This unit applies to those who work in the area of interpretation within outdoor environments, activities and or programs. This includes those responsible for the development of specialised resources for interpretive activities.

This unit may also apply to leaders working for outdoor education or adventure providers; volunteer groups; not-for-profit organisations or government agencies.

Nil

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Access and research information.

1.1. Identify information sources appropriate to the area or activity to be interpreted.

1.2. Research information to determine special or unique features of an area.

1.3. Ascertain individual, group and activity objectives according to organisational policies and procedures.

1.4. Assess participant's needs and gather information on their knowledge and understanding of the specific area or activity.

2. Develop specialist resources for interpretive activities.

2.1. Identify and document activities and information according to participant's needs, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

2.2. Develop or source, where necessary, specialist resources, support materials and props that enhance oral presentation of information.

2.3. Consult and contract specialists, where necessary, to enhance the material or resource quality.

2.4. Produce materials in a cost effective manner according to organisational policies and procedures.

3. Assess content and impact of interpretive activity.

3.1. Evaluate the effectiveness of the specialist resources and interpretive activity according to the objectives.

3.2. Modify content and presentation where required.

Required skills

planning and organising skills to:

establish individual, group and activity objectives

source information, resources, materials and props appropriate to participants, area and activity

assess participant's knowledge of area and activity

produce materials in a cost effective manner

literacy skills to:

research a variety of sources

identify information on the special or unique features of an area, including cultural, heritage, historical or environmental matters

communication and interpersonal skills to:

interact with different participant groups

consult with specialists to enhance quality of resources

problem-solving skills to:

develop or source interpretive activities

evaluate content and delivery techniques.

Required knowledge

legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable access to research materials and participant information

interpretation techniques, definitions and guiding principles to support the development of comprehensive resources

thematic planning to identify appropriate themes and messages for resources

information sources, support materials and resources to provide information relevant to interpretation activities

special or unique features, interrelationships of features, and physical development of activity areas to enable interpretation

natural history and human usage of the area to gain an understanding of the area

ongoing review mechanisms to enable continuous improvement and modification of resource materials.

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

Overview of assessment

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

Evidence of the following is essential:

accesses and researches a variety of sources to obtain sufficient information about special or unique features of an activity area

recognises and responds to the need to consult specialists, where required, to enhance resource quality

evaluates and reflects on own resource development performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure development of specialist resources and materials for interpretive activities to meet the identified needs of specific participants on sufficient occasions to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

information on specific participant needs

information sources, support materials and resources to develop specialist resources for interpretive activities

specialists, where required, to enhance the material or resource quality.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

portfolio of research material

completed resources addressing specific participant needs

oral and or written questioning to assess knowledge of specialist resources that enhance various aspects of an interpretive activity

third-party reports from a supervisor and or leader detailing performance.

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

Guidance information for assessment

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Information sources may include:

print and electronic media

local inhabitants

persons with prior knowledge.

Information may include:

cultural

heritage

historical

environmental.

Special or unique features may include:

geological

geographical

archaeological

biological.

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

occupational health and safety

communication protocols

minimal impact environmental codes

budget constraints

code of ethics.

Participant may include:

tourists

school or youth groups

club members

special interest groups.

Relevant legislation may include:

occupational health and safety

permits or permission for access

environmental regulations

marine regulations.

Specialist resources may include:

DVDS and videos

print material

PowerPoint presentations

website presentations.

Support materials may include:

books

maps

diagrams and photographs

binoculars

guidebooks and field guides.

Unit sector

Outdoor Recreation

This unit contains employability skills.