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 cultural and heritage environments

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 cultural and heritage environments

detailed knowledge of a specific environment of visitor interest to provide a guided tour of the environment and to satisfy the information needs of the customers including the following broad knowledge base

how the environment developed and evolved

historically and culturally significant features of the environment including details of any exhibits displays or performances

individuals associated with the environment their roles and impacts

role of the environment within the local community both past and present

relationship of the specific environment to past and current Australian culture and history

nature and extent of use of the environment

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 cultural and heritage environments 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 to 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 such as within a cultural centre gallery or national park

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 cultural and heritage environments 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

Cultural and heritage environments may be natural or built and may include:

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