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.
Cultural and heritage environments may be natural or built and may include:
museums
historic theme parks
art galleries
Aboriginal art or occupation sites
cultural centres
heritage trails
historic localities or regions
prehistoric and fossil sites.


Formal and informal research, techniques and opportunities to maintain current knowledge may include:
talking and listening to local experts
talking and listening to traditional owners
personal observation and exploration
watching television, videos and films
listening to radio
internet
reading newspapers, books and other references
membership of professional associations
undertaking formal study
community groups, such as historical societies.

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:
presentation of commentaries or activities to ensure application of the knowledge
required breadth of knowledge of cultural and heritage environments as specified in this unit, to a level and familiarity sufficient to:
develop a coherent and interesting interpretation 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
ability to incorporate this information into multiple interpretive commentaries or activities that cover multiple topics, to ensure a breadth of knowledge.


Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
demonstration of relevant knowledge through the presentation of commentaries or activities within commercially realistic guiding environments, such as within a cultural centre, gallery or national park
presentation of information to and sharing of knowledge with customer groups of a size and nature that reflect the commercial environment in which the guide operates
access to information sources in order to conduct research and collect sufficient information.


Methods of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess the practical skills and knowledge required to prepare specialised interpretive content on cultural and heritage environments. 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 way in which the research process has been used
oral or written questions to assess key knowledge requirements detailed in this unit
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 the 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:
SITTGDE004A Lead tour groups
SITTPPD005A Plan and develop interpretive activities.


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.