Research and analysis

​​Responding to Criticisms of the CASLO Approach (Report A)​

A taxonomy of potential problems - part of a series from Ofqual’s programme of research into the CASLO approach.

Applies to England

Documents

Responding to Criticisms of the CASLO Approach (Report A)

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Details

Over the past few years, Ofqual has invested in a programme of research into what we now refer to as the ‘CASLO’ approach to qualification design.

Engaging with the literature has been an important part of our research into the CASLO approach, although it proved to be a challenging literature to engage with. This report outlines criticisms from the core literature.

Authors

Paul E. Newton, Milja Curcin, Latoya Clarke and Astera Brylka and from Ofqual’s Standards, Research and Analysis Directorate.

With thanks to

With thanks to Chris Winch for his expert advice on the literature.

The CASLO Research Programme

This report is part of a series that arose from Ofqual’s 2020 to 2024 programme of research into the CASLO approach:

  1. The CASLO Research Programme: Overview of research projects conducted between 2020 and 2024.

  2. The CASLO Approach: A design template for vocational and technical qualifications.

  3. How ‘CASLO’ Qualifications Work. (This was published in February 2022.)

  4. Origins and Evolution of the CASLO Approach in England: The importance of outcomes and mastery when designing vocational and technical qualifications.

  5. Responding to Criticisms of the CASLO Approach (Report A): A taxonomy of potential problems.

  6. Responding to Criticisms of the CASLO Approach (Report B): Views from awarding organisations.

  7. Responding to Criticisms of the CASLO Approach (Report C): Views from qualification stakeholders.

  8. Responding to Criticisms of the CASLO Approach (Report D): Properties of qualifications from the CASLO research programme.

  9. Understanding Qualification Design: Insights from the 2020 to 2024 CASLO qualification research programme.

Updates to this page

Published 18 November 2024

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