40+ years experience as a trainer, instructional designer, quality manager, project manager, program manager, RTO auditor, RTO manager and VET adviser.
The delivery of good training starts with good training design. And the design of competency-based training require an attention to particular details to ensure it is compliant within the Australian VET system.
On Target Work Skills is proud to be presenting an interactive webinar about how to design competency-based training. It has been designed as a professional development opportunity for trainers wanting to learn more about training program design or refresh their current competency.
The webinar shall be facilitated by Alan Maguire.
Webinar objectives
In this webinar you will learn the following techniques:
How to estimate total training duration
How to determine training program content
How to use blocks of time to build a training program.
And topics covered during the webinar shall include:
Establishing learning objectives
Volume of learning and nominal hours
Unpacking a unit of competency
Interpretation and contextualisation
Cognitive load and attention span
Gagné’s 9-events of instruction.
Webinar dates
Select one of the following:
Tuesday 10th of August, 2021
Wednesday 18th of August, 2021
Thursday 26th of August, 2021
Start time 2:00pm Australian Eastern Standard Time, finish by 4:30pm.
Webinar location
You can attend from your workplace or home because the webinar will be delivered via Zoom.
Are you new to Zoom video conferencing? If you are, please don’t be concerned. The connection to Zoom is quick, and using Zoom is easy. Instructions about joining and using Zoom will be provided when your webinar enrolment is confirmed.
Please call Alan Maguire on 0493 065 396 to reserve your place.
The basic knowledge and skills required to address adult language, literacy, and numeracy (LLN) skills in the Australian VET system is covered by the TAELLN411 Address adult language, literacy and numeracy skills unit.
This article has been primarily written for people studying for their TAE40116 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment qualification. However, qualified VET practitioners may still get something from the content or the way the content has been presented.
Analysis of the TAELLN411 unit
An analysis of the TAELLN411 unit reveals five fundamental activities that relate to addressing adult LLN skills:
Identify LLN skill gaps
Implement strategies to address the LLN skill gaps
Use resources to address the LLN skill gaps
Seek assistance from LLN specialists
Arrange support services.
The following diagram shows that the identification of LLN skill gaps is central to everything else we do in regards to addressing adult LLN skills.
Some important notes before we begin
I have previously published four articles that provide some essential background information:
The TAELLN411 unit describes the skills and knowledge a VET trainer or assessor requires to:
identify LLN skill requirements of the training and work environments
use strategies and resources that meet the needs of learners.
Competence in this unit does not indicate that a person is a qualified specialist LLN practitioner.
Developing the the LLN skills for children and adults is different. Therefore, addressing the LLN skills for children is outside the scope of VET and is not covered by the TAELLN411 unit.
1. Identify LLN skill gaps
Our starting point is to identify the type and severity of LLN skill gaps. The two occasions when LLN skill gaps are identified are:
Before the training program starts
During the training program.
1.1 Before the training program starts
An RTO will usually conduct a pre-training review (PTR) before enrolment into a training program. It will consist of a diagnostic assessment of a person current LLN skills. Also, a person’s computer or digital literacy skills are usually assessed. The person’s current LLN skills are compared with the LLN skills required for the training program to identify any LLN skill gaps.
The Australian VET system uses the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) to identify LLN skill levels. For more information, go to:
The conduct of a PTR supports compliance with Clause 1.7 of the Standards for RTOs. And most programs delivered with state government funding will also require a PTR to be conducted.
1.1.1 Validated ACSF tools
When a diagnostic assessment tool is ‘validated’, it simply means that the developer of the tool or instrument has come to the opinion that it measures what it was designed to measure (with some assurance that the result is accurate). Therefore, when a validated ACSF tool gives the result that a person has a reading skill at the ACSF Level 2, then it is reasonably assured that the person’s reading skill is at the ACSF Level 2
The Australian Government’s Department of Education, Skills and Employment has published information about providers of validated or approved LLN assessment tools.
