A learning program provides the basis for a cohesive and integrated learning process by outlining the processes of learning and assessment (and it can be part of a bigger delivery and assessment strategy).
Endorsed Training Packages don’t come with prescribed delivery and assessment programs or strategies. They provide the mandatory benchmarks for workplace outcomes (in their units of competency and assessment guidelines) but leave decisions about the processes of delivery and assessment up to you—the facilitator and assessor.
So, as the facilitator or trainer, you will need to design (or source) the learning program, but you have the freedom to design whatever is required to deliver the Training Package outcomes while meeting the needs of enterprises and learners.
Learning programs in this context relate to a vocational training program based around a unit, or units, of competency from an endorsed Training Package (or the modules in an accredited course). These can be delivered in the workplace, in a training environment, as part of a schools- based TVET program or a New Apprenticeships or Traineeships program.
However, you could also design and develop learning programs for a range of other training purposes such as delivering short courses, providing workplace learning that is not nationally recognized and for induction training or other professional development.
A learning program should identify:
- Its purpose
- The target group, their needs and characteristics
- The outcomes to be achieved, such as the units of competency or other benchmarks
- The learning and assessment activities including any flexibilities with this
- Any required resources.
It should also include:
- Learning objectives
- A plan of how the learners will achieve the objectives
- A structure and sequence for learning
- Content of the learning
- Delivery and assessment methods
- Assessment requirements.
Contextualization
Throughout this guide, you will find references to contextualization. Contextualization is the process of taking a learning program or resource and making it meaningful (or customizing it) for individual learners. It could mean that the learning program is modified for:
- A particular workplace
- Individual learning styles
- Groups of learners who are unable to access the planned environment.
- Learners with special language, literacy and numeracy requirements
- Learners with disabilities
- Age groups and levels of previous experience.
Even the best learning programs will need to be contextualized for the learners.