Learning & Development Glossary

Action Learning: is the learning that occurs when working on real problems, trialling solutions, and reviewing and reflecting on the learning process. Also see action learning.
Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF): is a set of nationally agreed standards to ensure the quality of vocational education and training services. Also see http://www.anta.gov.au/aqtfWhat.asp
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF): is a framework for national qualifications from Senior Secondary Certificates through to Doctoral Degrees. Also see http://www.anta.gov.au/tpkQualifications.asp
Classroom based learning: is the approach all people have experienced as a result of their formal compulsory education. Also see classroom-based learning.
Coaching: is generally used in specific areas of skills and personal development when a more experienced staff member provides coaching in a specific skill. Also see coaching.
Community Services Training Package: is a national training package which describes all the competencies required of staff employed at all levels in the community services sector. Also see Community Services Training Package.
Competence: One term often used to measure whether a person is doing their job well is competence. Becoming competent involves two things:
- knowing what to do and
- doing it
The level of competence required of a worker is determined by a competency-based assessment.
Competency Based Training (CBT): is training which develops the skills, knowledge and attitudes required to achieve competency standards.
Disability Services Self Assessment System (DSAS): assists disability services to assess themselves against the Victorian Standards for Disability Services.
Also see DSAS
http://hnb.dhs.vic.gov.au/ds/disabilitysite.nsf/pages/prov_quality_self
Flexible learning: is a term used for the provision of learning methods giving learners greater choice of when, where and how they learn. For example Flexible Learning can involve the use of email and Internet to supplement face-to-face teaching. Refer to the Flexible Delivery in the Community Services Training Package (CSTP)
Frontline Management: is a set of nationally endorsed generic frontline management competency standards that lead to national qualifications. Refer to the Business Service Training Package
Higher duties: is the term given when a staff member temporarily acts in a more senior role providing them with opportunities to develop new skills. Also see higher duties.
Job profile: sets out the competencies needed for the job, skill level needed by persons in the job and the importance of each competency in relation to the job.
Knowledge / Skills / Attitudes: Refer to the following webpage for defintion of knowledge, skills and attitudes
Learning culture: refers to an environment in which opportunities for learning are openly valued and supported and are built, where possible, into all activities.
Mentoring: is a learning relationship that is formed with a person who demonstrates excellence in the area that the staff member wants to improve. Also see mentoring.
Multi-media: refers to multiple means of providing information or learning options, particularly those created by improvements in technology. Also see multimedia
National Training Framework: sets the agenda for present government policies and goals in regard to training, evaluation, delivery and skills recognition.
See http://www.anta.gov.au/dapTrainingasp
New Apprenticeship Centre (NAC): is a free service that promotes and supports Commonwealth funded New Apprenticeships for new and existing staff. Also see New Apprenticeships and the Disability Sector.
Recognition of Current Competency (RCC): is a process where staff can have their current work and life skills recognised and accredited. Also see
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): is now known as Recognition of Current Competency (RCC).
Registered Training Organisation (RTO): is an organisation registered by a State or Territory recognition authority to deliver training. Also see http://www.ette.vic.gov.au/registration/index.htm
Self-paced learning: provides independent learners to work at their own pace to gain the knowledge or skills required. Also see self-paced learning.
Shadowing: is one form of professional development where more experienced staff are assigned to "buddy" other staff. Also see shadowing.
Staff Development and Review (SDR): is any system that enables regular review of the performance of staff against clear and agreed performance criteria. Also see Staff Development and Review.
Victorian Standards for Disability Services: are the standards which all government and non-government funded services are expected to achieve. Also see http://hnb.dhs.vic.gov.au/Ds/disabilitysite.nsf/pages/prov_quality_standards
Workplace Based Learning: is learning undertaken in the workplace, usually on the job, including on-the-job training under normal operational conditions.
Workplace Exchange: enables staff to experience how other workplaces manage their activities. Also see workplace exchange.