Conduct field research into natural and cultural resources

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 AHCILM501A, 'Conduct field research into natural and cultural resources'.
Google Links
links to google searches, with filtering in place to maximise the usefulness of the returned results
Books
Reference books for 'Conduct field research into natural and cultural resources' 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

1. Review existing knowledge

1.1. Existing information gathered through investigation and enterprise recording processes is examined to determine key features.

1.2. Oral evidence, where it exists, is reviewed.

1.3. Sites are inspected to assess condition and availability of further information.

1.4. Information, records and places previously destroyed or damaged or under threat are identified as factors to be incorporated in the assessment process, strategies and plans.

1.5. Scope of information is assessed for adequacy against the requirements of legislation, Codes of Practice and protocols.

1.6. Appropriate database, geographic information system and other electronic and manual recording systems are identified for data collection according to enterprise procedures.

1.7. Sources of expertise in research environments, identification of pollution, degradation and disturbance, and national and international issues and agreements are identified and accessed within and external to the enterprise.

1.8. Areas of inadequate information are identified and recorded.

2. Identify stakeholders

2.1. Stakeholders are identified in conjunction with local communities and groups, and government documentation and interviews.

2.2. The current and relevant past land tenure for the place/area is investigated and recorded.

2.3. Indigenous interests are determined through culturally appropriate approaches to regional and community organisations and individuals.

2.4. Proper protocols are applied and key consultations conducted in approaches to regional and community organisations and individuals.

2.5. Privacy requirements are complied within, according to the directions of stakeholders and according to legislative and enterprise requirements.

2.6. Process of identifying stakeholders may be completed under the direction of a relevant cultural reference group.

3. Develop research approach

3.1. Objectives of the field research are determined in conjunction with those commissioning the research according to enterprise procedures.

3.2. Objectives are used to identify specific types of investigation, techniques to be used, and physical areas of investigation.

3.3. The types of investigation and techniques selected are assessed for hazards and risks in designated environment, including the special OHS requirements, access issues, and management of the research in a range of weather and area conditions.

3.4. Existing information and data records are reviewed to determine the starting point(s) for the fieldwork.

3.5. Research methodology is consistent with the research objectives and in accordance with established natural resource management practice.

3.6. Required resources are identified to establish and maintain the research program within the required time schedules and are appropriate to the environments that will be encountered.

3.7. Personnel are selected for their competency in research techniques and safe operation in the expected environmental/cultural conditions.

3.8. Stakeholders to be included in the consultation process are identified.

3.9. Costs of field research are estimated and submitted for approval according to enterprise procedures.

3.10. Sampling and recording processes are established for research information according to enterprise requirements, best practice and scientific standards.

4. Conduct field investigations

4.1. Consultation and fieldwork undertaken to obtain information required to meet investigation objectives.

4.2. Previously determined methodology is adjusted in light of progressive results and stakeholder feedback.

4.3. Observations, records and monitoring are in accord with scientific practice and coordinated to meet research objectives.

4.4. Impacts from areas external to area under investigation are identified.

4.5. Equipment, techniques and people deployed to carry out investigations.

4.6. Each field operation is documented and approved according to legislative and enterprise requirements for work in the research environment.

4.7. Where required, appropriate equipment and skills are sourced for the capture, management and sampling of animal species.

4.8. Information is analysed for impact on previously held hypothesis and other resources.

5. Develop process for involving decision-makers

5.1. Information on stakeholders is used to determine interests held by organisations, groups and individuals, and cultural dimensions.

5.2. Issues to be addressed with interest groups are defined.

5.3. Consultation and decision-making process is developed to address the issues with individuals, groups and organisations in a culturally appropriate manner.

5.4. Appropriate time is provided for consultative processes within groups and between individuals to occur and to obtain feedback on issues.

5.5. Decision-making group, such cultural reference groups and other groups are formed where assistance is required to direct investigation, access information, to address issues and/or review the significance of place/area.

6. Report on the field investigation

6.1. Stakeholders are consulted on draft findings.

6.2. The basis for the determination of outcomes is documented to legislative requirements, the organisation's policies and practices, and international and national processes.

6.3. The determination of significance is submitted to the organisation and its external review processes, as required by legislation and Codes of Practice.


Qualifications and Skillsets

AHCILM501A appears in the following qualifications:

  • AHC51110 - Diploma of Conservation and Land Management