Assessor Resource

AHCPER501
Carry out permaculture field research

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to undertake field research relevant to permaculture systems and projects. It requires the ability to design technical and social field research, prepare for field research, conduct field research, assess research outcomes and report on research relevant to permaculture systems and projects.

All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.

This unit applies to individuals who analyse information and exercise judgement to complete a range of advanced skilled activities and demonstrate deep knowledge in a specific technical area. They have accountability for the work of others and analyse, design and communicate solutions to a range of complex problems.

No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Scope permaculture field research

1.1 Identify challenges and opportunities in permaculture projects or systems that elicit research questions

1.2 Identify and justify the purpose of field research

1.3 Define and justify field research topic, question or hypothesis

1.4 Assess suitability of field research subject in relation to permaculture principles, practices and ethics

2. Design permaculture field research

2.1 Design field research plan

2.2 Identify relevant information sources and review relevant and credible literature related to the research topic

2.3 Determine appropriate research methods for data collection

2.4 Identify reference groups for field research, if applicable

2.5 Locate field research sites according to design requirements

2.6 Identify site factors where appropriate and incorporate into research

2.7 Create a budget for field research plan

2.8 Identify and obtain approvals and permits required

3. Prepare to conduct field research

3.1 Identify work health and safety hazards associated with the implementation of field research

3.2 Identify and document social and environmental implications associated with field research

3.3 Identify materials, tools, equipment and machinery required for field research, confirm cost and availability with suppliers, contractors and appropriate personnel

3.4 Establish and prepare field work sites for implementation of field research using the specifications of the field work design

3.5 Organise access to field research subjects at times and places suitable for data collection

4. Conduct field research

4.1 Undertake data collection throughout the course of field research according to the specifications of research design plan and chosen methodologies

4.2 Monitor field research for accuracy and compliance to research design

4.3 Record all research data accurately using the specifications of the research design

5. Assess practical application of research outcomes

5.1 Analyse research data for categories, themes, trends, patterns and significant information

5.2 Create quantitative and qualitative records of research data analysis

5.3 Synthesise research findings and draw conclusions based on evidence and reasoned arguments

5.4 Assess the meaning of research outcomes for practical application, based on conclusions drawn from the field research

6. Report field research findings

6.1 Determine desired actions from field research

6.2 Determine target audience for field research reporting

6.3 Draft research report and obtain feedback

6.4 Publish and circulate field research report

The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

The candidate must provide evidence that they can:

formulate and justify research questions

design a field research plan

conduct research and evaluate information

enter, analyse and organise data quantitatively and qualitatively in charts, tables and graphs

produce written reports on research outcomes and provide conclusions based on appropriate evidence and reasoned arguments

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

permaculture principles, practices and ethics, such as:

topics for field research

people or groups of people participating in or related to permaculture projects

people or groups of people participating in or related to other topics which themselves relate to permaculture

systems and/or technical elements of permaculture systems

animals-related studies (including insects, reptiles, birds and fish)

plant-related studies

studies of integrated plant and animal systems

appropriate technologies or technological solutions

appropriate energy generation, storage and capture

water treatment, catchment and storage systems

natural systems

environmental issues

product comparisons

field research methods, such as:

group and individual interviews

dialogue and storytelling

use of communications technology

records and testimonials

electronic recordings

questionnaires

statistical sampling

observation

surveys

research methodologies, such as:

action research

needs studies

case studies

statistical sampling

field research plan design – a staged sequence of steps and accompanying methodologies for obtaining answers to research questions

permaculture systems implementation and management techniques and practices

growth habits, physiological properties and taxonomic specification of animals and plants involved in permaculture

participants and stakeholders of permaculture systems and projects, such as:

those who will use the research to influence decision making and policy

those who will benefit from the research

the researchers

ethics committees

anyone who is researched

scientific and mathematical research approaches, data collection, processing and analytical techniques and procedures

auditing and reporting procedures

research planning and budgeting

Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs. Assessors must also have a nationally accredited Diploma of Permaculture. Completion of a Permaculture Design Course (PDC) or non-accredited Permaculture Diploma is not sufficient at this level.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Scope permaculture field research

1.1 Identify challenges and opportunities in permaculture projects or systems that elicit research questions

1.2 Identify and justify the purpose of field research

1.3 Define and justify field research topic, question or hypothesis

1.4 Assess suitability of field research subject in relation to permaculture principles, practices and ethics

2. Design permaculture field research

2.1 Design field research plan

2.2 Identify relevant information sources and review relevant and credible literature related to the research topic

2.3 Determine appropriate research methods for data collection

2.4 Identify reference groups for field research, if applicable

2.5 Locate field research sites according to design requirements

2.6 Identify site factors where appropriate and incorporate into research

2.7 Create a budget for field research plan

2.8 Identify and obtain approvals and permits required

3. Prepare to conduct field research

3.1 Identify work health and safety hazards associated with the implementation of field research

3.2 Identify and document social and environmental implications associated with field research

3.3 Identify materials, tools, equipment and machinery required for field research, confirm cost and availability with suppliers, contractors and appropriate personnel

