This is Part 3 of the article, where we are discussing the different phases of the validation processes an RTO should be following to ensure they meet regulatory requirements and industry expectations.

In the previous articles, we discussed the following regarding the validation of assessment resources:

• Explanation of assessment validation
• Typical benchmarks used during the validation processes
• Stages of validation (before, during and after the assessment judgements)
• Regulatory requirements for conducting validation
• Assessment system
• Who conducts validation?
• How is validation different from moderation?
• How external consultants can help you with validation of assessment and learner resources?

In this month’s article, we will explore the regulatory requirements around validation of learner resources.

Learner resources
Learner resources are also known as “learning resources”, “training resources”, or “companion guides”. The purpose of these resources is to support learners with the underpinning knowledge required to participate in skill-based tasks. These resources include a range of activities to support the learning including, formative assessments and activities, links to further reading, workplace activities and procedures (where relevant to the qualification) etc.

Why you need to validate your learner resources
The VET regulator, ASQA does not currently prescribe the methodology Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) should use to meet the requirements of the relevant standards, training packages and accredited courses for learner resources.

But their expectations under the Standards for Registered Training Organisations, 2015, is to ensure your learner resources meet the following legislative guidelines:

Standard 1, Clause 1.3 (c): Learning resources to enable learners to meet the requirements for each unit of competency, and which are accessible to the learner regardless of location or mode of delivery.

The guidelines further state that:

Learning resources

• To ensure students are able to obtain and absorb the required knowledge and skills prior to assessment, carefully choose and plan the learning resources you will use to guide them.
• Identify these resources in your strategy to ensure you obtain full coverage of all required areas.

Therefore, we strongly recommend validating your learner resources to ensure your organisation complies with the relevant legislative requirements and guidelines.

The process of validation of learner resources
The validation of learner resources is not very different from the validation of assessment resources. All learner resources must also meet training package requirements and industry expectations.

Who can be involved in validating the learner resources
There are currently no regulatory requirements around who can participate in the validation of learner resources, however, it should be no different from the validation of assessment resources.

It should be a collective team effort and you must include the following people to validate your learner resources:

• Subject matter experts
• Trainers and assessors
• Compliance or administration manager
• Industry experts
• You may also include compliance experts as well as they usually have current and up-to-date knowledge around audit and compliance expectations and requirements.

Stages of validation for learner resources
Stage 1: Validation before using the learner resources
Validation before using the learner resources is to ensure the resources meet training package requirements, how the information is presented and the quality of the formative assessments. This is to ensure the student gains the required skills and knowledge to participate in the summative assessments later. Your review of the learner resources templates in detail ensures they are compliant and meet regulatory standards and Industry requirements.

Stage 2: Validation during or after using the learner resources
Your validation of learner resources during or after use is to ensure:

• Your resources meet client expectations
• Your resources meet training package guidelines and provide all required underpinning knowledge to your students
• Your resources are current and up-to-date in terms of the latest trends, technology and industry guidelines and practices.

In the next and final article, we will discuss:

• Why you need to keep validators information
• Why validation of assessment and learner resources should be systematic and ongoing
• How can you schedule validation
• What is statistically valid sampling
• Validation outcomes

(To be continued in the upcoming newsletter and blogs)