1.2 During the training program
It will be common for trainers and TAFE teachers to discover learners who have poor LLN skills during the delivery of a training program. Learners may be observed struggling to learn training program content or complete assessment tasks. Some learners can become frustrated or angry because they are struggling. Some learners can become quiet or withdrawn. And some may become disruptive and display challenging behaviours.
It is a good idea to encourage learners to:
be self-aware of any learning difficulties they experience
ask for help as soon as they become aware of their struggles.
This will require the trainer or TAFE teacher to establish and maintain an emotionally safe and supportive learning environment.
2. Implement strategies to address the LLN skill gaps
Once an LLN skill gap or gaps have been identified, the trainer or TAFE teachers will need to take action. Considering options, selecting strategies that meet individual needs, and preparing to deliver strategies to develop LLN skills can be time consuming activities.
However, I know from first-hand experience that not all trainers and TAFE teachers will be allocated time to support LLN skill development. A VET practitioner may be ready and willing to provide support but unable to deliver this support due to the lack of available time.
There are two broad areas for action that that can be taken by trainers and TAFE teachers:
Select and use instructional strategies
Select and use assessment strategies.
This is the terminology from the TAELLN411 unit. You may like to translate the term ‘instructional strategies’ to be ‘training strategies’. An RTO’s training and assessment strategy (TAS) for the delivery of a particular qualification may give some general guidance. However, the general guidance may not be appropriate or adequate for all individuals with LLN skill gaps.
2.1 Select and use instructional strategies
Instructional strategies are actions that support the development of LLN skills, and these include:
General instructional strategies
Instructional strategies that target a specific LLN skill.
2.1.1 General instructional strategies
The following are some general strategies we can used when we design and deliver a training program:
Allow more time to learn new knowledge and skills
Provide time or opportunities to practice
Increase the number and duration of breaks between training sessions
Provide more feedback and guidance
Acknowledge attainment or progress towards attainment of knowledge and skills
Deliver a foundation skills qualification before or at the same time as the vocational qualification.
The FSK Foundation Skills Training Package consists of three qualifications that can be used to develop a person’s LLN skills.
A strategy, such as ‘deliver a foundation skills qualification’ is likely to be outside the scope of a trainer’s or TAFE teacher’s responsibility. However, a trainer or TAFE teacher can raise this with a person who does have the appropriate responsibility within the RTO.
2.1.2 Instructional strategies that target a specific LLN skill
The following are some strategies that target a specific type of LLN skill:
Reading
Explain and help the learner develop reading strategies such as skimming or reading for gist
Give the learner time to read and process the information
Identify and explain terminology, jargon, abbreviations, or acronyms
Encourage the learner to develop their own glossary of terms.
Writing
Explain and help the learner develop writing strategies such as paragraph. sentence structure, spelling, and grammar
Give the learner time and opportunities to practice writing
Provide constructive feedback and suggestions for improved writing
Encourage the learner to proofread or read aloud what they have written.
Oral communication
Give examples of words or phrases that can be used when communicating with others
Demonstrate the communication techniques and standards required
Use role plays for the learner to practice speaking, listening, and interacting with others
Build confidence by starting with simple role play situations before moving onto more complex or challenging situations
Numeracy
Only cover the numeracy skills required to perform a particular work skill or activity
Cover underpinning mathematical principles, concepts or methods, and explain how it relates to the work skill or activity
Cover one mathematical principle, concept or method at a time
Give the learner time and opportunities to practice the math.
2.2 Select and use assessment strategies
Assessment strategies are actions that support learners when being assessed, and these include:
Provide detailed instructions before commencing the assessment
Allow opportunity for the candidate to ask questions about the assessment
Allow adequate time for the candidate to prepare for the assessment
Arrange for assessment to occur at a different time or place.
Note: These support strategies should apply to all learners being assessed, not just offered to learners with a low level of LLN skills.
3. Select and use resources to address the LLN skill gaps
As previously mentioned, I know that not all trainers and TAFE teachers will be allocated time, or sufficient time, to support the development of LLN skills. A VET practitioner may want to provide support but unable to deliver this support due to the lack of available time.
Another time consuming activity can be searching, selecting, developing and customising resources. Again, the VET practitioner may be ready and willing to produce resources but unable to do this due to the lack of available time.
