Tag: TAE

It is unbelievable that some RTOs delivering the TAE40116 or TAE40122 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment qualification are bad at giving examples. Sometimes examples are provided but they don’t help to clarify what needs to be done. Sometimes examples are provided but they are not consistent with the templates that are to be used. And sometimes no or very few examples are provided.

RTOs delivering the TAE qualifications should provide a model of good practice. This allows TAE students to learn what to do from good experience rather than learn what not to do from bad experience. Also, I cannot believe that ASQA has allowed RTOs to deliver such an important qualification with deficient learning resources. This is probably an outcome from a regulator that relies on RTOs to self-regulate .

The importance of examples and demonstrations

Examples and demonstrations are incredibly important during training for a variety of reasons. Here are three of those reasons:

• Enhanced understanding
• Improved engagement and motivation
• Skill development and confidence building.

Enhanced understanding

Concepts come to life: Abstract ideas can be difficult to grasp. By providing concrete examples and demonstrations, learners can see and experience the concept in action, making it more relatable and easier to understand.

Bridges the gap between theory and practice: Training often involves learning theoretical knowledge. Examples and demonstrations show how to apply that knowledge in practical situations, creating a clear connection between the two.

Visual learners benefit: Not everyone learns best through listening to trainers or reading. For visual learners, seeing examples and demonstrations is crucial for effectively processing and retaining information.

Improved engagement and motivation

More interesting and interactive: Training with examples and demonstrations can be more engaging and interactive than lectures or reading alone. This can keep learners more interested and motivated, leading to better learning outcomes.

Provides opportunities for active participation: Learners can participate in discussions about the examples, ask questions, and even practice the demonstrated skills themselves. This active participation further enhances engagement and learning.

Reduces cognitive load: Examples and demonstrations can break down complex information into smaller, more manageable chunks, making it easier for learners to process and remember. This reduces cognitive load and promotes better understanding.

Skill development and confidence building

Seeing things done correctly: By seeing completed examples, learners can get clarity about what needs to be done and expected standards. And by observing a demonstration, learners can learn the proper technique and avoid common mistakes. This leads to faster skill development and improved performance.

Provides a chance to practice: Demonstrations can be followed by guided practice, allowing learners to apply what they learned in a controlled environment. This builds confidence and helps them refine their skills.

In conclusion

Overall, examples and demonstrations are powerful tools that can significantly enhance the effectiveness of training. They make learning more engaging, improve understanding, and promote skill development, ultimately leading to better performance and improved outcomes.

A recent poll of TAE40116 or TAE40122 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment students found that 40% were being given good examples from their RTO, but 60% said that no or sub-standard examples were provided by their RTO. It is a shame, and it is ironic, that many TAE students are experiencing ‘bad practice’ from RTOs during their TAE course, rather than ‘good practice’.

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?

Ring Alan Maguire on 0493 065 396 to discuss.

Contact now!

Training trainers since 1986

If you are a TAE40116 or TAE40122 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment student, you will be required to find, customise and use learning resources. A common learning resource is the training handout.

Creating professional and effective training handouts is crucial for ensuring that your learners grasps and retains the information you’re presenting. Here are seven strategies to help you develop high-quality training handouts.

1. Consistent formatting
2. Visual appeal
3. Organised structure
4. Engaging content
5. Clarity and simplicity
6. Include practical exercises
7. Headers and footers

1. Consistent formatting

Maintain a consistent and professional layout throughout the handout. Use a clean and readable font, appropriate font size, and consistent formatting for headings, subheadings, and bullet points.

The following illustrates the differences between three font types.

Usually, Microsoft Word uses the Calibri font and 11-point font size as the default settings. This is a clean and readable font, and the 11-point font size is likely to be appropriate for most situations.

Here are three general rules to enhance a handout’s readability:

• Avoid the overuse of bold text, italic text, and underlined text
• Use ‘left alignment’ for all headings and text
• Don’t ‘justify’ the text.

The following are my recommendations for font type and size of headings, sub-headings and text.

2. Visual appeal

Incorporate visuals like charts, graphs, and images to enhance understanding. Ensure that visuals are relevant, high-quality, and contribute to the overall clarity of the content.

Don’t breach copyright.

Don’t use irrelevant images.

Don’t ‘decorate’ your handout.

Do use ‘white space’ to enhance the visual appeal and readability.

