Understanding assessment and qualifications in post-compulsory education : principles, politics and practice

Assessment can be a complex, confusing, and often-controversial area.

Rather than complementing learning it often detracts from it.

Reaching a balance between flexible, accessible and inclusive assessment and assessment that also allows for quality assurance and 'maintenance of standards' is often seen as an impossible task.

This book responds to these issues by locating day-to-day assessment practices and broader developments in qualification systems within a political and theoretical context.

It offers practical strategies for improving assessment and accreditation in post-16 education and adult learning.