3.1 Search and review available learning and assessment resources
It is relatively easy to conduct a internet search for available learning and assessment resources. Use your internet browser and enter search terms, such as:
[Unit code or Topic] training resources
[Unit code or Topic] workbook
[Unit code or Topic] worksheets
[Unit code or Topic] activity sheets.
Also, try filtering your search by selecting ‘Images’. For example, if you use Google to search images for ‘sandwich making activity sheet’ you get the following result.
If you find a resource, then it will need to be reviewed for:
Relevance
Currency
Readability
Usability
Ability to be purchased or freely used without breaching copyright.
An internet search may not get you exactly what you need but it may give you ideas for creating your own resource.
3.1.1 Copyright
Not everything we can find on the internet can be used by us. We must think that everything is copyright and we should avoid breaching copyright. Sometimes we can find resources on the internet that can be used but they must be appropriately acknowledged. For example, government departments or regulatory authorities publish relevant documents and video resources to be used for training purposes, such as:
Example of documents that can be used without breaching copyright
Sometimes a trainer or TAFE teacher is unable to address an LLN skill gap because of a lack of time or lack of capability in regards to supporting learners with LLN skill gaps. This is why we might need to seek assistance from an LLN specialists.
What can an LLN specialist do?
Conduct detailed analysis if a learner’s LLN skills gap
Work directly with the learners to close LLN skill gaps
Provide advice to the trainer or TAFE teacher.
Some RTOs may employ an LLN specialist, while other RTOs may use a consultant to provide LLN specialist support. To find an LLN specialist, you may need to contact your local TAFE or adult and community education provider.
5. Arrange support services
Learners may experience a range of issues that can be a distraction or impede their learning progress. A learner may benefit from a support service, such as:
Youth services
Mental health services
Drugs or alcohol services
LLN support services.
You may need to suggest, encourage, support, or arrange for your learner to connect with a support service.
5.1 Reading Writing Hotline
The Reading Writing Hotline is a free national phone referral service for adults looking to improve their reading, writing, maths, or computer skills. It is funded by the Australian Government and managed by TAFE NSW.
5.2 Cultural and social sensitivities
Someone who is told that they may need help from an LLN specialist or a support service may feel a range of emotions, including disappointment, embarrassment, or shame. We need to speak to the person confidentially, and with sensitivity.
In particular, we need to be aware how people from different cultural and social backgrounds may feel or respond to an offer of support or assistance when they lack the required LLN skills.
Some people have developed strategies to hide their lack of LLN skills. And sometimes these people have been hiding their lack of LLN skills for a long time.
In conclusion
There is a high chance that all trainers and TAFE teachers will frequently have learners with LLN skills lower than what is required. It is important for VET practitioners to be ready, willing and able to respond when LLN skill gaps are identified. But more important is for RTOs to be ready, willing and able to provide adequate resourcing to address LLN needs of enrolled learners.
The following diagram shows the essential activities covered by the TAELLN411 Address adult language, literacy and numeracy skills unit.
The first thing is to identify LLN skill gaps. Then we need to take action to address the LLN skill gaps, for example:
Implement strategies to address the LLN skill gaps
Use resources to address the LLN skill gaps
Seek assistance from LLN specialists
Arrange support services.
Evaluate effectiveness
It is good practice to evaluate effectiveness of the actions we have taken to address LLN skill gaps. We can continuously learn from our experience. And we may uncover areas for our own ongoing professional development as a trainer or TAFE teacher.
Do you need help with your TAE studies?
Are you a doing the TAE40122 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, and are you struggling with your studies? Do you want help with your TAE studies?
This article describes what assessment validation is, and in this article I will cover:
An introduction to assessment of validation
The definition of assessment validation
A prime source of information about assessment validation
The difference between validation and moderation.
Introduction to assessment of validation
The Australian VET system is highly regulated. The regulations that must be complied with are the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). One compliance requirement is that RTOs must continuously improve training and assessment services. Two ways that an RTO may identify improvements are:
Training evaluation
Assessment validation.
