Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables explains the range of contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this unit may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment may depend on the work contexts.

Which types of presentations may take place?
Presentations may include workshops, seminars, lectures, interactive sessions and large public presentations.

What public speaking skills may be relevant?
Public speaking skills may include voice control, eye contact, body language and ability to relate to the particular audience.

Which visual aids may be used?
Visual aids may include slides, overhead transparencies, electronic presentations, handouts, charts and animals.

What presentation equipment may be relevant?
Presentation equipment may include mobile microphones, computers, props and overhead and data projectors.

What does humane animal treatment include?
Humane treatment of animals may include using correct handling procedures, minimising stress, dispensing treats and limiting time involvement in presentations.

What OHS requirements may have to be considered?
Animal care for captive animals has a range of associated risks from bites, envenomation, kicks or scratches. All duties should reflect an awareness of and a respect for these risks.
Safe work practices are used in packaging and handling loads, including animals. Appropriate safe handling techniques are used to reduce muscle load on exertion.
Some captive animal facilities may expose personnel to risks such as zoonoses, release of infective agents (both animal and human) and chemical spillage. Procedures to reduce the spread of disease may include incident reporting, cleaning, the removal of waste and spillage, the containment or elimination of risk, the use of personal protective equipment and clothing and seeking advice from supervisors.

What is involved in reviewing a presentation?
Review may include analysing participant feedback and peer comments and revising the presentation and support materials.

Who are internal and external clients?
Internal clients may include other staff and management.
External clients may include members of the public, visiting dignitaries and personnel from government bodies or other captive animal institutions.

What may be required for media presentations?
Media presentations may include the preparation of information for the institution's media department, media releases and interviews.

What are the critical aspects of evidence required for this unit of competency as a whole?
The critical requirements that are valuable for this unit of competency as a whole are listed below.

Assessment must confirm one's ability to:

plan presentations to meet desired objectives
prepare and present information to a range of audiences
communicate effectively with a wide range of people and engage audiences
use a range of materials and equipment as part of presentations
review presentations and adjust accordingly.

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

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

institutional policies and procedures, including OHS
education policy and support materials of the Australasian Regional Association of Zoological Parks
interpretive theory
public speaking techniques
basic instructional design principles
learning principles for the captive animal environment and for different age groups
features of presentation equipment
subject matter for the presentation.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

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

ability to implement institutional policies and procedures
effective presentation and public speaking skills
ability to use a range of media techniques
ability to review and improve presentations
ability to handle animals safely and treat them humanely during a presentation
literacy skills to read and implement institutional policies and procedures, including OHS; follow treatment instructions; record accurately and legibly information collected; and select and apply procedures to a range of tasks
oral communication skills / language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the institution, including questioning techniques, active listening, training others and consulting with supervisors
numeracy skills to complete basic arithmetic calculations
interpersonal skills to work with and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds
problem-solving skills to use available resources and develop interesting presentations.

What are the specific resource implications for this unit of competency?
For valid assessment, one
an appropriate captive animal workplace or an environment that reproduces normal work conditions
equipment and / or resources normally used in the workplace
suitable presentation venues
institutional policies and procedures
content material and, if required, animals to be used during presentations
a range of audiences.

What considerations should there be for consistency in performance?
To ensure consistency in one's performance, competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities and, where possible, over a number of assessment activities.
The skills and knowledge required to

What considerations should there be for context of assessment?
Assessment for this unit of competency is to be largely practical in nature and will be most appropriately assessed in a captive animal workplace or in a situation that reproduces normal work conditions.
There must be access in either situation to the appropriate equipment and / or resources to enable one to demonstrate competency.

Are there other units of competency that could be assessed with this one?
This unit of competency
RUV2401A Prepare for and conduct a tour or presentation

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 unit of competency. 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
Through discussion of presentations with supervisors and team members. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
By researching and organising information into coherent presentations. (2)

Planning and organising activities
By organising presentations to link with animal feeding times or other suitable events. (2)

Working with others and in teams
By working with others on agreed tasks. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
By timing presentations accurately. (1)

Solving problems
By using limited resources to create interesting presentations. (2)

Using technology
By using electronic equipment during presentations. (2)