If you are a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment student, you will be required to find, customise and use learning resources.
A learning resource may include:
- Learner Guide or textbook
- Fact Sheet, Information Sheet, etc.
- Handout or activity sheet
- Presentation aid.
And a presentation aid may include:
- Slide show presentation application
- Physical object (prop, model, etc.)
- Whiteboard or poster.
A 5-step process
The following is a 5-step process for finding, customising and using learning resources:
- Step 1. Search for existing learning resources
- Step 2. Review learning resources (Performance Criteria 1.3)
- Step 3. Customise or develop learning resources (Performance Criteria 2.2)
- Step 4. Prepare learning environment and check equipment prior to use (Performance Criteria 3.1)
- Step 5. Use presentation aids (Performance Criteria 3.4).
The above steps have referenced the relevant Performance Criteria from the TAEDEL411 Facilitate vocational training unit of competency. However, the development and use of learning resources is applicable to several TAE units of competency. Therefore, it is highly likely that a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment student will be required to develop and use learning resources many times throughout their training program.
Step 1. Search for existing learning resources
If you’re working for a training provider, you may have access to existing learning resources. And if you don’t have access to existing learning resources, you could search for learning resources on the internet. Some people think that they can freely use whatever resources they find on the internet. We must think that all resources are copyright. Some copyrighted resources can be freely used, but the use of many copyrighted resources is prohibited.
Step 2. Review learning resources
When reviewing learning resources before use, trainers should consider a variety of criteria to ensure the resources are effective, engaging, and appropriate for their learners. Here are some key aspects to consider.
- Accuracy and currency: Does the information presented align with current industry standards and best practices? Are facts and figures reliable and verifiable?
- Relevance and alignment: Does the content directly address the learning objectives and target the specific needs of the learners? Is it aligned with the unit of competency or training program?
- Read-ability or usability: Is the information presented in a clear, concise, and well-organised manner? Are key concepts and ideas easily identified and understood?
- Cost and availability: Is the resource readily available and affordable for the trainer and learners? Does it fall within budget constraints or licensing agreements?
In addition to the above criteria, check that copyright allows the resource to be used or customised.
Step 3. Customise or develop learning resources
The customisation or development of a learning resource can be time-consuming. Various factors will determine how much time it takes to create the learning resources to support the delivery of a training session. One factor is a person’s computer skills, such as:
- Ability to use Microsoft Word for producing handouts
- Ability to use Microsoft PowerPoint for producing presentation slides
- Ability to ‘copy and paste’ and modify content from the internet
- Ability to use artificial intelligence (AI) to generate content.
Handouts
Limit the size of your handout. A one, two or three-page handout may be sufficient for a 30-minute training session. However, the number of pages may be more than three, if required.
Here is a short list of qualities for a professional handout:
- Heading at the top of the handout
- Simple and consistent style and layout
- Reference to unit of competency, if relevant
- Photos, illustrations and diagrams, if appropriate
- Page numbers and version number
- Correct grammar and spelling.
Handouts can provide learners with information or can be used to support learning activities. Scenarios, case studies, research questions, discussion questions, quizzes and exercises are some of the ways a handout can become an activity sheet. A handout can be a combination of information and activities.
PowerPoint slides
It is highly likely that a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment student will be encouraged to develop and use a slide show presentation application, such as, Microsoft’s PowerPoint. I acknowledge that PowerPoint is not the only slide show presentation application, but it is commonly used.
Here is a short list of qualities for professional PowerPoint slides:
- Heading at the top of each slide
- Simple and consistent style and layout
- Reference to unit of competency and version control
- Key points (bullet points and sub-bullet points)
- Icons, photos, illustrations and diagrams
- Correct grammar and spelling.
PowerPoint can be used to quickly create a handout. For example, use the ‘Microsoft Print to PDF’ feature, and under ‘Settings’ select ‘Handouts (3 slides per page)’.
Step 4. Prepare learning environment and check equipment prior to use
It is a good idea to list the learning resources and equipment required for the training session. Also, it is a good idea to list the things to be done to prepare the learning environment before commencing the training session; for example:
- Print sufficient copies of handouts
- Ensure learning environment is clean, tidy and safe
- Set up tables and chairs with an appropriate layout
- Check projection equipment and speakers
- Display the first PowerPoint slide.
You may want to add make coffee or fill up water bottle to your list.
The physical set up of the learning environment is not required when the training is delivered by a video conferencing application, such as, Zoom or Microsoft’s Teams. However, the trainer will need to ensure learners have access to the learning resources. This may include emailing information, documents or links to documents to the learner before commencing the training session.
Step 5. Use learning resources and presentation aids
The final step is to use the learning resources and presentation aids. After delivering your training session, it is a good practice to review the effectiveness of the learning resources and presentation aids we have used.
In conclusion
Finding existing learning resources can be difficult, and the customising or development of learning resources can be time-consuming.
If you are a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment student, my TAE tutoring service can save you time and help you develop effective learning resources to support the delivery of your 30-minute training sessions. I can assist you with internet search strategies to find existing learning resources. I can help you use the main features and functions of Microsoft Word to develop handouts and activity sheets. And I can help you use the main features and functions of PowerPoint to develop and display information. I can help you learn:
- How to use Microsoft Word for producing handouts
- How to use Microsoft PowerPoint for producing presentation slides
- How to ‘copy and paste’ and modify content from the internet
- How to use artificial intelligence (AI) to generate content.
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.
Training trainers since 1986
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