Elements and Performance Criteria

RANGE STATEMENT
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 in the performance criteria is detailed below.

Formal and informal research, techniques and opportunities to maintain the currency of knowledge may include:
talking and listening to local experts
talking and listening to traditional owners
personal on-site observation and exploration
organising information from own memory and experiences
watching television, videos and films
listening to radio
reading newspapers, books and other references
internet
industry association membership
attending seminars or conferences.


Personal reference materials and filing systems may include:
card reference systems
computerised database of information
notes based around different themes or characters
notes for specific touring routes or locations
notes for specific customer interests
notes for particular types of customer groups, e.g. from particular countries or with special interests
chronologies of major events
storylines
customer profiles, e.g. interest profiles for particular age groups and nationalities.

EVIDENCE GUIDE
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:
required breadth of knowledge of Australia and the local region as specified in this unit, to a level and familiarity sufficient to:
develop coherent and interesting interpretations 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.


Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
that the candidate has accessed and used appropriate computers, communication technology, information programs and publications to facilitate the processes involved in conducting research of general and local knowledge.


Methods of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess the practical skills and knowledge required to source and apply the general and location-specific knowledge required by guides. 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 candidate's 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 candidate's ability to research current and accurate information
written and oral questioning or interview to assess the candidate's use of appropriate information sources
written and oral questioning or interview to test knowledge of Australia and the local area
review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job 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 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:
SITTGDE002A Provide arrival and departure assistance
SITTGDE003A Coordinate and operate a tour
SITTGDE005A Manage extended touring programs
SITTTOP006B Operate tours in a remote area.


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.