3.4 Establish and prepare field work sites for implementation of field research using the specifications of the field work design

3.5 Organise access to field research subjects at times and places suitable for data collection

4. Conduct field research

4.1 Undertake data collection throughout the course of field research according to the specifications of research design plan and chosen methodologies

4.2 Monitor field research for accuracy and compliance to research design

4.3 Record all research data accurately using the specifications of the research design

5. Assess practical application of research outcomes

5.1 Analyse research data for categories, themes, trends, patterns and significant information

5.2 Create quantitative and qualitative records of research data analysis

5.3 Synthesise research findings and draw conclusions based on evidence and reasoned arguments

5.4 Assess the meaning of research outcomes for practical application, based on conclusions drawn from the field research

6. Report field research findings

6.1 Determine desired actions from field research

6.2 Determine target audience for field research reporting

6.3 Draft research report and obtain feedback

6.4 Publish and circulate field research report

The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

The candidate must provide evidence that they can:

formulate and justify research questions

design a field research plan

conduct research and evaluate information

enter, analyse and organise data quantitatively and qualitatively in charts, tables and graphs

produce written reports on research outcomes and provide conclusions based on appropriate evidence and reasoned arguments

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

permaculture principles, practices and ethics, such as:

topics for field research

people or groups of people participating in or related to permaculture projects

people or groups of people participating in or related to other topics which themselves relate to permaculture

systems and/or technical elements of permaculture systems

animals-related studies (including insects, reptiles, birds and fish)

plant-related studies

studies of integrated plant and animal systems

appropriate technologies or technological solutions

appropriate energy generation, storage and capture

water treatment, catchment and storage systems

natural systems

environmental issues

product comparisons

field research methods, such as:

group and individual interviews

dialogue and storytelling

use of communications technology

records and testimonials

electronic recordings

questionnaires

statistical sampling

observation

surveys

research methodologies, such as:

action research

needs studies

case studies

statistical sampling

field research plan design – a staged sequence of steps and accompanying methodologies for obtaining answers to research questions

permaculture systems implementation and management techniques and practices

growth habits, physiological properties and taxonomic specification of animals and plants involved in permaculture

participants and stakeholders of permaculture systems and projects, such as:

those who will use the research to influence decision making and policy

those who will benefit from the research

the researchers

ethics committees

anyone who is researched

scientific and mathematical research approaches, data collection, processing and analytical techniques and procedures

auditing and reporting procedures

research planning and budgeting

Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs. Assessors must also have a nationally accredited Diploma of Permaculture. Completion of a Permaculture Design Course (PDC) or non-accredited Permaculture Diploma is not sufficient at this level.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Identify challenges and opportunities in permaculture projects or systems that elicit research questions 
Identify and justify the purpose of field research 
Define and justify field research topic, question or hypothesis 
Assess suitability of field research subject in relation to permaculture principles, practices and ethics 
Design field research plan 
Identify relevant information sources and review relevant and credible literature related to the research topic 
Determine appropriate research methods for data collection 
Identify reference groups for field research, if applicable 
Locate field research sites according to design requirements 
Identify site factors where appropriate and incorporate into research 
Create a budget for field research plan 
Identify and obtain approvals and permits required 
Identify work health and safety hazards associated with the implementation of field research 
Identify and document social and environmental implications associated with field research 
Identify materials, tools, equipment and machinery required for field research, confirm cost and availability with suppliers, contractors and appropriate personnel 
Establish and prepare field work sites for implementation of field research using the specifications of the field work design 
Organise access to field research subjects at times and places suitable for data collection 
Undertake data collection throughout the course of field research according to the specifications of research design plan and chosen methodologies 
Monitor field research for accuracy and compliance to research design 
Record all research data accurately using the specifications of the research design 
Analyse research data for categories, themes, trends, patterns and significant information 
Create quantitative and qualitative records of research data analysis 
Synthesise research findings and draw conclusions based on evidence and reasoned arguments 
Assess the meaning of research outcomes for practical application, based on conclusions drawn from the field research 
Determine desired actions from field research 
Determine target audience for field research reporting 
Draft research report and obtain feedback 
Publish and circulate field research report 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCPER501 - Carry out permaculture field research
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I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

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Assessment Record Sheet

AHCPER501 - Carry out permaculture field research

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Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

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Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

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