Design and deliver an appropriate interpretation plan

Based on NZQA 18311

People credited with this unit standard are able to: set the objectives for an interpretation plan; identify the target audience for a visitor interpretation plan; structure the core content of the interpretation to be provided; identify the techniques for delivery of interpretation; and identify actions to implement the interpretation plan, and implement the interpretation plan.

• Activities
• Resources

This unit is used in the following specialty

• Adventure Tourism

Prerequisite: Unit 18310, Describe how visitors learn from interpretation, and evaluate interpretive techniques, or demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills.

Set the objectives for an interpretation plan

• Objectives of the plan are consistent with the organisation’s short term and long term goals and objectives.

Range: objectives may include but are not limited to - product marketing, market positioning, branding, raising awareness, staff training, providing an educational and/or stimulating experience, providing a contribution to the environment, working with and supporting local communities; evidence is required for a minimum of three objectives.

• Objectives of the plan are measurable, specific, and achievable.

Identify the target audience for a visitor interpretation plan

• The target audience is described in terms of its characteristics.

Range: may include but is not limited to - origin, age, language, level of interest in learning about the subject, prior understanding of the subject, special needs, available time; attitude and cultural sensitivity to - the environment, other cultures, languages, evidence is required for a minimum of four.

• The target audience is described in terms of the perceived learning styles of participants.

Structure the core content of interpretation to be provided

Range: content may include but is not limited to - cultural knowledge - history, traditions, values, architecture, languages, historic management; natural knowledge - biodiversity, habitats, ecosystems, biological relationships, wildlife management.

• The core content identifies the overall interpretive theme relevant to the site and needs of the anticipated target audience.

• The core content identifies the key interpretive messages relevant to the theme and needs of the anticipated target audience.

• The core content identifies the underlying interpretive concept(s) that sum up the messages.

• Accuracy of core content is verified by research, review of information, and interviews.

• The core content identifies any possible issues, and their likely solutions, where applicable.

Range: issues may include but are not limited to - legal, ethical, cultural, financial, legal and moral authority to use information and objects, the environment.

• The core content reflects the characteristics of the anticipated target audience.

• Review process identified ensures currency of information in accordance with enterprise procedures.

Identify the technique for delivery of interpretation

• Description of the technique outlines how it will be delivered.

• The interpretive technique is consistent with the characteristics of the anticipated target audience.

• The interpretive technique chosen maximises the potential for an emotional and/or cognitive response among the anticipated target audience.

• The interpretive technique is consistent with the themes and messages.

• The interpretive technique maximises the potential for stimulating behavioural change in the anticipated target audience.

• Variations on the technique and/or alternative techniques are identified for unpredictable circumstances.

Range: may include but is not limited to - actual audience is different from the anticipated target audience, settings or objects become inaccessible, weather changes, health and safety issues; evidence is required for two variations or alternative techniques in two unplanned circumstances.

Identify actions to implement the interpretation plan, and implement the interpretation plan

• The interpretation plan identifies actions to develop and deliver the technique, and estimates of cost, resources, and time required to implement the action.

• The interpretation plan identifies the responsibilities of people involved in developing and delivering the interpretation.

• The interpretation plan includes processes for obtaining feedback on the delivery of interpretation.

• The interpretation plan identifies further staff training required to meet stated objectives.

• The interpretation plan identifies performance appraisal strategies for people developing and delivering interpretation.

• Implementation of the interpretation plan is in accordance with stated objectives.

Special notes

• The majority of training delivery and assessment must occur within an authentic context. An authentic context is one which is able to be tested against reality therefore simulation must be within an existing situation.

• Commercial interpretive activities carried out on land which the Department of Conservation administers (public conservation land) are subject to the requirements of the Department of Conservation concession process. Prior to such activities being carried out, guidance should first be sought from the nearest Department of Conservation office.

• Commercial interpretive activities carried out on land which is not administered by the Department of Conservation may have special requirements. Prior to such activities being carried out, guidance should first be sought from the land owner or administrator.

• Assessment of this unit standard is based on a single technique for the delivery of visitor interpretation. An understanding of alternative or supplementary techniques is also required.

Definitions

• Enterprise procedures refer to a procedure or practice used and recommended by an organisation involved in the tourism industry. Procedures may cover quality assurance, documentation, security, communication, health and safety, and personal behaviour, and may include time and cost constraints.

• Interpretation refers to a means of communicating ideas and feelings which helps people enrich their understanding and appreciation of their world, and their place in it.

• Personal interpretation refers to a situation where a person is directly responsible for the delivery of interpretation.

• Non personal interpretation refers to a situation where media (such as print or audio visual) are the primary mechanism for the delivery of interpretation.

• Interpretive technique refers to a method of communicating ideas and feelings, by methods such as an audio-visual device, participatory or interactive media, print media, drama performance and role plays, sculpture, displays and signs, sensory activities, and by the spoken word.

• Interpretive theme refers to a general topic reflecting the characteristics of an area, such as a forest, geology, ecology, or culture. Themes on their own do not specify the content to be presented. This is done by a group of messages.

• Interpretive message refers to a simple yet meaningful statement that makes sense in isolation of any other statements. For example, ‘Forests have changed their diversity, structure, and complexity in response to fire’.

• Interpretive presentation refers to the spoken word supplemented by other media, for example, a talk supplemented with a slide show or powerpoint presentation.

• Interpretive concept refers to a strong idea supporting a group of common messages. A concept combines the meaning of common messages.

• Living history refers to a living portrayal of characters or events, incorporating dress, dialect, objects or artefacts and acting. It may involve participant’s active participation, and enables participants to obtain first hand experience in a recreated setting.

• Interactive interpretation refers to a means of engaging an audience with the interpreter or interpretive device. Interactive techniques provoke some kind of response from an audience, so that they cannot remain passive. Interactive techniques include asking questions, surprising behaviour, humour and the use of senses.

• Minimal impact refers to deliberate human behaviour that reduces the negative impact of people or objects on the environment to an acceptable minimum level.

• Cultural sensitivity refers to behaviour that shows respect for other people and their customs. The behaviour could involve avoiding sacred places, practicing customs of the host, or avoiding insensitive behaviour practised in the visitors own environment.

• Biodiversity or biological diversity refers to the varieties of all biological life (plants, animals, fungi, and micro organisms), the genes they contain and the ecosystems on land or in the water where they live. It is the diversity of life on earth.

• Pilot test refers to a small scale test that collects feedback and assesses the merits of a larger scale venture, prior to proceeding.

• Factual verification refers to the consistent verification of similar factual information from two similar references.