may include but is not limited to:

Discussions with the Candidate,

Discussions with the Assessor

Discussion with any other relevant persons that have been involved in the assessment process

Issuing of questionnaires to candidates

Moderators

All moderators should have achieved a relevant moderation qualification (SAQA 7977). The moderator will ensure that assessments performed have been fair, valid and reliable and that the award of certificates is of the same standard. The moderator will make a decision based on the examination of evidence collected during the assessment process, the assessment documentation, the assessment process followed and feedback from the Candidate.

Moderation Process

Plan moderation

The moderator will use the formatted moderation tools for moderation. These will be customised for each scheme.

Moderation will occur on at least 25% of all assessments done by each Service Provider.

Perform moderation

During moderation the moderator will:

1) Ensure that assessment is fair, reliable and valid.

Check assessment documentation for validity, reliability, sufficiency and consistency.

Determine whether the assessment activities or tools used produced reliable results.

Determine if the decision taken is appropriate to the evidence.

2) Ensure that assessment documents are appropriately used

Check that the assessments are carried out with direct reference to the schemes requirements.

Check that the assessment documentation has been completed according to MDT requirements.

3) Ensure that assessment evidence is stored for moderation purposes in a manner that protects the integrity of the evidence.

Check that assessments records are accurate, complete and up to date.

Check that assessment records are stored in a safe and secure manner.

Check that candidate’s records are accurate, complete and up to date.

Check that MDT records are accurate, complete and up to date.

It is required that all appropriate documentation is available to the moderator(s)

Review of moderation process

The MDT moderators will review the moderation process continuously; identify areas for improvement and note areas in which the moderation policies and procedures should be amended to ensure continuous improvement.

Amendments of policies and procedures

It is the responsibility of Administrator to ensure that all the necessary changes that are to be made to the policies and procedures are communicated to assessors.

Appeals procedure

An appeals process will be in place for Assessors who feel that they have been judged unfairly. Appeals may include but are not limited to:

Competence of moderators

Process followed

Disputes around sufficiency of evidence.

Code of Conduct

It is expected that the moderators conduct themselves in a courteous and professional manner at all times.

Requirements of moderators

Hold a recognised moderation qualification (SAQA 7977)

Have a full understanding of various assessment methods and evidence requirements

Know the different methods of gathering valid, fair and consistent evidence

Know the MDT’s requirements for making and completing submissions for certificates

Knowledge of MDT’s requirements for validity, reliability, sufficiency and consistency

Have a complete understanding of the assessment process

Able to provide advice and support to assessors so as to maintain effective relationships

Be a recognised subject matter expert in the field being moderated.

The MDT Quality Management System has been established and is maintained by the Adventure Qualifications Network cc (AQN). If you would like further information about their services to the Adventure Industry, please feel free to contact them at: P.O.Box 2510, Hillcrest, 3650 Tel: 031 767 2160 or by Email www.aqn.za.org