Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables defines the different contexts, work environments and parameters governing the performance of this competency standard. The variables chosen in training and assessment will need to reflect local industry and regional contexts.

Which people considered for involvement may be included?
Eyewitnesses to events relating to natural and/or cultural resource management, long time residents of a place or area who have observed natural and/or cultural processes, and those knowledgeable about stories or customs handed down through generations.

Which narrators may be included as part of this standard?
Those having respect in the community, frail and elderly people, and people of other cultures who may or may not be English language speakers and who may require the use of interpreters.

What equipment and other resources may be required?
Audio tape recorders and quality recording media, video recorders and quality recording media, recording assistants, cameras and stationery.

Which methods of storage may be relevant?
Management in a standard office under lock, storage in a safe, storage in single and multiple locations, and storage in recognised archives.

What types of notes may be included?
Informal, covering key words or phrases, and formal transcripts in long hand or in shorthand.

How might the interview process and environment be included in this standard?
By limiting access by others, controlling noise and interruptions, managing intrusions by the recording equipment and any assistants, scheduling breaks, responding to 'stage-fright' and other narrator emotions.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in recording and documenting community history requires evidence that oral history of a community has been appropriately recorded and documented according to community and agency guidelines and best practice procedures. The skills and knowledge required to record and document community history must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts. For example, this could include different communities, recording methods and consultative processes.
What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this unit are listed below:

Subject areas covered in the interviews/sessions.
Objectives of the natural and/or cultural resource research.
Range of communication approaches.
Relevant cultural protocols.
Enterprise procedures relating to the recording, management and storage of oral and community information.
Recording techniques and media.
Set-up of microphones and video cameras.
Use of still cameras.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These skills include the ability to:

Prepare for interviews and group sessions.
Conduct interviews.
Conduct group sessions.
Transcribe and edit information.
Store records.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?
This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function.

Essential Assessment Information
For information about

What processes should be applied to this competency standard?
There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life, which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.
Communicating ideas and information
Recording equipment. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Oral stories. (3)

Planning and organising activities
Arranging group sessions. (2)

Working with others and in teams
Community interaction. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Not applicable. (0)

Solving problems
Dealing with cultural protocols. (2)

Using technology
Recording equipment. (2)