Moderating the Whole Assessment Package
Moderation is not just about reviewing the assessment task.
Moderators should review the entire assessment package, including:
- Course descriptor
- Learning outcomes
- Assessment matrix
- Assessment tasks
- Learner instructions
- Marking guides and rubrics
- Judgement statements
- Model answers (where applicable)
A strong assessment package works together to support valid, fair, and consistent assessment decisions. As a moderator, consider how each component contributes to the learner’s ability to demonstrate achievement.
Key Questions to Ask
1. Are All Learning Outcomes Assessed?
Check that every learning outcome is assessed appropriately and that learners have sufficient opportunity to demonstrate achievement.
Example
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Task |
| Evaluate the impact of nutrition on health outcomes. | List five food groups. |
| Consider: Does the task allow learners to demonstrate evaluation, or only recall of information? | |
The task does not provide learners with an opportunity to demonstrate evaluation.
2. Is the Assessment at the Correct NZQCF Level?
Consider the complexity of thinking required by the assessment task and whether it aligns with the learning outcome.
| Lower-Level Tasks Identify Describe List | Higher-Level Tasks Analyse Evaluate Critique Justify |
Example
A Level 6 learning outcome may require learners to compare, analyse, or justify approaches rather than simply describe them.
Consider: Does the task require the level of thinking expected by the learning outcome?
3. Are the Instructions Clear?
Assessment instructions should clearly communicate what learners are expected to do and what evidence is required.
Example
Less Clear: Discuss communication.
Clearer: Discuss two barriers to communication in healthcare and explain how each barrier can affect patient outcomes.
Consider: Would a learner know exactly what is expected without seeking additional clarification?
4. Can Assessors Make Consistent Decisions?
Review the rubric or marking guide carefully.
Ask yourself: Would different assessors be likely to award similar marks using this rubric?
Example
Less Detailed Judgement Statement: Shows good understanding.
More Detailed Judgement Statement: Accurately explains three communication strategies and applies them appropriately to the given scenario.
Consider: Does the rubric clearly describe what successful performance looks like?
5. Review the Assessment from Both Perspectives
A useful moderation approach is to review the assessment twice: once as a learner and once as an assessor. This helps identify issues that may not be obvious when viewing the assessment from only one perspective.
First, Review as a Learner
Put yourself in the learner’s position and ask:
- Do I understand what I am being asked to do?
- Are the instructions clear and easy to follow?
- Do I know what evidence I need to provide?
- Are submission requirements clearly explained?
- Does the rubric help me understand how my work will be assessed?
Example
A rubric states: Demonstrates appropriate understanding.
From a learner’s perspective, it may be unclear what “appropriate understanding” means or what evidence is required to achieve it.
Then, Review as an Assessor
Now put yourself in the assessor’s position and ask:
- Is there enough guidance to support consistent marking?
- Are performance expectations clearly defined?
- Would another assessor reach a similar judgement?
- Does the rubric align with the learning outcomes?
- Is the evidence required for achievement clearly described?
Example
A rubric states: Accurately explains three communication strategies and applies them appropriately to the scenario.
From an assessor’s perspective, this provides clearer evidence requirements and supports more consistent judgement decisions.
Why This Matters
Effective assessments help learners understand what is expected while also supporting assessors to make fair, valid, and consistent decisions.
A well-designed assessment should be clear for learners and easy for assessors to mark consistently.
Quick Moderation Checklist
Before moving on, ask yourself:
- Are all learning outcomes assessed?
- Is the assessment at the correct NZQCF level?
- Are the instructions clear?
- Is the marking guide sufficiently detailed?
- Can learners demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes?
- Would different assessors make reasonably consistent decisions?
- Have I reviewed the assessment from both a learner’s and assessor’s perspective?
Final Thought
Effective moderation is about looking beyond the assessment task itself. By reviewing the assessment package from both a learner’s and an assessor’s perspective, moderators can help ensure assessments are clear, aligned to learning outcomes, and capable of supporting fair, valid, and consistent assessment decisions.
For more on moderation:
Pre-Assessment Moderation Essentials
What to Review During Moderation
The Moderation Process
Quality Moderation Tips and Common Issues