Training evaluation
We say that we evaluate training. Evaluation is the quality review of the training process. Most people have completed an evaluation form at the end of a training program. This is a common method of gathering data that can be analysed to identify areas for improvement focused on the delivery of training.
Assessment validation
We say that we validate assessment. Valuation is the quality review of the assessment process. The Standards for RTOs states that:
RTOs must conduct assessment validation
RTOs must maintain assessment validation records.
If you are new to assessment validation, you may like to think of this activity being the evaluation of assessment, but we called it ‘validation’. It is a method of gathering data that can be analysed to identify areas for improvement focused on the conduct of assessments.
Definition of assessment validation
A definition of terminology used by the Australian VET sector can be found in the glossary of the Standards for RTOs.
Assessment valuation is defined as:
“Validation is the quality review of the assessment process.
It involves checking that the assessment tools produces valid, reliable, sufficient, current and authentic evidence to enable reasonable judgements to be made as to whether the requirements of the training package or VET accredited courses are met.
It includes reviewing a statistically valid sample of assessments and making recommendations for future improvements to the assessment tool, process and outcomes and acting upon such recommendations.”
I have dissected the definition and provided the following explanation.
Information about assessment validation
A prime source of information about assessment validation is published by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA). A fact sheet about conducting validation is available. It can be downloaded as a PDF file or viewed onscreen from the ASQA website.
Validation sample size calculator
ASQA has provided a ‘validation sample size calculator’. It can be used to calculate the number of assessments that would represent a statistically valid sample size. The example given by ASQA shows that 31 samples of assessments are required for validation when a total of 100 students have been assessed by an RTO.
Random sample selection
The selection of assessments should be randomly selected. For example, if 31 out of 100 assessments are required, select every third name on an alphabetical list of students.
If you are invited to an assessment validation meeting, please be prepared for a long meeting (and take your lunch).
Difference between validation and moderation
Some people get confused about validation and moderation.
Assessment validation is the quality review of the assessment process and is generally conducted after assessment is complete.
Assessment moderation is a quality control process aimed at bringing assessment judgements into alignment.
Assessment moderation
Assessment moderation occurs when a group of assessors meet to discuss sample assessments. The purpose of moderation is to help different assessors come to a common agreement so that their future assessment are consistent and based on evidence. The principle of assessment being addressed is ‘reliability’.
It would be useful to have a range of sample assessments at a moderation meeting:
Assessments that are clearly competent
Assessments that are clearly not yet competent
Assessments that are difficult to make a clear decision.
In conclusion
We evaluate training, we validate assessments.
RTO must conduct assessment validation:
RTOs must review each training program at least once over a five-year period
RTOs must review a statistically valid sample of assessments
RTOs must keep records of assessment validation.
And assessment validation is not the same thing as moderation.
Do you need help with your TAE studies?
Are you a doing the TAE40122 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, and are you struggling with your studies? Do you want help with your TAE studies?
The Australian VET system is based on competencies. Units of competency have been developed by industry to describe the performance of work tasks or activities. By design, these units of competency are vague or ambiguous, so as to allow contextualisation for different workplaces, different circumstances or different situations. This may include different tools, equipment or materials being used to perform the work.
Trainers and TAFE teachers need the ability to translate, or transform, a unit of competency into something that can be understood by their learners. The structure and jargon of units of competency often need to be removed, or modified. When we communicate to our learners, we may need to:
Remove the decimal numbering of performance criteria (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, etc.)
Use a simple numbering system (Step 1, Step 2, Step 3, Step 4, Step 5, etc.)
Use different words to better describe the task step to be performed
Re-sequence because the performance criteria are not always in the order of performing the work task or activity
Re-structure because the elements are not always the best way to communicate how the work task or activity should be performed.
Structure of a work task or activity
A unit of competency has a ‘task, element, and performance criteria’ structure.
Generally, I use a ‘task and step’ structure.
However, if there are too many steps or stages that are needed to describe the performance of a work task or activity, I use ‘task, part and step’ structure.
Work flow: is it a process or a cycle?