3. Organised structure

Organise information logically, following a clear structure. Use headings, subheadings, and bullet points to break down content into easily digestible sections. Consider a chronological order or a step-by-step approach.

4. Engaging content

Keep the content engaging by using a conversational tone and avoiding overly technical jargon. Include examples and real-life scenarios to illustrate key points and make the material relatable.

5. Clarity and simplicity

Ensure that your language is clear and concise. Avoid unnecessary complexity and use simple language to convey your message. Be mindful of the reading comprehension level of your learners.

6. Include practical exercises

Integrate practical exercises or activities within the handout. This encourages active participation and helps reinforce learning. Include space for participants to jot down their thoughts or answers.

7. Headers and footers

Use headers and footer for recording information about the handout, such as:

• Title of handout
• Unit code and title (if applicable)
• Copyright or organisation’s details
• Version number
• Page number.

In conclusion

By adhering to these guidelines, you can create training handouts that are not only professional but also effective in facilitating a successful learning experience for your learners.

It is highly likely that a TAE40116 or TAE40122 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment student will be encouraged to develop training handouts using a word processing application, such as, Microsoft’s Word. I acknowledge that Word is not the only word processing application, but it is commonly used. You will likely need the ability to use key features and functions of Microsoft Word, such as:

• Use ‘copy and paste’
• Change font type and size
• Use ‘Format Painter’
• Create bullet points and numbered lists
• Insert and format tables
• Insert headers and footers
• Insert images (pictures, icons, graphs, etc.)
• Change page orientation (portrait, landscape)
• Use spell check.

After reading this article, you may like to read another relevant article that I have recently published. It is titled, ‘Finding, customising and using learning resources‘.

Do you need help with your TAE studies?

Are you a doing the TAE40116 or TAE40122 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, and are you struggling with your studies? Do you want help with your TAE studies?

Ring Alan Maguire on 0493 065 396 to discuss.

Contact now!

Training trainers since 1986

There are more than 100 Registered Training Providers (RTOs) that are able to deliver the TAE40122 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment qualification. And each RTO can deliver a different product, for example:

• Different costs
• Different duration
• Different training methods
• Different elective units of competency.

Many people shop around for the cheapest training with the shortest duration. Price and duration are only two things to consider when shopping for a suitable TAE40122 course. This article explores many factors to consider before deciding which RTO to select.

Cost

Some RTOs offer the TAE40122 course cheaper than other RTOs, and some RTOs offer the course for free. A free course that saves a person thousands of dollars is extremely desirable, but some students have had bad experiences with their free course – including poor quality materials to use, insufficient training, and lack of support. Be cautious of cheap or free TAE40122 courses because cheap or free is not an indicator of quality.

Quality

There is no official or credible source of information about which RTOs deliver a quality service. Many people shop around on the internet before selecting an RTO. However, a good website does not automatically mean that the TAE40122 course will be good. A recommendation from a trusted friend or family member may be valuable but the quality delivered by an RTO can be variable. A student may experience good quality from an RTO, while another student with the same RTO may experience bad quality of training and assessment services – this includes poor quality training and assessment materials.

Method of training delivery

Some people prefer self-paced online training, while others prefer group-based training delivered by a trainer. These days group-based training can be delivered in a training room or via video conference application, such as, Zoom or Microsoft’s Teams. Also, it has become common for the training to be delivered using a mix of delivery methods – some of the training is self-paced learning and some group-based training delivered by a trainer. Everyone will have their own preferences and unique circumstances to consider, for example:

• Do you have adequate computer skills to undertake online training?
• Do you have the motivation and discipline to undertake self-paced training?
• Do you prefer guidance from a trainer? And do you prefer to learn with others?
• What delivery method best suits your busy family and work commitments?

Location of training delivery

Location of training delivery is not a concern for people undertaking a self-paced online training or training delivered via video conference application. However, location becomes important for people who are wanting to attend training. A local location with access to public transport or onsite parking is desirable. Another consideration is whether the parking is free or not. Paid parking adds to the cost of the training.

Time and amount of training

After considering preferred delivery methods and preferred delivery location, we may then consider time – including the amount of training provided by the RTO which influences the duration of the training course.

• How is training delivered?
• Where is training delivered?
• When and how long is the training?

The start date of the training can be important. The number of training days to be attended can be important. And the total period of time between the first and the last training day can be important.

