Some TAE Students struggle with their TAE studies. I have established a tutoring service to help individuals studying for:

• TAE40116 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
• TAE50116 Diploma of Vocational Education and Training 
• TAE50216 Diploma of Training Design and Development.

Feeling overwhelmed or losing motivation are common experiences for many TAE Students. There is no shame in asking for help. My tutoring service saves time and saves being frustrated.

Barriers to learning and assessment

Many people find the TAE40116 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment qualification difficult for a range of reasons. Typical barriers include:

• Understanding VET jargon and acronyms
• Understanding and interpreting units of competency and assessment requirements
• Understanding assessment instructions
• Understanding how to perform the assessment tasks
• Reading and writing skills
• Computer skills.

Understanding VET jargon and acronyms

RTO, ASQA, AQF, AISC, IRC, SSO, LLN, ACSF, NYC, etc. The Australian VET system uses a lot of jargon and acronyms. This can be confusing for someone who is new to the world of VET. If you don’t understand the language of VET, then it is easy to get confused and frustrated. Topics or information about VET can have no meaning when a person starts their TAE studies.

Some strategies to help a TAE Student learn VET jargon and acronyms are:

• Refer to Standards for RTOs, Glossary
• Develop glossary of VET jargon and acronyms
• Encouragement to use VET jargon and acronyms.

As a TAE Tutor, I can create a ‘safe learning environment’ that encourages a TAE Student to practice using and learning the new terminology.

Understanding and interpreting units of competency and assessment requirements

Competency-based training and assessment is a fundamental part of Australia’s VET system. Units of competency are extracted from ‘training packages and accredited courses’. They are the building blocks for qualifications and skill sets. An understanding of them is foundational, but many people who are new to VET need help to develop their understanding.

And to make things worst, units of competency and assessment requirements are deliberately written to be ambiguous. This is not a fault. This is a feature of the Australian VET system. It allows units to be interpreted and contextualised to meet specific requirements for a workplace or industry.

As a TAE Tutor, I can focus on developing a practical understanding of units of competency and how to use them.

Understanding assessment instructions

Some assessment instructions are poorly written. Some assessment instructions are not written in plain English. Some assessment instructions are complex, using jargon and acronyms. And sometimes the structure of the the instructions are complex or defy logic.

If someone can not understand the assessment instructions, then they can not get started on performing the assessment task. Alternatively, if they misunderstand the instructions they may waste time and effort doing unnecessary work.

As a TAE Tutor, I can help untangle and explain what the assessment instructions are saying. Often, I need to simplify or prioritise the steps to be taken to undertake the assessment tasks.

Understanding how to perform the assessment tasks

Some training providers may not cover the required knowledge or required skills for performing tasks. Some training providers may not clearly describe how to perform tasks. And some training providers may deliver short-duration or poor quality TAE training that is insufficient.

As a TAE Tutor, I can diagnose what may be stopping a person from performing the assessment task:

• Lack of required knowledge
• Lack of required foundation skills
• Unclear about the steps to perform the task.

Then as the TAE Tutor, I can help close knowledge gaps, skill gaps, or give a clear step-by-step procedure.

Reading and writing skills

Some TAE Students have inadequate reading and writing skills.

Reading tasks include:

• Read learner guides
• Read reference documents
• Read assessment instructions.

Writing tasks include:

• Write answers to questions
• Develop training and assessment documents
• Use templates or forms to complete assessment tasks.

Reading and writing can be difficult for people who’s first language is not English. Australia has welcomed many migrants and refugees who may experience language or literacy barriers.

Some TAE Students would benefit having extensive LLN support. However, other TAE Students can cope if they get clear explanations and guidance. As a TAE Tutor, I cannot give extensive LLN support but I can give clear explanations and guidance.

Computer skills

Technology has become common in today’s workplace. Trainers and TAFE teachers working in the VET sector are required to use technology. For example:

• Learning management systems, such as Moodle
• Word processing applications, such as Microsoft Word
• Presentation applications, such as Microsoft PowerPoint
• Video conferencing platforms, such as Zoom
• Computer and projection equipment.

Some TAE Students have insufficient computer skills when they commence their TAE studies. The development of computer skills is essential. As a TAE Tutor, I can demonstrate some some basic computer functions to help learn to use Microsoft Word and this can help with competing assessment tasks.

About the TAE Tutoring service

Each tutoring session shall be conducted using Zoom. The duration of a tutoring session is 60 minutes. The session is tailored to the needs of the individual with the aim of progressing assessment tasks. Sessions can be arranged for during the day, evenings, or weekends.

Do you want more information? Ring Alan Maguire on 0493 065 396 to discuss.

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Training trainers since 1986