National Diploma in Environmental Education, Training and Development Practices (22902) Level 5
Conduct Outcomes-based Assessment Unit Standard 115753 (Level 5; Credits 15)
PURPOSE OF THE QUALIFICATION
The National Diploma in EETDP (Level 5) prepares learners to function independently as entry-level environmental education practitioners. It will apply in particular to unqualified environmental education practitioners working in environmental education centres and to people employed primarily in fields other than education, but who may develop an environmental education role in the workplace, e.g. field rangers, outreach officers, interpretative officers.
People accredited with this qualification will be able to design, plan, implement, evaluate and improve on a variety of environmental learning programmes. The candidate will be able to design new, original and innovative learning support materials to enrich the learning experience. People qualified at this level will make a meaningful contribution to environmental change through an educational response to environmental issues and risks in a range of contexts and workplaces. They may also be able to function as teachers` aides or environmental education specialists in formal education settings like schools.
RATIONALE FOR THE QUALIFICATION:
Many environmental education practitioners have no formal qualification in environmental education, yet they may be required to develop, implement and evaluate environmental learning programmes and resource materials for adults and children in a range of contexts. These may include environmental education programmes at natural or cultural heritage sites or in community settings, or environmental health and safety programmes in the workplace.
Candidates who obtain the National Diploma in EETDP (NQF Level 5) will be able to register for an education qualification at level 6 on the NQF. The level 6 qualification will give them access to higher qualifications in the field of education, which in turn may open access to the Educators in Schooling sub-field.
The Approach to Learning Used in this Qualifications
1. Learning Strategy
Approach. The compilation of the diploma programme makes provision for a 20% theory and 80% work-based application. Part of the contact sessions entails experiential learning and activities promoting learner participation. Practical application is achieved through group/individual work, research, community-based interaction and coaching, workplace experience and assignments.
Contact Sessions. Contact hours to facilitate the generic training comprise 265 hours of contact time which includes formative assessment sessions and learner observations, and 195 hours of PoE support in various forms, from electronic to face-to-face sessions. Activities for workplace experience to be completed at local schools, environmental centres and other workplaces relevant to implement action projects.
Practical Experience. Workplace experience comprises application of environmental goals, principles and approaches within existing education programmes and designing and developing new environmentally focused environmental programmes and learning support material. It involves the application of action-taking skills where learners designed and managed an action project that is responding to local environmental issues.
