Developing competition briefs

CPD2dHow to use this resource:To develop and enhance skills in the design and assessment of skills competition briefs for vocational teachers and trainers

Aims• Identify what makes a good competition brief.• Begin to brainstorm ideas for a competition brief• Consider how to continue to prepare for CPD events

Competition briefs• Two broad requirements:

- Clear and simply expressed task which provides realistic challenge

- Marking scheme which sets clear standards and leads to fair and reliable judgements

basis for feedback on performance

• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the horticulture competition brief against these two requirements?

Competition task• Is it clearly stated? Are the expected outcomes clear?

• Is the task achievable by most competitors in the time available?

• Is the target level specific?

• Is the task challenging but realistic?

• Does the task include important aspects? Process as well as technical skills?

• Are conditions for the competition clearly set out?

• Are competitors clear about what they will be judged on and the relative weighting?

Marking scheme• Marking schemes for judges and competitors consistent?

• Expected standards of performance clearly set out?

• Balance between objective and subjective elements right?

• Reliability of subjective marking? Can marks be awarded reliably from the descriptors? What arrangements for ensuring fairness and reliability?

• Marking scheme manageable and easily understood?

• Weighting of marks reflects difficulty/importance?

• Mark scheme provides a good basis for feedback?

Supporting the developing and improvement of competition briefs

• Encourage development in teams.• Facilitate review of briefs within and across vocational areas,

encouraging use of a systematic set of questions.• Act as an objective reviewer.• Set a timetable for development, review and refinement of

briefs; allow enough time.• Identify areas for improvement as questions for specialists ie

challenge and apply coaching approaches.• Ensure feedback from competitors and judges.