Vocational education is a stepping stone to a strong career for all VET students. But what if learners enrolled in the qualifications have low language, literacy, numeracy, and digital Literacy? Then it becomes crucial for RTOs to conduct assessments of learners’ literacy, numeracy, and digital Literacy levels. In the blog, “Why RTOs need to assess LLND (Language, Literacy, Numeracy, and Digital Literacy) of learners”, we will discuss the importance of assessing LLND skills to ensure better learner outcomes and prepare students for successful careers.
- What are LLND skills?
- Why should you, as an RTO, conduct an LLND test?
- What methods can training providers use to conduct LLND assessment tests?
- How can you conduct an LLND test?
- Expert tips for RTOs to provide LLND to learners
- What to do after LLND skill gap identification?
Let us begin.
What are LLND Skills?
LLND skills are part of the foundation skills, along with employment skills. These foundational skills are necessary for VET learners to understand and receive training, enabling them to successfully retain employment. LLND stands for Language, Literacy, Numeracy, and Digital Literacy.
According to the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF), LLND skills are these core skills:
- Language Skills: Oral communication is a language skill, and it covers speaking skills and listening skills.
- Literacy Skills: It covers reading skills and writing skills.
- Numeracy Skills: It covers measuring and using measuring equipment, calculating, and using data, graphs, diagrams, tables, maps and plans.
- Digital Skills: The ability to use digital tools and technologies to access, manage, communicate, solve problems, and enhance productivity.
Why should you, as an RTO, conduct an LLND test?
- RTOs will get reliable information about the LLND levels through the Literacy and Numeracy test.
LLND assessments or LLND tests are an excellent way to get reliable information on students’ LLND levels. It is crucial for the relevant training and LLND assessment. It will also identify the skills gap, and RTOs can provide support for students in need. It is strongly recommended that LLND tests be prepared by expert trainers or subject matter experts so that the LLND tests are effective and reliable.
- RTOs can check for the Language literacy and numeracy that will be required by the relevant industry.
With LLND tests, the learners can be tested for the kind of language literacy and numeracy the industry needs. This will help RTOs to develop their training resources in a more effective way.
- Expert RTO trainers can identify the difficult parts of the training with LLND assessments.
The results of the LLND tests will help RTO trainers to identify the difficult parts of the training and assessment of the qualification. This will help them to provide additional support and practice material to learners.
- Lack of Language literacy and numeracy is a serious concern for RTO’s credibility.
Learners with poor levels of LLND skills will not be able to fully perform in assessments, hampering the RTO’s completion rates. Low LLND levels also mean they may not perform optimally at an actual workplace, putting RTO’s reputation in jeopardy.
What Methods Can Training Providers Use to Conduct LLND Assessment Tests?
- Interviews before the course begins
- Self-assessment forms to identify prior learning
- Enrolment forms with questions that identify the LLND needs of the learners
- Through the LLND quiz and Credit Transfer forms.
- Buy the best LLND assessment kits from a reputable training resource provider, customise them and conduct the test.
How Can You Conduct an LLND Test?
4 steps to identify the LLND skill gap using ACSF
The steps mentioned below help you to identify LLND skill gaps simply using ACSF.
- To identify and explain the required LLND skills.
In a VET program, the ASCF helps identify the LLND skill requirements. There are two methods:
- Identify the necessary LLND skills for units of competency with foundation skills.
- Identify the necessary LLND skills for units of competency without foundation skills.
- To analyse the difficulty level of the required LLND skills.
Consider the day-to-day tasks and activities performed in the organisation. How difficult is the task to perform? Does it require supervision? What is the suitable AQF level?
Answering these questions helps assess the complexity of the required LLND skills. - Using ACSF performance indicators for estimating necessary ACSF levels.
Use ACSF performance indicators to estimate the ACSF levels for each LLND skill. Please visit (ACSF) for more details on ACSF performance indicators. - Comparing an individual’s ACSF levels with the required ACSF levels.
Before enrolling in a training program, the RTO conducts a pre-training review (PTR). This review includes a diagnostic assessment of a person’s current ACSF levels, which can be compared with the ACSF levels required to perform the tasks and activities mentioned by the unit of competency. If there is an LLND skill gap, the RTO may provide additional support and training.
Expert Tips for RTOs to Provide LLND to Learners
- Using nationally recognised qualifications and training
- Conducting pre-training assessment to identify language, literacy and numeracy issues
- Providing the opportunity to observe and practice the LLND skills that are part of the competence training
- Pre-teaching the use of workplace documents
- Providing LLND support and skill development, along with clear and concrete reasons for improvement through support, encouragement, and rewards.
- Use online and self-paced blended learning when available
What to do After LLND Skill Gap Identification?
The RTO should provide the learner with the resources they need to execute the plan of action. This could include practice tests, LLND specialists, or other support services.
Conclusion
LLND is crucial to RTO’s training programs. LLND tests can help RTOs understand the level of learners. The LLND assessment helps identify the gaps in skills. So, by following the 4-step method, you use ACSF to find the skill gaps. If you are an RTO and looking to buy LLND kits, then VET Resources is your partner. We offer training resources, learner guides and training packages to RTOs. We also offer a free consultation to RTOs. For more information, contact us here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the condition when RTO is required to use an approved LLND assessment tool?
If an RTO is funded by the government or a learner receiving a VET student loan, then the RTO is required to use an approved LLND assessment tool to identify the current LLND skills of the learner.
2. Are RTOs mandated to use a validated LLND assessment tool?
The Standards for RTOs, Clause 1.7, specifies that the RTO will review before the training begins. This review will help RTOs determine LLND skills. To review, the RTOs are free to use any LLND assessment tool.
3. What is Digital literacy?
Digital literacy was added to the ACSF in 2020. Digital literacy works on the Digital Literacy Skills Framework and was published by the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment. Digital skills are combined with the five core skills given by the ACSF.
Certainly! Based on the provided FAQs, here are additional FAQs that are aligned with the context of LLND and Digital Literacy for RTOs:
4. How does an RTO assess LLND skills in learners?
RTOs are required to assess LLND skills through an approved LLND assessment tool, which can be used at the start of training to determine learners’ language, literacy, numeracy, and digital skills. This helps ensure the learner can meet the requirements of the training package and the vocational education environment.
5. Can an RTO develop its own LLND assessment tool?
Yes, an RTO can develop its own LLND assessment tool as long as it aligns with the ACSF standards and is approved for use in identifying learners’ LLND skills. It must be validated and meet the requirements for accuracy and fairness.
6. What happens if an RTO does not use an approved LLND assessment tool?
If an RTO does not use an approved LLND assessment tool, it risks non-compliance with the Standards for RTOs, which could lead to penalties, audits, or loss of government funding. This could also affect the quality of the training provided to learners.
7. How does digital literacy relate to VET sector training?
Digital literacy is crucial in the VET sector as it ensures learners are equipped with the necessary skills to engage with digital tools and technologies in their field. RTOs should assess and incorporate digital literacy skills in their training materials and assessments to prepare learners for the workforce.
8. Are RTOs required to assess digital literacy skills?
Yes, RTOs must assess digital literacy as part of LLND skills, particularly when learners are engaged in courses that require the use of technology. This ensures learners can effectively use digital tools relevant to their chosen career pathways.
9. How does the ACSF Digital Literacy framework impact RTO training?
The ACSF Digital Literacy framework provides a structure for assessing learners’ ability to use technology and digital tools. RTOs should integrate this framework into their training and assessment strategies to ensure learners have the necessary digital skills for the modern workforce.
10. Can an RTO use a combination of tools to assess LLND skills?
Yes, RTOs are permitted to use a combination of assessment tools as long as they are validated and approved. This allows RTOs to tailor their assessments to meet the needs of their learners while ensuring compliance with the LLND requirements.
Disclaimer:
The information presented on the VET Resources blog is for general guidance only. While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee the completeness or timeliness of the information. VET Resources is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. Always consult a professional for advice tailored to your circumstances.
