Credit Matrix project updates
Allocating levels and points to the Business Services Training Package BSB07
The VRQA has completed a project allocating levels and points, by using the Credit Matrix, to the Business Services Training Package BSB07.
The project allocated levels and points to selected units in the package and developed profiles for 30 qualifications and 5 skill sets based on the lowest possible combination of levels and credit points.
"There is much to be learned by Training Package developers through using the Credit Matrix," said Mitch Cleary of Precision Consultancy who developed and credit rated BSB07. "There is enormous potential to look at the packaging rules to ensure flexibility and relative consistency whilst also maintaining the integrity of the qualification and ultimately the Australian Qualifications Framework", she said.
"There is also the possibility of applying the Credit Matrix to cross Training Package work and looking at the consequences of importing units from other Training Packages into qualification structures. All Industry Skills Councils should be interested in the findings of this project", she said.
The VRQA in conjunction with the Department of Innovation, Industry & Regional Development have built on this project with Deakin University (described below).
For more details read Determining levels and points of units from the Business Services Training Package BSB07 (PDF - 359Kb).
For more information about the credit rating of BSB07 or the university project, please contact Alison Vickers on (03) 9651 3807.
Credit transfer processes much simpler says Deakin University
Deakin University has praised the Credit Matrix in helping develop credit transfer arrangements between the Business Services Training Package (BSB07) and its Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Management.
The project allocated points and levels to units in the Bachelor degrees and developed a qualification profile of both degrees in terms of their levels and points.
South West TAFE, The Gordon Institute of TAFE and Box Hill Institute of TAFE were also involved in the project. They developed concurrent programs that used cross credit between the Bachelor of Management and the Advanced Diploma of Business (Marketing).
The project found that the Credit Matrix:
- is valuable for communicating credit transfer between institutions from different education sectors
- could provide a more transparent and objective process for determining unspecified credit, particularly for incomplete qualifications
- is useful for developing joint course/curriculum to maximise credit transfer and/or concurrent programs
- will be important for joint TAFE/University marketing activities, particularly for international students
- is useful for assisting universities develop their courses and course documentation.
For more details read the final report (PDF - 1.1Mb).
For information about the project contact Alison Vickers on (03) 9651 3807 or email vickers.alison.g@edumail.vic.gov.au.
Enabling level added to the Credit Matrix
The VRQA Board, at its February meeting, endorsed an enabling level for the Credit Matrix. This new level applies to units which focus on the learning of functional English language, literacy, numeracy and other skills which enable learners to undertake post-compulsory qualifications.
“The enabling level provides a real stepping stone to post compulsory education and training” said Stuart Hamilton, chair of the VRQA Board. Learners who undertake general studies and further education qualifications would typically accumulate points at a range of levels and will be able to use these points in qualifications that provide credit transfer.
The enabling level provides greater definition to lower level AQF qualifications and in particular qualifications in general studies and further education. The enabling level also aligns the Credit Matrix to the National Reporting System (NRS) levels 1 and 2.
Download the Credit Matrix level descriptors (PDF - 313Kb) including the enabling level.
For information about the ‘enabling’ level contact Alison Vickers on (03) 9651 3807 or email vickers.alison.g@edumail.vic.gov.au.
Senior secondary pilot
A new website helps students link their learning to qualifications
This year the VRQA, together with the VCAA, DEECD, 7 schools and a TAFE explored how a qualifications system with the Credit Matrix might work for senior secondary students.
VET students from Ballarat High School, Ballarat Secondary College, Braemar College, Chisholm Institute of TAFE, Box Hill Senior Secondary College, Catholic College Bendigo, Whittlesea Secondary College and Xavier College participated in the pilot.
The pilot involved testing a website which enables students to quantify their learning achievements by showing their units’ points and levels. They could then compare their accumulated points against the points at each level needed for various qualifications.
Students also checked whether the units they have achieved:
- satisfy qualifications’ rules
- can contribute towards other qualifications.
Comparison of a learner's achievement and a Certificate III
Many students said it was motivating to see they had already made inroads into completing qualifications – and not just the ones they are planning to complete at school.
94 per cent of students in the pilot agreed they would use the site for making study choices and would recommend it to friends and family.
For more details read the Credit Matrix Senior Secondary Pilot findings (PDF - 317Kb).
For information, please contact Felicity Dunn on (03) 9651 3808.