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 and techniques for acquiring and maintaining current knowledge of specialised topics

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

literacy skills to source read and interpret sometimes complex information on flora fauna and landscapes

The following knowledge must be assessed as part of this unit

relationship between the guides interpretation of knowledge and the quality of the customer experience

sources of information on the flora fauna and landscape

depth of knowledge to satisfy the information needs of the customers and the expectations of the tourism operators including the following broad knowledge base

landscapes of tourism interest within a local region such as waterways and landforms and their general characteristics

key ecological terminology

key concepts of ecology including biotic and physical factors populations numbers food web community relations life cycles succession zonation carbon cycle water cycle and energy flow

interrelationships between parts of the ecosystem

developmental processes related to the formation of the local landscapes including geological formations and history soil composition and its relation to plant and animal life and water catchment areas

principles of Gondwana theory and the impact of Gondwana on plant and animal communities

major species of flora and fauna within the landscape including nature of species and where it is found roles of individual species characteristics commonalities interactions between species and the environment nutrition and life cycles and species harmful to humans

identification techniques for flora and fauna

environmental influences that affect the landscape including climate and fire

nature of human impact on the landscape including industrial impacts

management regimes for the local landscape including relevant authorities and codes of practice

Australian Indigenous perspective on the landscape

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

presentation of commentaries or activities to ensure application of the knowledge

required breadth of knowledge of flora fauna and landscape as specified in this unit to a level and familiarity sufficient to

develop a coherent and interesting interpretation for customers

answer typical questions asked by customers on given topics

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

ability to incorporate this information into multiple interpretive commentaries or activities that cover multiple topics to ensure a breadth of knowledge

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure

demonstration of relevant knowledge through the presentation of commentaries or activities within commercially realistic guiding environments eg in a national park or on a bush walking tour

presentation of information to and sharing of knowledge with customer groups of a size and nature that reflect the commercial environment in which the guide operates

access to information sources in order to conduct research and collect sufficient information

Methods of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess the practical skills and knowledge required to prepare specialised interpretive content on flora fauna and landscape 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 way in which the research process has been used

oral or written questions to assess key knowledge requirements detailed in this unit

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 the 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 Lead tour groups

SITTGDE004A Lead tour groups

SITTPPDA Plan and develop interpretive activities

SITTPPD005A Plan and develop interpretive activities.

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

Landscapes may be:

Formal and informal research, techniques and opportunities to maintain current knowledge may include: