Formats and tools
- Unit Description
- Reconstruct the unit from the xml and display it as an HTML page.
- Assessment Tool
- an assessor resource that builds a framework for writing an assessment tool
- Assessment Template
- generate a spreadsheet for marking this unit in a classroom environment. Put student names in the top row and check them off as they demonstrate competenece for each of the unit's elements and performance criteria.
- Assessment Matrix
- a slightly different format than the assessment template. A spreadsheet with unit names, elements and performance criteria in separate columns. Put assessment names in column headings to track which performance criteria each one covers. Good for ensuring that you've covered every one of the performance criteria with your assessment instrument (all assessement tools together).
- Wiki Markup
- mark up the unit in a wiki markup codes, ready to copy and paste into a wiki page. The output will work in most wikis but is designed to work particularly well as a Wikiversity learning project.
- Evidence Guide
- create an evidence guide for workplace assessment and RPL applicants
- Competency Mapping Template
- Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners. A template for developing assessments for a unit, which will help you to create valid, fair and reliable assessments for the unit, ready to give to trainers and students
- Observation Checklist
- create an observation checklist for workplace assessment and RPL applicants. This is similar to the evidence guide above, but a little shorter and friendlier on your printer. You will also need to create a seperate Assessor Marking Guide for guidelines on gathering evidence and a list of key points for each activity observed using the unit's range statement, required skills and evidence required (see the unit's html page for details)
- Self Assessment Survey
- A form for students to assess thier current skill levels against each of the unit's performance criteria. Cut and paste into a web document or print and distribute in hard copy.
- Moodle Outcomes
- Create a csv file of the unit's performance criteria to import into a moodle course as outcomes, ready to associate with each of your assignments. Here's a quick 'how to' for importing these into moodle 2.x
- Registered Training Organisations
- Trying to find someone to train or assess you? This link lists all the RTOs that are currently registered to deliver AHCARB601, 'Examine and assess trees'.
- Google Links
- links to google searches, with filtering in place to maximise the usefulness of the returned results
- Books
- Reference books for 'Examine and assess trees' on fishpond.com.au. This online store has a huge range of books, pretty reasonable prices, free delivery in Australia *and* they give a small commission to ntisthis.com for every purchase, so go nuts :)
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Determine tree survey program requirements | 1.1 Identify scope of survey in accordance with client needs 1.2 Determine client’s risk threshold 1.3 Determine and document procedures for data capture 1.4 Identify, source and record all current data research relevant to survey requirements 1.5 Check equipment for assessing trees and prepare for use 1.6 Select, check and use personal protective equipment |
2. Determine the tree dimensions and structure | 2.1 Plot tree location on a device, drawing or plan of the site 2.2 Determine and record tree dimensions and structure 2.3 Measure tree height, spread and diameter-at-breast height (DBH) 2.4 Examine and record form of tree 2.5 Assess tree for asymmetry of canopy 2.6 Assess if tree has a lean and calculate the lean 2.7 Assess how form of crown relates to or is responsive to surrounding trees and structures 2.8 Determine the potential impact of wind loading of the tree |
3. Record tree taxonomic features | 3.1 Inspect tree and record fruit type and characteristics 3.2 Describe leaf morphology for shape, colour and size 3.3 Examine and record buds, branchlets, branches and bark 3.4 Inspect for and describe trichomes on lamina, petiole and branchlets 3.5 Describe and record floral characteristics of structure of inflorescence, location of the flower, flower colour, details of the flower parts present, absent or modified |
4. Assess tree health issues | 4.1 Examine and record the canopy density and distribution 4.2 Assess recorded leaf colour and size against a healthy specimen 4.3 Assess for the presence of epicormic shoots 4.4 Assess for dead tips or excessive numbers of dead branches 4.5 Examine roots, root crown, stem, branches and canopy for signs of biotic and abiotic disease 4.6 Evaluate and describe symptoms presenting on tree 4.7 Determine how presence of disease might be affecting tree 4.8 Recognise and record wounds to the tree 4.9 Consider size, location and cause of wounds |
5. Assess age of trees and tree parts | 5.1 Determine if species is uninodal or multimodal 5.2 Record the dimensions of the tree 5.3 Examine tree for evidence of growth increments including bud scars, sympodial growth and flush marks 5.4 Estimate average annual increase in diameter of sample of xylem stained as required 5.5 Research historic images of tree or trees of same species in similar environments 5.6 Provide a reasoned estimate of age of tree, tree part or wound |
6. Assess trees for significance | 6.1 Assess tree for indicators of habitat use 6.2 Assess tree for ecological significance 6.3 Assess tree for cultural significance 6.4 Assess tree for historical significance |
7. Assess amenity value of trees | 7.1 Evaluate amenity tree valuation methods 7.2 Consider strengths and weaknesses of each method 7.3 Determine amenity tree valuation method to be used 7.4 Collect and collate appropriate unit values and data 7.5 Calculate and record the amenity value of individual trees |
8. Inspect and assess trees | 8.1 Assess trees to determine their structure and stability 8.2 Give consideration to the tree's age, health, condition, habitat, wind loading, distribution of foliage, wound size and the potential impacts of proposed recommendations 8.3 Use testing equipment, where required, to detect decay, disease and scope of tree problems 8.4 Evaluate visual indications and causes of disease and record results |
9. Carry out risk assessment | 9.1 Use visual tree assessment (VTA) to identify hazards associated with the tree 9.2 Use basic diagnostic tools to confirm the presence and extent of hazards 9.3 Determine level of risk 9.4 Give consideration to qualification and quantification of tree risk 9.5 Compare the risk level against commonly published levels of risk from non-arboricultural activities and items 9.6 Determine controls required to mitigate risks in accordance with the client’s pre-determined threshold 9.7 Document risk controls and recommendations for monitoring and review of risks |
10. Compile a tree assessment report | 10.1 Document diagnosis of tree problems with reference to the anatomy, physiology and pathology of the tree 10.2 Provide and record specific recommendations for remedial action for tree problems 10.3 Produce a tree assessment report that identifies hazardous trees, recommends appropriate remedial action, and determines appropriate risk controls 10.4 Prepare an expert witness statement if required 10.5 Deliver tree assessment report to client |