This unit applies to education support work in variety of contexts and covers the fluency and authority to use an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander language in a formal educational setting to ensure that information between service providers and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people is relayed and understood

This work is to be undertaken with appropriate guidance, support and supervision by a nominated teacher or other education professional

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Use a specified language in communication with students, parents and other colleagues

1.1 Listen to, and speak in, a specified Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander language as an interlocutor with students, parents and colleagues

1.2 Participate in sustained transactions using appropriate vocabulary and grammar for the purpose of gathering or providing information

1.3 Demonstrate appropriate use of register and a range of interactional strategies to establish, maintain and develop relationships, explain issues or solve problems

2. Establish rapport and relationships to facilitate effective communication

2.1 Establish rapport with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students, parents or colleagues

2.2 Clarify role of participants in professional relationships with students, parents and colleagues

2.3 Establish and maintain effective communication with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students, parents or colleagues

3. Relay Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander experiences and concepts to other professionals

3.1 Provide illustrations or examples of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander customs or concepts

3.2 Use analogies to enhance meaning of cultural practices where there is no direct vocabulary available

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.

Essential knowledge:

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

These include knowledge of:

Traditional culture related to language group governing protocols of language use within a community

How to access significant people within a language group

Code of ethics of education worker

Role and responsibilities of an education worker and specific understanding of own work role and responsibilities

Basic knowledge of school's/centre's policies and procedures

Structure of education system

Safe working practices

Cultural and linguistic backgrounds of students and families

Developmental milestones of children/ young people (cognitive, physical, language, social/emotional)

Child management techniques

Positive behaviour guidance strategies

An understanding of own culture, western systems and structures and how this impacts on Aboriginal and /or Torres Strait Islander culture

Impacts of cultural, sub-cultural, social, religious, gender, age, language issues etc. on attitudes towards education

Availability of resources and assistance within and external to the school/centre

Community health issues

Impact on learning

Knowledge of learning and development to implement role and responsibilities in an educational environment

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Capacity to switch from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander language/s to Standard Australian English

Identify the capabilities of individual children

Use and respond to non-verbal communication and cues of children

Apply knowledge of learning and development to implement role and responsibilities appropriately in an education environment

Adhere to own work role and responsibilities

Follow school/centre policies and procedures

Communicate effectively with other adults in the work environment

Liaise with relevant personnel

Communicate verbally and non-verbally and to set and apply appropriate limits, taking into account the student's age, development, language, culture and needs

In addition, the candidate must be able to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

These include the ability to:

Work effectively as a member of a team

Employ basic conflict resolution and negotiation skills

Respond effectively to challenging behaviours

Respond effectively to health issues

Demonstrate effective application of skills in:

communication/interpersonal skills of questioning, informing, listening and discussing

organisation planning, administrative support skills

time management skills

active listening

study

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 this unit of competency:

The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills

This unit could be assessed either on the job or off the job through an appropriate workplace simulation for a range of age groups and a range of conditions over a number of assessment situations

Access and equity considerations:

All workers in community services should be aware of access, equity and human rights issues in relation to their own area of work

All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment

In recognition of particular issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Context of and specific resources for assessment:

This unit can be assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other community services units of competency is encouraged

Assessment requires access to a range of opportunities defined in the range Statement, including:

appropriate workplace where assessment can take place

simulation of realistic workplace environment for assessment

relevant school/centre policy, protocols and procedures

educational materials

Method of assessment:

In cases where the learner does not have the opportunity to cover all relevant aspects in the work environment, the remainder should be assessed through realistic simulations, projects, previous relevant experience or oral questioning on 'What if?' scenarios

Assessment of this unit of competence will usually include observation of processes and procedures, oral and/or written questioning on Essential knowledge and skills and consideration of required attitudes

Where performance is not directly observed and/or is required to be demonstrated over a 'period of time' and/or in a 'number of locations', any evidence should be authenticated by colleagues, supervisors, clients or other appropriate persons

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Sustained transactions may include but are not limited to:

A series of questions and answers

Lengthy oral reporting

Eliciting information

Reconciling points of view

Complex negotiating and bargaining

Appropriate vocabulary and grammar includes but is not limited to:

Vocabulary from specific Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander language to the topic used where available, for example, use of terms commonly used in the community to explain concepts underpinning the western justice or health systems

Stress, intonation and gesture used effectively to understand or convey intentions

Intelligible pronunciation and stress and intonation patterns typical of the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander languages

Professional relationships refers to:

Professionals with whom relationships will need to be established are:

other education support workers

teachers

health professionals

This unit contains Employability Skills