CHCEDS507A: Research an education issue

Descriptor: This unit deals with the skills and knowledge required by education support workers to carry out research activities, analyse collected data and produce reports
Employability Skills: This unit contains Employability Skills
Application: This unit is intended for education support workers undertaking research as part of an education team in areas related to school operations and education/training programs
This unit applies to work undertaken with appropriate guidance, support and supervision by a nominated teacher or other education professional

Element	Performance Criteria
Elements define the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.	The Performance Criteria specify the level of performance required to demonstrate achievement of the Element. Terms in italics are elaborated in the Range Statement.
1. Determine the research question and requirements	1.1 In consultation with relevant staff, define research brief or problem according to education organisation requirements 1.2 Frame and clearly articulate the research question or topic using key issues and support it with relevant information 1.3 Validate and document research requirements with relevant staff
2. Develop a research strategy	2.1 Identify and evaluate suitable research strategies for use in the project 2.2 Identify sources of information 2.3 Develop project plan according to organisation’s ethical and legal requirements and in consultation with relevant staff 2.4 Determine risk management strategies 2.5 Incorporate recording processes and data management into the project plan 2.6 Process the research plan for approval according to organisation guidelines
3. Conduct and manage research activities	3.1 Conduct research methods and activities according to the research plan 3.2 Access resources to support the research according to organisation policy and procedure 3.3 Monitor research activities and implement changes to the project plan where necessary after appropriate approval 3.4 Analyse and interpret incoming data according to research strategy 3.5 Determine and document research outcomes according to organisation requirements
4. Evaluate research outcomes	4.1 Organise research data according to the approved research strategy 4.2 Structure research outcomes to answer questions posed in the research brief or problem 4.3 Highlight and summarise specific issues and important additional findings 4.4 Discuss research outcomes with key stakeholders and make adjustments to findings based on the feedback
5. Document research processes and outcomes	5.1 Summarise research procedures and outcomes in format acceptable to the education organisation and academic standards 5.2 Store research documents as required by the organisation
6. Disseminate research results and reports	6.1 Submit research reports and findings to the relevant authorities for action 6.2 Identify processes for dissemination and seek approval from relevant authorities 6.3 Implement protection of organisation’s intellectual property as required by organisation and any relevant legislation

Required Skills And Knowledge

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.

Essential knowledge:

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively perform task skills; task management skills; contingency management skills and job/role environment skills as outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit

These include knowledge of:

Research protocols and procedures
Organisations preferred format and style for documenting research findings
Ethical and legal obligations of self and organisation to undertake particular research topics
Key people in the organisation and their responsibilities for research projects

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Work, independently within a designated timeframe for the research project
Work within ethical frameworks underpinning research within an education setting
Analyse collected data
Use computers for data entry and retrieval, produce documents and reports

In addition, the candidate must be able to demonstrate relevant task skills; task management skills; contingency management skills and job/role environment skills
These include the ability to:

Analyse and present information
Write notes, business letters and research reports
Use computers for work processing and data entry
Work collaboratively with a team
Manage timeframes
Listen, question and clarify
Read, understand, interpret written documents associated with the task

Range Statement

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Research brief may include:	Oral instructions to conduct an investigation Formal written directive defining the scope of the topic to be investigated Outcomes of meetings that provide direction and purpose of an investigation
Education organisation may include:	Public and private schools Registered training organisations Community education settings Special schools
Research question or topic may refer to:	Specific and explicated statements describing the purpose of the investigation
Research strategies are:	Activities that the researcher will use to conduct the investigation into the identified topic
Sources of information may include:	Other research in progress or completed Recently published information Unpublished information Student requirements Internet Libraries and research bodies Individuals Reference texts Questionnaire survey Interviews Experts Other stakeholders
A project plan is:	A formal, approved document used to guide both the project execution and project control.
Ethical and legislative practices may include:	Code of conduct Respect for persons, law, and government systems Economy and efficiency Integrity Diligence Openness and honesty Accountability Impartiality Reliability Confidentiality
Risk management strategies may include:	Identification of risks Assessing level of risk Addressing the risks with alternative actions Reporting risks
Recording processes and data management may include:	Note taking Audio and visual recording Anecdotal comment Computer data base Filing systems
Research methods and activities may include:	Case study Focus groups Appreciative study Interview Surveys Action research
Resources may include:	Human Physical Monetary Design specifications Reference material Internet and telecommunications access Personnel and clients
Policies and procedures are:	Documents developed by the education system, school or a sector of the school which provide policy and procedural direction These may include: Education system policies and procedures School policies and procedures Government legislation and regulation Statutory body requirements
Academic standards are:	Appropriate formats for reports Documentation standards Referencing standards

Evidence Guide

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.