These are some of the typical questions that we get asked. Can't find the answer to your question? Let us know so that we can add to this page and provide more information to our prospective students.

wHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ONLINE COURSE AND a VIRTUAL CLASSROOM?

An online course is one where you login to your online course and self pace through the course. You still have access to a trainer and assessor through email and possibly coaching depending on how your course is set up. A virtual classroom is where you go into a virtual online training room and you meet your trainer and assessor and fellow students online. You train in real time as a group and have access to full audio and visual with your trainer and fellow students and can share screens and collaborate in groups in break out rooms.

What is competency based assessment? 

​This is the process of collecting evidence and making judgements on whether competence  has been achieved. This confirms that an individual can perform to the standard expected  in the workplace as expressed in the nationally endorsed competency standards on competency standards developed by relevant industry. Source: Guidelines to assessing competence in VET. 

what are adult learning principles?

Adults  bring prior experience and knowledge with them. We build on your experience. 
Adults  want to know what's in it for them. We tell you where it fits and what the relevance is of your material. You will have real world strategies to implement. 
Adults  enjoy speaking to one another, not just the Trainer.  We will facilitate your learning. 
Adults  have preferences and prejudices that may not be overcome in a one-shot training. You can take time to study. Instant results are not expected by us so be kind to yourself especially if the new learning challenges your beliefs. 
Adults  like to feel like an active part of the learning process.  This is your study program so don’t be afraid to speak up and negotiate with us. 
Adults  expect to be respected and you will be. You will be expected to make a commitment to your study and to respect our commitment to you. 
Adults  enjoy active learning, but sometimes that is difficult to achieve if you are studying online. Please talk to your coach or email to stay in contact.  
Adults  expect to be able to use what they learn immediately so we make information applicable to your workplace. We can adapt activities to suit where you work. Just ask.  
Adults  learn at different speeds and through different methods. Learn about what methods suit you to optimise your success. But be prepared to find study tedious at times. We would like it to be find but sometimes its just plan hard work. 
Adults  need feedback and constructive criticism.  We will provide this so you learn and your work improves but this is based on building the person not tearing them down.  

can i be guaranteed a pass?

This will depend entirely on the amount of commitment that you make to your successful completion and to your level of engagement with your learning. Your trainer and assessor is there to support this process, but you are responsible as an adult learner to complete the required amount of study to enable you to successfully complete your assessment tasks and provide sufficient evidence for your assessment. There are NO guarantees—just support to do your best! If an RTO is guaranteeing you pass, take care! 

what are delivery modes and which is the best for me?

You can choose to self pace through the learning with coaching one on one with your trainer, in class or a mixture  (blended) of these modes. You can include recognition of prior learning when possible. NO additional fees for this flexibility. 

what is the difference between fast track and paced learning?

Fast track  option: completing the course with minimal space between modules or clusters. Suitable for those who can not afford too much time away from work and want to spend some dedicated time working on their qualification. This option is only suitable if you are a self-directed learner and engage in the learning materials between each cluster to embed the learning. This is not a good option for a reflective learner or for someone who likes to complete one area of study completely before they commence the next. Fast track is a blended mode of delivery incorporating in class work, external studies engaging in the Learning Management System (LMS) and learning materials provided and independent research. If you are eligible for recognition of prior learning (RPL) for all or part of your studies this will also assist you to fast track your results. 
Paced option: completing one cluster or module at a time and then having a month or two break between commencing the next cluster or module of study. This allows for learning to become embedded especially for those who like to learn at their own pace, are reflective or structured learner where it makes more sense to build up the learning in a more structured, slower pace.
If unsure, discuss your options with your trainer and assessor prior to commencing your studies. This is crucial to your success and ensuring that you pick the best program to suit your learning style, needs and circumstances.

what are adult learning styles?

Individuals learn differently and have their own unique learning style. Some learners have a dominant learning style, others can adapt depending on the situation. No learning style is more effective than another and your learning style may change over time. 
Understanding your learning style will help you choose the mode of study that will suit you. 
There are many online surveys to help you determine your learning style. You will identify your learning style if you complete your trainer and assessor qualification as it is important to be able to determine your own style and that of your learner group.
For example: A learner that likes time to reflect and connect all the pieces is going to find a FAST TRACK course a challenge. A learner that likes to talk things through is going to find online learning a challenge. 

what is a learning management system (LMS)?

A learning management system is a software application for the administration, documentation, tracking, reporting, and delivery of educational courses, training programs, or learning and development programs. Murray House Resource Centre has its own LMS where you will login and access your learning materials, be able to engage in your learning, complete short quizzes to test where you are up to with your progress, upload your assessment evidence and be provided feedback and your assessment outcome. It is web based so you can login anywhere and continue from where you left off. The Dashboard shows you your progress in each unit of competency and your due dates, so you can track your progress. It is simple and easy to use with search functionality, bookmark and notes section to assist with your studies.

WHAT IS SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING?

Self directed learning is a key skill for learners at Certificate IV and Diploma level; taking responsibility for your results and pacing your study to get results. How you choose to learn is  up to you. We can ‘mix and match’ study modes to get the best result for you.
As a self-directed learner you must be able to:

• plan your study time and put effort into your work
• take constructive feedback to improve your performance
  
• be prepared for how you will feel when you step outside your existing knowledge or comfort zone
  
• negotiate for what you want
  
• set timelines and goals for yourself
  

We will offer help and we want you to keep in contact but we wont harass you for your work. We will treat you as a self-directed adult learner. At Murray House Resource Centre we are passionate about learning. Are you passionate about learning too? Quality students choose quality training.