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 AHCSOL502, 'Manage soils to enhance sustainability'.
- Google Links
- links to google searches, with filtering in place to maximise the usefulness of the returned results
- Books
- Reference books for 'Manage soils to enhance sustainability' 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 |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Identify characteristicsof Australian soils to assess their currenthealth | 1.1 Identify the common characteristics of Australian soils and their limitations 1.2 Refer to a paddock assessment to establish soil characteristics 1.3 Research soil biota and its relationship to soil fertility 1.4 Evaluate current production practices in terms of their possible contribution to land degradation and soil problems 1.5 Identify and select appropriate land preparation methods matched to machinery and equipment to maintain and improve soil productivity and structure |
2. Develop a plan to improve and maintain the health of soils | 2.1 Identify the impact of weather and climate on operational activities on soil structure and fertility and develop contingency plans to account for climatic or other events 2.2 Interpret soil test analysis and compare with historical data in the development of a plan 2.3 Select required nutrient balance levels to improve soil fertility for effective use and uptake of plants 2.4 Evaluate alternative strategies or products to improve soil fertility 2.5 Develop a soil amendment strategy including soil ameliorating activities and soil ameliorant products to enhance sustainability of soil health 2.6 Select appropriate production crops suitable for soil type and climate for a land use rotation plan to improve or maintain soil productivity 2.7 Determine soil conservation strategies to minimise soil erosion and increase soil capacity productivity and sustainability 2.8 Assess the environmental implications of chemical use, consider and document alternative methods and organic preventive methods 2.9 Develop a plan to improve and maintain the health of soils 2.10 Develop a plan to monitor soil health and productivity 2.11 Communicate the plan and the system to monitor and record soil health to stakeholders |
3. Implement plan for improvement and maintenance of a healthy soil | 3.1 Implement a schedule for soil improvement taking into account seasonal, geographical and resource factors and stock/crop rotation 3.2 Implement strategies to integrate the most suitable methods of soil improvement operations with the proposed land use rotation plan 3.3 Determine key staff responsibilities for specific implementation processes and allocate duties 3.4 Modify plan to meet all contingencies and communicate with appropriate staff 3.5 Record soil management activities and file in the appropriate manner |
4. Review plan, implementation strategy and the outcomes and determine necessary modifications | 4.1 Analyse effectiveness of the soil improvement management plan, through evaluation at key points, making adjustments as necessary 4.2 Prepare recommendations for future strategies, based on the analysis of paddock observations and production data to further enhance soil ecosystem and production |