It is useful to think about performing work as a flow. A work process can have a defined start and a defined end, or it could be a continuous cycle. A diagram can be used to help our learners ‘see’ the entire work task or activity, and how one step is followed by the next.
A simple flowchart
Flowcharts can get complicated. But a simple flowchart can quickly capture, and communicate, the essence of a work task or activity. The following flowcharts illustrates a 4-step and a 5-step process.
Note: When there are more than five steps, it is a good idea to add structure by ‘chunking’ steps into parts. People often count: one, two, three, a lot, far too much.
A simple cycle
A cycle diagram can be used when the work task or activity is continuous, repetitive, or seasonal. The following illustrates a 4-step cycle.
And the following illustrates a a 5-step cycle.
Note: A cycle diagram can be used to describe steps or parts of a process. Each part could then be further described by a flowchart or task breakdown.
An example
The following shows how to translate and transform a unit of competency so that is can be better understood by learners. I have use the BSBSUS211 Participate in sustainable work practices unit for this example.
Step 1. Unpack the unit of competency
When unpacking the BSBSUS211 Participate in sustainable work practices unit, it becomes apparent that it consists of two distinct work tasks:
Workplace sustainability, and
Environmental hazards or breaches.
The following highlights performance criteria 2.2 and 2.3 as being sperate from the other performance criteria.
Step 2. Create a work flow structure
Select an appropriate diagram to describe the work flow.
Workplace sustainability
A cycle diagram has been used to create a new structure for performing the workplace sustainability task.
Note: The ‘implement improvement’ step has been added to show what happens after the ‘present suggestions for improvement’ step. However, learners are only required to satisfactorily perform the first four steps of the cycle for the BSBSUS211 Participate in sustainable work practices unit to be deemed competent. Implementation is outside the scope of this unit.
Environmental hazards or breaches
And a simple flowchart has been used to show the two steps for identifying and reporting environmental hazards or breaches.
Step 3. Map performance criteria
A matrix can be used to map the performance criteria to the new structure that will communicate how to perform the workplace sustainability task.
The purpose of the mapping document is for us to check compliance with the requirements specified by the unit of competency. This mapping can be expanded to cover foundation skills and assessment requirements. We would not give this mapping document to our learners because it has too much details.
Step 4. Develop a task breakdown
A task breakdown can be used to give details about performing a work task or activity.
In this example for the BSBSUS211 Participate in sustainable work practices unit, the performance criteria have been re-structured and re-sequenced. Also, the elements and performance criteria have been re-worded and simplified.
In conclusion
In this article, I have described how to translate and transform a unit of competency into something that can be understood by learners. A 4-step process can be used:
I believe that an appropriate diagram can help communicate the flow of work to our learners; but it must be keep simple. And a task breakdown can be used to provide procedural details.
Do you need help with your TAE studies?
Are you a doing the TAE40122 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, and are you struggling with your studies? Do you want help with your TAE studies?
An understanding of the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) is essential for trainers and TAFE teachers working in the Australian VET sector.
On Target Work Skills is proud to be presenting this interactive workshop facilitated by Alan Maguire.
Workshop objectives
In this workshop you will learn:
What is the ACSF?
What are the ACSF Performance Indicators?
What is the relationship between foundation skills and the ACSF?
How are digital literacy skills being integrated with the ACSF?
How can the ACSF be used to identify LLN skill gaps?
You will receive a certificate that can be used as evidence of your participation in this professional development activity.
Workshop dates
Select one of the following:
Monday 5th of July, 2021
Tuesday 13th of July, 2021
Friday 23rd of July, 2021
Start time 10:00am Australian Eastern Standard Time, finish by 3:00pm.
Workshop location
You can attend from your workplace or home because the workshop will be delivered via Zoom.
Are you new to Zoom video conferencing? Please don’t be concerned. The connection to Zoom is quick, and using Zoom is easy. Instructions about joining and using Zoom will be provided when your workshop enrolment is confirmed.
Workshop fee
The workshop fee is $197.
Workshop enrolment is essential.
Please call Alan Maguire on 0493 065 396 to reserve your place.
On Target Work Skills 