Unit of competency details

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

1. Access and research information.

1.1. Identify information sources  appropriate to the area or activity to be interpreted.

1.2. Research information  to determine special or unique features  of an area.

1.3. Ascertain individual, group and activity objectives according to organisational policies and procedures .

1.4. Assess participant's needs and gather information on their knowledge and understanding of the specific area or activity.

2. Develop specialist resources for interpretive activities.

2.1. Identify and document activities and information according to participant's  needs, relevant legislation  and organisational policies and procedures.

2.2. Develop or source, where necessary, specialist resources , support materials  and props that enhance oral presentation of information.

2.3. Consult and contract specialists, where necessary, to enhance the material or resource quality.

2.4. Produce materials in a cost effective manner according to organisational policies and procedures.

3. Assess content and impact of interpretive activity.

3.1. Evaluate the effectiveness of the specialist resources and interpretive activity according to the objectives.

3.2. Modify content and presentation where required.

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• planning and organising skills to:

• establish individual, group and activity objectives
• source information, resources, materials and props appropriate to participants, area and activity
• assess participant's knowledge of area and activity
• produce materials in a cost effective manner

• literacy skills to:

• research a variety of sources
• identify information on the special or unique features of an area, including cultural, heritage, historical or environmental matters

• communication and interpersonal skills to:

• interact with different participant groups
• consult with specialists to enhance quality of resources

• problem-solving skills to:

• develop or source interpretive activities
• evaluate content and delivery techniques.

Required knowledge 

• legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable access to research materials and participant information
• interpretation techniques, definitions and guiding principles to support the development of comprehensive resources
• thematic planning to identify appropriate themes and messages for resources
• information sources, support materials and resources to provide information relevant to interpretation activities
• special or unique features, interrelationships of features, and physical development of activity areas to enable interpretation
• natural history and human usage of the area to gain an understanding of the area
• ongoing review mechanisms to enable continuous improvement and modification of resource materials.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Evidence of the following is essential:

• accesses and researches a variety of sources to obtain sufficient information about special or unique features of an activity area
• recognises and responds to the need to consult specialists, where required, to enhance resource quality
• evaluates and reflects on own resource development performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure development of specialist resources and materials for interpretive activities to meet the identified needs of specific participants on sufficient occasions to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

• information on specific participant needs
• information sources, support materials and resources to develop specialist resources for interpretive activities
• specialists, where required, to enhance the material or resource quality.

Method of assessment 

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

• portfolio of research material
• completed resources addressing specific participant needs
• oral and or written questioning to assess knowledge of specialist resources that enhance various aspects of an interpretive activity
• third-party reports from a supervisor and or leader detailing performance.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Information sources  may include:

• print and electronic media
• local inhabitants
• persons with prior knowledge.

Information  may include:

• cultural
• heritage
• historical
• environmental.

Special or unique features  may include:

• geological
• geographical
• archaeological
• biological.

Organisational policies and procedures  may include:

• occupational health and safety
• communication protocols
• minimal impact environmental codes
• budget constraints
• code of ethics.

Participant  may include:

• tourists
• school or youth groups
• club members
• special interest groups.

Relevant legislation  may include:

• occupational health and safety
• permits or permission for access
• environmental regulations
• marine regulations.

Specialist resources  may include:

• DVDS and videos
• print material
• PowerPoint presentations
• website presentations.

Support materials  may include:

• books
• maps
• diagrams and photographs
• binoculars
• guidebooks and field guides.