This blog has been updated for freshness and relevancy…
Standard One for RTOs starts with why. Why are you delivering this qualification?
As you read the standard, you go on a journey, connecting the dots between your RTO, your learners and industry.
We unpacked the Standard and have broken it into 3 main parts:
- Planning
- Tools
- People
It’s a 4 minute read that gives you valuable tips to help your RTO succeed.
Remember, for RTO Software, speak to a Cloud Assess consultant today.
Part 1: Create a fail-proof plan
If you fail to plan, you plan to fail!
Training Organisations are governed by strict measures, so having a robust plan with achievable actions, will be the backbone to success.
Standard One asks RTOs to create a Training and Assessment Strategy (TAS).
What is it though, that makes a good quality plan?
A template may help you get organised, but there are some key questions to consider that will help you develop content and processes to sit behind your plan and drive your strategy.
Here are a few examples:
Question 1. How do I keep my Training Plan on track?
You could tackle this in many ways depending on your method of delivery.
a) Automation
Cloud Assess helps keep your training plan on track with a range of actions and communications that can be carried out manually or triggered automatically, according to your rules.
For example, due dates can be added to the student’s Calendar and a reminder email can be set up to automatically send out. There are a range of Workflows or automated actions that can be set up in order to keep your training plan moving. Cloud Assess workflows removed a staggering, 300,000 manual tasks for one RTO within 6 months. Not only did they keep things on track, but they also became even more productive and efficient.
b) Student Records of Activity
Trainers, assessors and administrators can also look at students’ timelines in Cloud Assess and check if they have started their assessment then contact them accordingly.
Question 2. How do I efficiently accommodate learners’ needs?
Having a range of environments and tools (and a never-ending budget too) would be great! With Cloud Assess, RTOs become agile as they can quickly adapt their assessment methods of delivery using the convenience of working remotely with smart devices and the dynamic Editing Suite.
Here are some reasonable adjustments that can be easily created with Cloud Assess:
- Insert a digital sketchpad into the assessment. This is user-friendly and easily captures a diagram rather than requiring the student to draw something on paper or upload an attachment.
- Request a 20 second video or audio recording to replace a 200 word written answer. This is a great way to support students with LLN needs.
Questions 3. What readily available information will I have to discuss with my industry?
Industry consultation is a great way to gather feedback on your assessment tools, but your TAS should ensure you have easy to interpret information to be able use when drawing on their expertise.
Using a tool like Cloud Assess Stats, allows you to instantly analyse all assessment records giving you improvement opportunities.
Part 2: Spend time developing the quality of your tools
In ASQA’s Guide to Developing Assessment Tools they outline 3 main steps Planning, Design & Development, and Quality Checks.
The AQTF Essential Standards for Registration, outline that an assessment tool includes the following components:
- the context and conditions for the assessment
- the tasks to be administered to the candidate
- an outline of the evidence to be gathered from the candidate
- the evidence criteria used to judge the quality of performance (i.e. the assessment decision-making rules)
- the administration, recording and reporting requirements
Cloud Assess is an online assessment platform rather than just an eLearning tool. It means that no matter what your method of delivery is i.e. online, face to face, or blended, you can administer your assessment tool with Cloud Assess.
For example, you can create an Observation Checklist in Cloud Assess with great ease and flexibility. It can be used through a phone, tablet/iPad, or computer when assessing a student face to face. All the evidence can then be gathered and stored in the cloud.
The following example of an Observation Checklist in Cloud Assess shows clear assessor instructions at the start.
It also provides access to extra documentation or reference material.
Below you can see “Answer Guides” built into the assessment.
The systematic approach to observing and recording the assessment aligns to the Principles of Assessment and the Rules of Evidence.
Part 3: Invest in the quality of your people
RTOs must employ or contract people that have current skills that align to the Training Package industry.
Keeping up-to-date with compliance or industry can seem like a never-ending task, however, there are many opportunities out there to make it fun and cohesive. Peak bodies sometimes hold personal development days which can involve networking, and VET industry experts such as Velg Training, VETR, and The Vet Guru regularly host webinars on various topics that are great for professional development.
Next read: Find out more about making sure your RTO marketing is compliant.
