The question of clustering comes up time and time again when talking to RTO staff. I think the biggest problem is people don’t understand the benefits. These benefits are for the students, the assessors and the workplace. So I decided to discuss some of the benefits and how to cluster.
What is clustering?
It when a number of units of competency from the training qualification are grouped together to address training and assessment for a job function or role.
Benefit 1. Training Packages are written with job roles in mind, and you need to reflect the workplace in the learning and assessment experience. By clustering units you assess against a job task as it is performed in the workplace. Learning and assessment materials that reflect the workplace will therefore assist in putting the knowledge and skills being learned or assessed in a real work context. This approach is more meaningful for the learner/candidate and increases the likelihood of them being able to transfer the knowledge and skills from the classroom setting to the workplace.
Benefit 2. There are significant efficiency benefits for the workplace and training organisation by maximising the opportunities for holistic evidence gathering in the assessment process. It is simpler, but not lacking in integrity.
Benefit 3. You can meet the required competency profile of the learner/candidate
Benefit 4. There is efficiency of effort for the trainer/assessor and learner/candidate.
Benefit 5. You can address the unit of competence co-requisite requirements
When clustering is done well it provides for holistic, efficient and meaningful learning and demonstration of competency. This assessment approach also integrates the application of knowledge, technical skills, problem solving and demonstration of attitudes and ethics.
Let’s look at an example;
A good approach to grouping is to look at units with similar or complementary knowledge and skills. For example, the following three units could be grouped to provide a structured and meaningful learning and assessment program.
BSBCMM201A Communicate in the workplace
BSBWOR203A Work effectively with others
BSBWOR202A Organise and complete daily work activities
Remember: It is important however, when units are grouped, that thorough mapping is conducted for each unit of competency individually and a meaningful schedule of knowledge and skills development planned. Successful performance of the job role then provides the evidence required for assessment. This assists in minimising disruption to the work place and over assessment.
Enjoy and happy clustering
Merinda
HI – I would appreciate your advice on the mapping of competencies when clustering similar units eg our training is in the real estate industry – units from the CPP40307 Training Package. There are units which deal with for example the sales component eg 4003, 4008, 4012, 4014, 4022 – each of these units have separate elements but there is a great deal of overlapping material. I am finding it easy enough to cluster the information for delivery but am concerned at how the mapping should be done to incorporate all the different elements, Thankyou in advance, Cheers Terri Cooper
Hi Terri
A fabulous resource is the pdf called: Clustering units of competency: A guide to how to cluster for delivery and assessment, by the WA Dept of Training. It has some excellent examples in it, and can show you how you can cluster the units you mention. This guide provides information about the process of clustering for delivery and assessment and is supported by a worked example of clustering three units from the BSB07 Business Services Training Package related to quality auditing for delivery and assessment. Whilst it maybe a couple of years old, it is still very relevant to anyone looking at redcuing the amount of double up in units. You ahve an excellent example of being able to cluster units, as you deal with people within a specific industry, and the workpalce requirements are very similar. Cluster the overlapping material, include separate assessments for the individual aspects of the units, include a sign off sheet / judgement tool that tells the assessors what needs to be completed by the student to meet the unit requirements, and map each unit individually to every peice of evidence you are asking of them. There are a couple of examples in the document mentioned above of the mapping to show you the detail required.