The amount of training days offered by an RTO can range from none to many. Many people will shop around for a TAE40122 course with the shortest duration. For example, some people like the idea of attending a two-week intensive training course. This is equal to 10 days of training, but this approach requires a lot more time and effort after the training to complete assessment tasks without regular guidance from a trainer or interaction with other students.

Another RTO might deliver the course with 25 or more days of training scheduled over 6 or more months. Usually, this approach requires attendance at one training day each week, but the learner would have regular access to a trainer for guidance during the entire course. The training day could be a weekday, or some RTOs will deliver on Saturdays. The training schedule may include breaks – this means that some weeks do not have a training day scheduled. An alternative to attending one training day each week, is attending evening classes. Usually, two evening classes is equivalent to one training day. Evening classes may be once or twice a week.

Online self-paced training usually have a 12-month enrolment period and this approach may not require the need to attend training days.

Getting sufficient training is a key success factor. Many RTOs tend to minimise the amount of training they deliver. This minimses the cost of delivery and maximises profit for the RTO.

Learner support

Many people find the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment qualification very demanding. It can be difficult, and it will require considerable time and effort to complete.  It is highly likely that all RTOs will say that they provide excellent support to their students. This promise is not always delivered. Be cautious of recommendations from RTO owners, RTO managers and RTO staff about their own RTO. Also, the level of support or standard of support is variable. A student may experience good support from an RTO, while another student with the same RTO may experience insufficient or poor support.

In conclusion

Many people who commence their Certificate IV in Training and Assessment qualification do not complete it. There are a range of reasons why this occurs. From my experience as a TAE Trainer and TAE Tutor, I believe that most non-completion is usually caused by the RTO:

• Insufficient or no training
• Lack of individualised support
• No or slow response to requests for help
• Complicated or confusing assessment tasks.

If you want or need help while studying for your Certificate IV in Training and Assessment qualification, please contact me to discuss my TAE tutoring service. I have helped people who have lost their motivation or are so frustrated that they want to quit. I have helped people who have difficulties understanding or progressing their assessment tasks. And I have helped people who want to speed up their progress or are running out of time to complete their assessments before their enrolment period ends.

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?

Ring Alan Maguire on 0493 065 396 to discuss.

Contact now!

Training trainers since 1986

Over the years, I have helped many people as they have struggled with the study and assessment requirements of the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment qualification. It is not an easy qualification to get, and it can be very time consuming.

I have established a TAE Tutoring service to help people who need assistance with their TAE studies, or are wanting to speed-up their progress. Central to my service are tutoring sessions via Zoom video conferencing (frequently using the ‘Share Screen’ function). These sessions are supplemented by emails, text messages, and the occasional phone call.

TAE Tutoring sessions can be weekly, or as required. And some people have had multiple sessions in the one week. My tutoring service is tailored for each individual, and it is totally flexible.

Common problems experienced by TAE40122 students

Some common problems that are experienced by many TAE40122 students include:

• Unsupported self-paced online learning
• Complicated assessment instructions
• Insufficient or unhelpful training.

Unsupported self-paced online learning

Many people doing their Certificate IV in Training and Assessment qualification as self-paced online learning often feel unsupported for various reasons, including:

• Slow or no response from the RTO when help is needed
• Lack of timely useful information and advice
• Unfriendly or uncaring attitude.

Complicated assessment instructions

Many people find the instructions for their assessments are complicated and confusing. And jargon or terminology is often used that is difficult to understanding; especially for people new to the Australian VET system.

In addition to complicated assessment instruments, many TAE students are confronted with a range of templates that must be completed. Sometimes, these templates can be challenging to understand. Also, these templates can be challenging to use; especially if a person only has limited or basic word processing skills.

Insufficient or unhelpful training

The Certificate IV in Training and Assessment qualification can be delivered in different ways, for example:

• Training delivered by a trainer in a training room
• Training delivered by a trainer via video conferencing application; such as, Zoom or Teams
• Self-paced online learning
• Combination of the above.

Regardless of how the qualification is being delivered, many people find the training they received is insufficient or unhelpful. And in some cases, people feel that they haven’t received any training relevant to their assessment tasks. Without proper training, many people often find themselves wasting time and getting frustrated.

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?

Ring Alan Maguire on 0493 065 396 to discuss.

Contact now!

Training trainers since 1986