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

ability to conduct a safetybased risk assessment

interpretation of the specific needs of customers and any specific services previously promoted to customers

highlevel communication skills to facilitate the gathering and analysis of complex information and to interpret this for simpler communication to customers

creative communication techniques for interpretive commentaries or activities including such things as storytelling roleplay games sensory awareness exercises and illustrated talks

The following knowledge must be assessed as part of this unit

indepth knowledge of subject matter around which the activity is developed

the comprehensive details of Freeman Tildens principles of interpretation

principles and processes that support activity development

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 Training Package

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

Evidence of the following is essential

ability to develop all operational aspects of interpretive activities that meet the needs of the specific customers and objectives of the organisation and evaluate those activities

subject knowledge and ability to apply that knowledge to the development of tourismrelated interpretive activities

planning and developing various interpretive activities covering multiple themes and messages that meet the needs of different customer groups to ensure consistency of performance

planning and developing interpretive activities that take account of the commercial constraints of their delivery eg budget restrictions and limitations on activity duration

planning and developing interpretive activities for a number of different delivery environments eg at a naturebased site at a cultural site in a national park or on a walking tour to ensure that skills can be adapted to different delivery locations and contexts

project or work activities conducted over an operationally realistic period of time so that monitoring evaluation and review of interpretive activities can be assessed egthrough a pilot of activities

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure

access to and use of appropriate environments for which interpretive activities can be planned and developed egnaturebased sites cultural sites national parks and walking tours

access to comprehensive and sufficient information about the customer base for which interpretive activities would be planned to allow the candidate to fully develop appropriate activities

access to resources and equipment used for the presentation of interpretive activities

Methods of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess the practical skills and knowledge required to plan and develop interpretive activities The following examples are appropriate for this unit

project to develop and evaluate activities for a nominated customer group or organisation

review of planning and development activities undertaken as part of industry placement or training with an industry operator

written and oral questioning or interview to test knowledge of interpretation principles and activity development processes

case studies to assess ability to tailor activities and information to suit particular customer needs

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

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

SITTGDEA Prepare and present tour commentaries or activities

SITTGDE006A Prepare and present tour commentaries or activities

SITTGDEA Research and share general information on Australian Indigenous culture

SITTGDE008A Research and share general information on Australian Indigenous culture

SITTGDEA Interpret aspects of local Australian Indigenous culture

SITTGDE009A Interpret aspects of local Australian Indigenous culture

SITTGDEB Prepare specialised interpretive content on flora fauna and landscape

SITTGDE010B Prepare specialised interpretive content on flora, fauna and landscape

SITTGDEB Prepare specialised interpretive content on marine environments

SITTGDE011B Prepare specialised interpretive content on marine environments

SITTGDEB Prepare specialised interpretive content on cultural and heritage environments

SITTGDE012B Prepare specialised interpretive content on cultural and heritage environments.

This unit involves substantial knowledge of the subject matter around which the interpretive activity is based This knowledge must be thoroughly assessed Coassessment with at least one of the abovementioned units is required Those units describe skills and knowledge essential to this unit of competency

Assessment methods should take into account that individuals may have acquired this 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

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

An interpretive activity:

Resources may include:

Other specialists may include: