This procedure describes the processes undertaken by Gryphon Learning to ensure that the assessment of training packages and accredited courses on its scope of registration are valid, fair, reliable and flexible.

Essential Standards: 1.2,1.3,1.5,2.2,2.3,2.4,2.5

Condition 7

This procedure applies to trainers and assessors employed by or contracted to Gryphon Learning

The training manager is responsible for the control and implementation of this procedure.

Assessment is the process of collecting evidence and making judgments on whether competency has been achieved. The purpose of assessment is to confirm that an individual can perform to those standards expected in the workplace as expressed in the relevant endorsed industry/enterprise competency standards.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is the process of equating an individual’s prior learning to the learning outcomes offered by Gryphon Learning. Only prior learning relevant to competencies to be assessed can be considered for recognition

Prior learning is learning that has been achieved through work, life experiences or other non-formal process.

Learning and assessment strategies identify the proposed target groups, delivery and assessment modes, assessment validation processes and learning pathways for each training package qualification or accredited course.

Learning and assessment strategies are to be developed for each course within the scope of registration of Gryphon Learning and for courses which are the subject of an application for registration or extension to scope of registration.

To ensure that the requirements of the training package or accredited course are met through the use of appropriate assessment instruments.

To recognise the prior learning of all trainees/students.

To ensure that all assessments conducted are valid, fair, reliable and flexible.

All trainees/students are to be made aware of Gryphon Learning policy on RPL prior to enrolment.

During orientation all trainees/students are to be advised of the procedures for applying for RPL.

Applications for RPL are to be made on the appropriate form and submitted to the training manager together with all relevant supporting information.

The training manager will assess each application and a decision will be made as to whether RPL can be granted.

If such a decision cannot be made then the applicant may be required to provide more information, e.g. more details, verification of experience, etc.

The applicant may be invited to attend an interview with an RPL assessorand/or course expert and may be accompanied by his/her employer or friend.

The applicant may be invited to undertake a "challenge" assessment.

An initial assessment and/or a request for further information will be made within 21 days of the receipt of the application.

An applicant may appeal in writing against a decision in accordance with the grievance, complaints, appeals procedure.

The target groups and stakeholders are identified, together with the industry sector, language, literacy and numeracy requirements, special needs and any factors limiting an individual’s ability to participate in the course.

The legislative and licensing requirements are identified.

The course outcomes and objectives are identified.

The required skills, knowledge and standards of performance in the workplace are identified

Training packages are consulted to identify any existing qualifications or Units of competency are suitable.

A business case is prepared and authorised by management.

A curriculum is specified, including any appropriate Nationally Recognised Units of competency.

The necessary resources required to conduct the training and carry out the assessment, are identified.

The learning and assessment strategies are documented and submitted to the training manager for authorisation.

Research is undertaken and an instructional design is prepared, according to Gryphon guidelines.

Existing on-line learning and assessment materials are used where appropriate

Objectives, video scripts, explanatory material, examples, learning activities and assessment activities are prepared.

The material is vetted for by industry practitioners and the training manager.

Graphics specifications are prepared.

Actors are hired and audio/visual material prepared.

Graphics are prepared.

Reusable Learning objects are programmed.

The various components are assembled into a set of master courseware books.

The courseware is tested and trialled.

Any necessary revisions are completed.

Necessary entries are made in the learning management system.

Student information and marketing material is developed and tested.

All material is signed off.

Material is released.

The on-going evaluation process begins.

In addition to reviewing feedback on assessment via the Gryphon Learning continuous improvement policy and procedure the following process is to occur each year.

Where judgments are made by a human assessor

The assessment outcomes for each assessor of each unit/module are compared by the training manager to determine any apparent variations in judgments formed.

Feedback is sought from employers on trainee's performance in areas where Gryphon Learning assessors have judged the trainee to be competent.

Where assessors have used different assessment tools, the training manager determines if this has resulted in any apparent variation in judgment.

Proposed changes to assessment tools and strategies are documented and submitted to the training manager for authorisation.

Individual training plans are to be prepared in conjunction with the employer, trainee and Gryphon Learning representative.

The proposed commencement and completion dates for each unit/module are to be entered into the training plan, together with the location of training and the names of the persons to be involved in the training and assessment.

The training plan is to be signed and dated by all three parties.

The trainee's progress is to be monitored and recorded on the training plan.Any variations to the training plan are to be agreed to by all three parties prior to noting those variations on the training plan.