Importance of study skills for VET learners
Following my recent article on Training Package reform and the link to regulation, I'd also like to share another insight from the ATHE curriculum I reviewed recently.
The Level 4 Extended Diploma of Management includes a unit called Study Skills. In summary, the unit outcomes are to assist learners to develop research skills (including identifying, evaluating and accessing sources of information), understanding and developing skills in good academic practice (e.g. academic writing), as well as learning about plagiarism and correct referencing, and finally reflective learning.
As part of my consulting work, I regularly review assessments prepared by international students and can only conclude the skills above are lacking. The most common issues I see are incorrect answers, plagiarism (directly from the Internet) and a low standard of written English (unless copied directly from the Internet!). I think this is partly an issue to do with too low a bar on entry requirements by the RTO, but it is also that students simply do not have experience in study skills.
I understand issues with completed assessments are just one of many issues that result in low quality work (sadly, usually marked as C by trainers/assessors). However, the concept of study skills introduced into Training Packages or as a standard of practice required by RTOs is much needed. Therefore ideally, on commencing their course learners will spend their first few days immersing themselves in study skills which can be reinforced throughout their course. Obviously this is not needed for all students, but based on my many years of experience in the international sector, I believe is absolutely required for this sector at least.
By the way I know this isn't rocket science, rather commonsense. However, attention to the above seems to be missing in practice and in standards.
For more information on the inclusion of the study skills unit, see:
https://athe.co.uk/athe-level-4-extended-diploma-in-management/
Thought Leader at RTO Works
5 年Thanks for your comments Brooke, these are very insightful
Managing Director of RTO Works and Didasko Online
5 年You have hit the nail on the head with both of your articles Sally. If students were being taught and assessed initially on their generic study skills at the appropriate level of their qualification this would cover off many of the foundation skills relevant and provide a solid basis for the rest of their course. In my opinion, training programs should be built on levels that build on from each other but it should all start with study skills. I spent a lot of time in South Africa, and their VET system enables a student to complete 4 units and receive a cert III level, complete an additional two units at a more challenging level to upgrade to their cert IV; and an additional two units at a diploma level gets them their full diploma. This makes far greater sense and enables a student to build on their qualification, increases their knowledge and skills to a deeper level - and does not put the student off from attempting a higher level qual because the jump to the higher qualification is not so great, including time and expense of achieving it.
Thought Leader at RTO Works
5 年Thanks for your comments Sameer.