Assessor Resource

CUACNM401
Assess the significance of collection objects

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to complete significance assessments of collection objects. Significance is determined by applying criteria including value, meaning and history attached to objects.

The unit applies to individuals who work in both small and large organisations assessing the significance of objects in collections or being considered for inclusion in collections. In smaller organisations, the role may be undertaken by individuals with broader management responsibilities, by committees and boards of management, or combinations of different personnel. In larger organisations, specialised curatorial staff may undertake this role.

The significance of collection objects relates to their value to past, present and future generations and may apply to their aesthetic, historical, scientific or social value. In this unit, significance assessment is undertaken autonomously, according to established procedures but in consultation with others.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Prepare to assess the significance of objects

1.1 Research the need for significance assessment, using relevant sources of information

1.2 Determine goal of undertaking significance assessment

1.3 Identify organisational policies that relate to significance assessment of objects

2. Apply assessment methodology

2.1 Compile object files containing available details about objects and their history

2.2 Research the history and provenance of objects and explore their wider historical and environmental context

2.3 Consult with relevant personnel to inform the context, provenance and social values of objects

2.4 Analyse and record the fabric, design, manufacture and condition of objects

3. Develop statements of significance

3.1 Identify comparative examples and evaluate them using primary and comparative criteria

3.2 Write statements of significance that describe the value and meaning of objects

3.3 Seek feedback from colleagues on statements of significance

3.4 Enter significance assessments into organisational records in the required format and within required timeframes

4. Review assessments of objects

4.1 Reassess significance of objects

4.2 Update statements of significance to reflect reassessment

4.3 Amend organisational records

4.4 Prepare recommendations for further action as required

Evidence of the ability to:

research the history, provenance and comparative examples of objects using reputable sources of information

assess the significance of objects using the appropriate methodology and within required timeframes

develop a statement of significance of the value and meaning of objects that includes:

considered assessment of the value, meaning and importance of objects

benchmark for future use

communication of values for interpretive programs

images, where available, of other comparative objects

record of the crucial provenance details and association of objects

summary of the meaning and importance of objects

summary of the process of investigation and assessment

review assessment of objects and prepare recommendation for further action as required.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

locate and explain the purpose of the following organisational policies regarding managing collections and assessing objects:

policies for accessing and using sources of information for comparative examples

procedures for accessing reputable technical specialists

explain the methodology for significance assessment of objects

explain the difference between primary and comparative criteria in an assessment

describe the procedures for accessing reputable technical specialists

list sources of information for comparative examples that relate to:

national, state and local government public records

online collections databases

organisational policies and procedures.

Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in creative arts industry environments. The assessment environment must include access to:

tools, equipment and storage system for statements of significance

information sources

objects to assess

organisational policies and procedures related to significant assessments.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational educational and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Prepare to assess the significance of objects

1.1 Research the need for significance assessment, using relevant sources of information

1.2 Determine goal of undertaking significance assessment

1.3 Identify organisational policies that relate to significance assessment of objects

2. Apply assessment methodology

2.1 Compile object files containing available details about objects and their history

2.2 Research the history and provenance of objects and explore their wider historical and environmental context

2.3 Consult with relevant personnel to inform the context, provenance and social values of objects

2.4 Analyse and record the fabric, design, manufacture and condition of objects

3. Develop statements of significance

3.1 Identify comparative examples and evaluate them using primary and comparative criteria

3.2 Write statements of significance that describe the value and meaning of objects

3.3 Seek feedback from colleagues on statements of significance

3.4 Enter significance assessments into organisational records in the required format and within required timeframes

4. Review assessments of objects

4.1 Reassess significance of objects

4.2 Update statements of significance to reflect reassessment

4.3 Amend organisational records

4.4 Prepare recommendations for further action as required

Evidence of the ability to:

research the history, provenance and comparative examples of objects using reputable sources of information

assess the significance of objects using the appropriate methodology and within required timeframes

develop a statement of significance of the value and meaning of objects that includes:

considered assessment of the value, meaning and importance of objects

benchmark for future use

communication of values for interpretive programs

images, where available, of other comparative objects

record of the crucial provenance details and association of objects

summary of the meaning and importance of objects

summary of the process of investigation and assessment

review assessment of objects and prepare recommendation for further action as required.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

locate and explain the purpose of the following organisational policies regarding managing collections and assessing objects:

policies for accessing and using sources of information for comparative examples

procedures for accessing reputable technical specialists

explain the methodology for significance assessment of objects

explain the difference between primary and comparative criteria in an assessment

describe the procedures for accessing reputable technical specialists

list sources of information for comparative examples that relate to:

national, state and local government public records

online collections databases

organisational policies and procedures.

Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in creative arts industry environments. The assessment environment must include access to:

tools, equipment and storage system for statements of significance

information sources

objects to assess

organisational policies and procedures related to significant assessments.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational educational and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.
Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Research the need for significance assessment, using relevant sources of information 
Determine goal of undertaking significance assessment 
Identify organisational policies that relate to significance assessment of objects 
Compile object files containing available details about objects and their history 
Research the history and provenance of objects and explore their wider historical and environmental context 
Consult with relevant personnel to inform the context, provenance and social values of objects 
Analyse and record the fabric, design, manufacture and condition of objects 
Identify comparative examples and evaluate them using primary and comparative criteria 
Write statements of significance that describe the value and meaning of objects 
Seek feedback from colleagues on statements of significance 
Enter significance assessments into organisational records in the required format and within required timeframes 
Reassess significance of objects 
Update statements of significance to reflect reassessment 
Amend organisational records 
Prepare recommendations for further action as required 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

CUACNM401 - Assess the significance of collection objects
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

CUACNM401 - Assess the significance of collection objects

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: