Glossary
Peer assessment
Peer assessment is the assessment by students of one another's work with reference to criteria. This can occur using a range of strategies. The peer assessment process needs to be taught and students supported by opportunities to practise it regularly in a supportive and safe classroom environment.
Performance criteria
This is the criteria by which student achievement is measured and evaluated with respect to unit standards. Performance criteria help students and assessors maintain objectivity and provide students with information about expectations, giving them a clear target to aim for.
Portfolio
A systematic and organised collection of student work that exhibits to others, direct evidence of a student's efforts, achievements, and progress over a period of time (see journals also). The portfolio should involve the student selection of its contents and include information about the performance/achievement criteria and evidence of student self-evaluation. It should include representative work, providing a basis for evaluation of the student's progress.
Provider
A school or educational institution accredited by NZQA to offer achievement or unit standards. Achievement standards and many unit standards are classified as Base Scope standards that the majority of schools are accredited to offer. In addition to these, there are industry based unit standards that require the institution to apply to NZQA for accreditation before they can be offered.
Purpose
This refers to what specific skills, knowledge and understanding are needed to achieve a standard in NCEA.