This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit

The following skills must be assessed as part of this unit

basic research skills

interpretation of the specific information needs of customer groups and specific customers

literacy skills to source read and interpret complex general information on Australia and regional or locationspecific information

The following knowledge must be assessed as part of this unit

key information sources frequently used by guides

a depth of knowledge to satisfy the information needs of the guides customers and the expectations of the tourism operators who will engage the guide

aspects of Australia in general and indepth knowledge of the specific aspects of the local region which must include the following broad knowledge base

history historical development of Australia and the local region major historical events and prominent individuals key dates and overview of Australian Indigenous history

government and politics general structure political parties major political figures and current federal state and local political issues

economy overview of current state of the economy and key features of the local economy and local industry

trade key exports and main trading partners

education overview of school and higher education systems and comparison of systems to those of other countries or states

climate weather patterns including any extreme conditions impact of climate on lifestyle and stories associated with climate in a local area

geography and geology major land formations landmarks natural attractions and their key features for both Australia and the local region

architecture major styles and their proponents key buildings their heritage and current use and structures both in Australia and the local area

cultural elements overview of Indigenous cultures within Australia different cultures within Australia and the local area cultural activities and local customs

lifestyle key features of the daytoday living patterns of Australians and local people and family and social customs

art theatre music and literature key Australian performers writers and artists major works by Australians and major cultural events

religion religious makeup of Australia and the local area and aspects of religious practices

natural environment and tourism how the environment is a tourism asset impacts of tourism on the environment and land management in Australia including the role of national parks

flora and fauna overview of native flora and fauna their characteristics and key locations

transport main transport systems usage of different forms of transport across Australia historical development of different forms of transport and current transport within the local region

agriculture Australias history as a primary producer key products of Australia current issues past and current agricultural aspects of the local region

science and technology Australias contribution both past and present prominent individuals and key discoveries

sport main Australian sporting activities Australias sporting record local sporting focus sporting facilities and sporting comparisons with other countries or areas

food local dishes and produce

wine Australian wine styles major wine areas specific wine areas and wines produced within the local region

shopping key locations and local products

tourism services and local facilities of interest to visitors currency exchange locations tour booking offices accommodation attractions banks dry cleaners and medical facilities

current events in Australia and the local region

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this TrainingPackage

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential

required breadth of knowledge of Australia and the local region as specified in this unit to a level and familiarity sufficient to

develop coherent and interesting interpretations for customers

answer typical questions asked by customers on given topics

ability to source initial and updated information to meet differing customer needs and to ensure that information supplied is current

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure

that the candidate has accessed and used appropriate computers communication technology information programs and publications to facilitate the processes involved in conducting research of general and local knowledge

Methods of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess the practical skills and knowledge required to source and apply the general and locationspecific knowledge required by guides The following examples are appropriate for this unit

direct observation of the candidate using knowledge to deliver interpretive commentaries or activities

questioning of group members as to the candidates breadth of knowledge and ability to answer customer questions

review of guiding activities undertaken as part of industry placement and training with an industry operator

review of a research portfolio to assess the candidates ability to research current and accurate information

written and oral questioning or interview to assess the candidates use of appropriate information sources

written and oral questioning or interview to test knowledge of Australia and the local area

review of portfolios of evidence and thirdparty workplace reports of onthejob performance by the candidate

Assessment methods should take into account that individuals may have acquired their knowledge through formal study or life experience This would include such things as the recognition of scientific qualifications of ecotour guides and recognition systems that relate to cultural knowledge that exists in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander societies

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector workplace and job role is recommended for example

SITTGDEA Provide arrival and departure assistance

SITTGDE002A Provide arrival and departure assistance

SITTGDEA Coordinate and operate a tour

SITTGDE003A Coordinate and operate a tour

SITTGDEA Manage extended touring programs

SITTGDE005A Manage extended touring programs

SITTTOPB Operate tours in a remote area

SITTTOP006B Operate tours in a remote area.

Assessing employability skills

Employability skills are integral to effective performance in the workplace and are broadly consistent across industry sectors How these skills are applied varies between occupations and qualifications due to the different work functions and contexts

Employability skills embedded in this unit should be assessed holistically with other relevant units that make up the skill set or qualification and in the context of the job role

Formal and informal research, techniques and opportunities to maintain the currency of knowledge may include:

Personal reference materials and filing systems may include: