Grow Your Inspiration With a Garden History Course

Grow Your Inspiration With a Garden History Course

Studying garden history not only gives us insights into different garden styles and how to design a garden, but also their connection with society, culture and the evolution of civilisations.

Our Certificate of Garden History is a professional development course that is ideal anyone who wants to broaden their garden design perspective, from garden designers, landscapers and horticulturalists to hobby gardeners, ground staff at parks and those who work in councils or heritage trust sites.

In this garden history course you will learn about garden evolution, the globilisation of gardens, and the significant influences on design and landscaping. You will also study public and private gardens, the nature of modern garden conservation, and the crucial role of organisations in conserving heritage parks, gardens and anywhere flora is a primary focus. Gain inspiration and vastly expand the scope of possibilities for yourself as a modern garden designer!

Learning Outcomes

Outcomes achieved by undertaking a garden history course include:

  • Learning about the development of private gardens
  • Exploring the development of public and commercial landscapes
  • Studying great gardens and gardeners of the world
  • Gaining insights into people who influenced gardens
  • Examining the globalisation of gardens
  • Understanding the scope and nature of modern garden conservation
  • Learning about the role of organisations in garden conservation

 

And more!

 

History of Australian Gardens

When studying a garden history course, you’ll gain some fascinating insights into some of the great gardens and gardeners of the world. But what are some of the trends and designers who have helped shaped Australian gardens? Some of the most influential periods include:

The Pre-settlement and “Picturesque” Era

Early explorers often described Australian landscapes as being “park-like” and assumed this was their natural state.  However, this comparison is often deemed ironic given that English designers were hired in the 1700s to create landscapes in a “picturesque” style that encompassed vistas, waterways and rolling green lawns, and Australian’s First Nations people used fire to manage their landscapes — they burnt out scrubby growth and created grassy areas that were suited to hunting!

The Victorian “Gardenesque” Era

Concerned people might confuse “picturesque” gardens with natural settings,  Scottish botanist John Claudius Loudon introduced a garden design theory known as “gardenesque” in 1832. This used exotic plants to highlight man-made elements. In Australia, many of our botanic gardens, including many Melbourne became famous for, encapsulate this style and were built with the gold-rush money of this era. Popular features included rock grottoes, ferneries and conservatories.

Arts and Crafts Era

The Victorian era was often deemed a reflection of man’s dominance on the natural world. However, in the early 1900s, the Arts and Craft era was introduced with an ethos of working with nature. Its key influences were the British Arts and Crafts Movement and an Englishwoman named Gertrude Jekyll, who is credited with inventing perennial borders. It also includes Australian Edna Walling, who designed Melbourne’s Bickleigh Vale garden estate.

Around this time, Marion and Walter Burley Griffin were building another garden-led suburb in Sydney’s Castlecrag with similar Arts and Crafts influences. These were sympathetic to the environment and incorporated only native plants, which echoed the global Garden City movement that began in the UK.

Australian Style

In the mid-30s, Walling hired landscape architect Ellis Stones to build a stone wall for a property she was working on in Heidelberg. Stones was a conservationist, inspired by the bush and sought to bring nature to the cities with his use of native plants. This led to an enduring partnership, and the style was reinforced by others, including Alistair Knox, who is considered to be the pioneer of modern mud brick buildings.

Modernist Style

In the 1940s, the Modernist style was introduced to Australia, and was particularly evident in the work of Robin Boyd and Harry Seidler. This style included buildings with rectangular shapes, flat roofs and lots of large windows to enhance views. Garden designers during this period included Grace Fraser, whose work includes the native gardens at the Monash University campus and at Melbourne’s Royal Park.

Neo-classical Style

The 1980s saw the revival of many formal gardens and a host of features including box hedges, white roses, lavender and mondo grass. A firm believer in this style was Paul Bangay, whose interpretation of Renaissance formality softened to include perennials and clipped hedges.

Post-modern Era

From the 1990s, Post-Modern design has emerged as a landscaping preference. In this style, landscapes and art blur, and features and plants are used to form a “painting”. It can be seen in Andrew Laidlaw’s designs for the renovation of Guilfoyle’s volcano at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne. The style was also adopted by Phillip Johnson in his Chelsea Flower Show-winning display garden that featured native plants, huge rocks, a billabong fed by rainwater, and a waratah-inspired metal sculpture that also housed an art studio.

 

Plant Conservation in Australia

As you’ll discover in our garden history course, native vegetation is crucial for the health of environments. It controls erosion, reduces land degredation and supports the biodiversity and the agricultural productivity that is central to our cultural identity. Here are thirteen of Australia’s top plant conservation organisations.

  • Australian Association of Bush Regenerators – aims to promote the study and practice of bush regeneration and encourages and fosters sound ecological practices of bushland management by qualified people.
  • Australian Government Department of the Environment and Water Resources – develops and implements programs, legislation and national policy to conserve and protect Australia’s cultural heritage and natural environment.
  • Australian Tree Seed Centre (CSIRO) – collects and supplies high quality seeds from Australia’s woody flora for research purposes.
  • Bush Heritage Australia – a national organisation dedicated to acquiring and managing high conservation value private land.
  • CSIRO Plant Industry – applies strategic research in the plant sciences to improve natural resource management, develop novel plant products, and promote sustainable and profitable fibre, agri-food and horticultural industries.
  • Ecological Society of Australia – a professional organisation that promotes ecological communication and research.
  • Florabank – aims to improve the quality and availability of native seed for conservation and revegetation purposes in Australia.
  • Greening Australia – works with communities to achieve sustainable water and land resources, primarily through improving vegetation management practices.
  • Indigenous Flora and Fauna Association (IFFA) – dedicated to the conservation of indigenous Australian biota.
  • Land and Water Australia – a national organisation dedicated to managing and investing in research and development to underpin sustainable resource use and management.
  • National Landcare Programme (NLP) – encourages landholders to undertake landcare and related conservation works to sustainably manage natural resources and the environment.
  • Natural Heritage Trust – plays a major role in developing natural resource management and sustainable agriculture, as well as protecting our unique biodiversity through the improved management and delivery of resources.
  • Threatened Species Network – aims to increase public awareness of and an involvement with the protection and recovery of threatened species and their habitats.

 

Gain an insightful understanding into the historical evolvement and globilisation of gardens and the crucial role of garden conservation with a garden history course, such as our Certificate of Garden History.

Plant the Seeds For a Fruitful Career with Our Garden Tourism Course

Popular internationally for years, garden tourism is increasingly making its mark as a tourism trend in Australia. This is a niche area of travel (like agritourism and health tourism) that attracts those keen to explore and absorb nature for its “green” health benefits. And it has significant and underappreciated potential in the sector.

Our Certificate of Garden Tourism is a professional development course that will help you plan, develop and manage tours, events and tourism destinations that revolve around gardening. Ideal for gardeners, garden centre staff and tourism operators, this garden tourism course will give you insights into people who not just travel to see gardens, but spend money in their associated cafes, restaurants and gift shops.

You will also explore the viability of events and their components, learn how to develop effective marketing strategies to sell their benefits, and gain insights into increasing their financial business outcomes.  

Learning Outcomes

Outcomes achieved by undertaking a garden tourism course include:

  • Learning about the scope and nature of garden tourism
  • Exploring the different types of gardens
  • Studying the place of gardens in broader tourism
  • Gaining insights into the who visits gardens or garden events and why
  • Examining problems
  • Understanding garden destinations
  • Learning about financial viability
  • Exploring the types of tourist attractions
  • Studying garden events
  • Gaining insights into add-on income
  • Examining how to create and manage a destination
  • Understanding what makes a viable garden tourism destination
  • Learning about planning a destination
  • Exploring locations, regions and countries
  • Gaining an understanding of managing a destination
  • Studying garden events and the different types
  • Gaining insights into when and where to conduct garden events
  • Examining how to finalise your plan
  • Understanding non-garden related events
  • Learning how to manage garden events — preparation, planning, development and evaluation
  • Exploring how to initiate a garden event
  • Gaining an understanding of set up and pack up/knockdown
  • Studying event issues
  • Gaining insights into managing visitor access

And more!

Seven Famous International Gardens

Throughout history, gardens have been spaces of creativity and contemplation, allowing people to fully immerse themselves in nature. These public spaces involve meticulous planning and careful landscape design, and allow visitors to experience local and exotic plant life while gaining inspiration for their own gardens. Here are seven of the world’s most famous.

#1 – Brooklyn Botanic Garden, USA

Founded in 1910, this 52-acre haven has over 14,000 plants spread across multiple areas. Highlights include its Japanese garden, a water garden, a fragrance garden for the visually impaired, and an English garden themed around plants named in Shakespearean plays.

#2 – Gardens of Versailles, France

This UNESCO World Heritage site sprawls across almost 2000 acres of land, and sits just west of the Palace of Versailles. A classic French garden focused on order and symmetry, the manicured lawns are dotted with flowers, and fountains and sculptures that date back to the time of Louis XIV.

#3 – Kew Gardens, UK

Located in south London, this garden is renowned for housing more than 50,000 living plants. Highlights include  an arboretum, bamboo garden, the world’s largest Victorian glasshouse, and the Princess of Wales Conservatory which contains plants from ten different climate zones.

#4 – Villa d’Este Gardens, Italy

An international favourite beloved for its opulent fountains and terraced gardens, this 16th-century villa is located in Tivoli, outside of Rome. Built for the son of a nobleman, it is a wonderful example of an Italian Renaissance garden, where the landscape seeks to inspire contemplation.

#5 – Keukenhof, Netherlands

If you’re a fan of tulips, don’t miss a pilgrimage to the world famous Keukenhof in Lisse. Seven million bulbs are planted each year including tulips, crocuses, daffodils and hyacinths. It creates a dazzling visual to the more than one million visitors who flock to the gardens during the spring flowering season.

#6 – Butchart Gardens, Canada

Located in British Columbia, this garden covers fifty-five acres and includes twenty-six greenhouses, which have been wowing tourists for over one hundred years. Fifty full-time gardeners tend to this national treasure, and one of its most famous features is the Sunken Garden.

#7 – Ryōan-ji Garden, Japan

Nestled within a Buddhist Temple in Kyoto, this is a the epitome of a a Japanese “dry landscape” (karesansui) garden. This Zen garden is characteristed by large rock formations, and is meant to be viewed while seated. Anyone who can see all of the stones at once is said to have obtained the ultimate in enlightenment.

 

Australia’s Favourite Gardens

According to many tourism experts, garden tourism is the second most popular “niche” travel experience — the first being food-related tourism. Here are seven amazing Australian gardens to offer you the ultimate in green-tinged inspiration!

  • Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mt Coot-tha — Opening in 1976, these gardens cover over 52 hectares of land. Guided tours and self-guided walks are on offer and themed sections include the Japanese Gardens, the Tropical Dome and the largest collection of Australian native rainforest trees in the world.
  •  Royal Botanic Gardens of Sydney, Farm Cove — Wrapped around Sydney Harbour, these gardens offer glimpses of the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. Bucket list exhibits include Palm Grove and the spectacular Succulent Garden and Rare and Threatened Plant Garden.
  •  Royal Botanic Garden Victoria, Melbourne. This garden has been operating for over 170 years and has a truly international approach. Diverse plant collections include roses, camellias, rainforest flora, succulents, herbs, perennials and the Rare and Threatened Species Collection.
  • Botanic Gardens of South Australia, Adelaide. These architecturally stunning gardens feature the International Rose Garden, the First Creek Wetland, and The Garden of Health, where you can learn about the plants that prevent and cure disease.
  •  Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Perth — This is one of the largest inner-city parks in the world (it covers over 400 hectares) and offers spectacular views as well as bushland walking trails and over 3000 species of the state’s unique flora.
  • Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, Hobart — This is Australia’s second oldest Botanic Gardens and renowned as one of the country’s best “cool climate” gardens. It covers over fourteen hectares and has a number of unique collections including the country’s only Subantarctic Plant House.
  •  Australian National Botanic Gardens, Canberra — A heritage-listed Botanical Garden, it was established in 1949 and features over 83,000 individual plants arranged over 40 hectares of themed sections in the glasshouses and nursery.

Open Garden Programs

Although the nation-wide Australian Open Garden Scheme folded in 2015, some states still run their own local “open garden” organisations — which helps ensure the garden tourism sector keeps thriving! They are typically not-for-profit groups run by volunteers who help garden owners open their gardens over weekends to raise money for various charities. They include:

  • Open Gardens South East Queensland – Open Gardens SEQ allows visitors to explore some of Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast’s most stunning gardens.
  • Open Gardens Victoria – This organisation runs an open garden program in Melbourne city and in rural locations and country towns across the state. Typically around twelve gardens are open through the spring period of September to November, and others during the autumn season
  • Open Gardens SA – Open Gardens South Australia was first established in 2015, and in its first twelve months opened over fifty private gardens, welcoming more than 20,000 visitors.
  • Open Gardens West Coast – Western Australia’s open gardens scheme launched in 2016 and facilitates the opening of gardens across the state for public viewing. It also promotes garden design, horticultural education and ecological sustainability.

 

Gain the confidence to plan, develop and manage gardening events, tours and popular “green” destinations with a garden tourism course, such as our Certificate of Garden Tourism.

Childcare Professional Development Opportunities 

The early years of a child’s life are the most critical, because this is when they develop motor, social and sensory skills, and start to learn about the world. Hence, many believe those who work in childcare have one of the most essential, yet underappreciated jobs in Australia!

However, a career in childcare can be extremely rewarding, allowing you to make an important and lasting difference in the lives of children. And the industry is booming, so career prospects continue to grow. In fact, early childhood job roles are said to grow by 22 per cent to reach over 9000 jobs by 2023. So now’s the perfect time to up-skill!

Why Professional Development Is Important

Parents, family, friends, health professionals, the wider community and childcare professionals all influence a child’s early years. For those working in childcare, ongoing childcare professional development improves skills and practice and keeps staff up to date with advances in early childhood education and care. This enhances the nurturing of a child’s development, but can also inspire, motivate and support professional networks.

A Combination of Theory and Practice

Working with young children is challenging and complex work. Current research and developments in theoretical approaches to early childhood education are rapidly expanding the theory base and knowledge that can guide practice. Additionally, changes in the national early childhood system continue to impact curriculums, delivery models, licensing and accreditation systems.

Professional development is critical because it enables childcare workers to contribute to developing practices that are guided by current research and theory, and enhances their effectiveness in terms of working with children and families. It also provides professional satisfaction and sustains an employee’s enthusiasm, commitment and their capacity to continually grow both professionally and personally.

Early Childhood Learning Programs

Over the last decade, the childcare industry in Australia has undergone significant changes, which have impacted early childhood learning programs in many ways. Significant changes were laid out in the National Quality Framework (NQF), which was introduced in 2012. It provides a framework for quality improvement in the childcare sector and establishes the formal qualifications required for a childcare practitioner.

The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) is a core framework recognised under the NQF. It provides the foundation for ensuring all children aged up to five years receive quality teaching and learning outcomes. It also encourages staff to participate in childcare professional development, and promotes a culture for continuous educational growth.

Features of Effective Professional Development

Childcare professional development takes many different forms, however research has shown there are a number of common features that enhance its effectiveness. These include:

  • The extension of the professional development program over a period of time.
  • The involvement of staff in assessing their own learning.
  • The creation of opportunities for staff to apply new skills and knowledge in their own work settings.
  • The creation of opportunities for staff to have a trusted mentor to discuss developing practice.
  • Providing opportunities for staff to question their own views and experience.
  • Providing opportunities for staff to consider situations and events from different perspectives.
  • Providing knowledge and information about alternative perspectives and practices.

Types of Professional Development

Childcare professional development embraces informal and formal learning towards knowledge or a new ability, skill or process. It affects the quality learning outcomes for children in care and can also influence employment opportunities and ultimately your career! It includes:

  • Certificates and courses
  • Workshops
  • Conferences and seminars
  • In-house training
  • Distance education and online learning
  • Volunteering
  • Work experience
  • Tutoring

Childcare Learning Pathways 

Childcare workers in Australia are required to complete a Certificate III in Early Childhood Care and/or Children’s Services. However, there are also a number of learning pathways that can assist with your childcare professional development. These include:

  • Certificate of Education Support – Early Childhood – This course is an ideal introduction to a career in childcare, which will give you insights into setting the foundations for children’s lifetime learning using play-based techniques.
  • Introduction to Baby and Toddler Care – This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge to work with babies and toddlers from birth to 22 months in family daycare or a similar setting, and/or pursue further studies.
  • Certificate of Play Therapy – This course will teach you how to apply play therapy to help those with developmental disorders and mental health conditions to regain their motivation and emotional stability. It will also give you insights into how play therapy can help with loss, grief and family issues.
  • Design and Develop Learning Programs – This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge required to conceptualise, design, develop and review learning programs to meet an identified need for a group of learners.
  • Nurture Creativity in Children – This course will give you insights into the fundamental principles of childhood pedagogy that apply to nurturing children’s creativity, including with movement and music, to enhance their physical, social, emotional and cognitive development.
  • Certificate of Child Nutrition – This course will educate you on children’s nutritional requirements, food sensitivities, the differences between adult and child nutrition, and how to encourage children to make positive food choices.
  • Certificate of Child Psychology – This course examines the normal patterns of childhood growth and how they are applied to certain development areas, including offering insights into study theories from experts like Freud, Piaget and Bowlby.
  • Certificate of Child and Adolescent Mental Health – This course explores the signs and symptoms of mental health conditions and disorders (including depression and brain, tic and anxiety disorders), and the treatment options that are available.
  • Certificate of Complex Trauma and Attachment Management – This course is ideal for those working or hoping to work in the areas of family services, child protection, child youth placement or child support education and care.
  • Certificate of Developmental, Learning and Behaviour Disorders (Children and Adolescents) – This course will give you insights into the signs, symptoms, treatment and support options for a variety of developmental and behavioural disorders, including Autism, Asperger’s Disorder, Rett’s Disorder, Anti-Social Personality Disorder, Developmental Dyslexia and Phonological Disorder.
  • Introduction to Speech Pathology Assistance – This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to undertake support work under the supervision of a qualified speech pathologist. You will learn how to help clients overcome swallowing difficulties and speech impediments caused by conditions such as autism, stuttering, cleft palate and Down syndrom

Business Executive Development

Business executives essentially assist with the operation and growth of organisations, however roles can vary dramatically depending on the company and sector. They can range from CEO-level executives and department managers to project managers and even small business operators. A few of the most common business executive roles include:

HR Executive

People in these roles typically perform key HR functions including recruitment, performance and compensation management, and training and career development.  This is often in the context of evolving workforce expectations, dynamic work places and shifting government priorities. They also understand the strategic contributions staff can make with effective management, and provide recommendations for implementing organisational change.

Project Management Executive

This role typically involves managing the output of a new system, object, structure or process, and the development of the Project Brief and Business Case in terms of industry “best practice”. PM executives may also authorise expenditure levels, manage cost or timing changes, ensure risk is tracked and mitigated or resolved, oversee a project’s quality and outcome, and deal with communications and stakeholder engagement.

Management and Leadership Executive

The duties of employees in these roles often depend on the number of staff in the organisation. In smaller companies they may oversee managers in multiple areas, and in larger organisations may direct one specific area such as finance, procurement or marketing. They are often involved in some way in administration, coaching and mentoring and change management. Many also develop business networks with people outside the organisation including clients, suppliers and/or customers.

Entrepreneurial Executive

Small businesses employ over 44 per cent of Australia’s workforce in sectors ranging from the hospitality and marketing industries to the fitness, manufacturing, retail and design sectors (and everything in between)! They typically handle a range of responsibilities from creating business plans, arranging financing and reviewing sales to developing marketing strategies, employing staff and identifying future business opportunities.

 

How Professional Development Benefits Employees

Professional development in your career — including business executive development — isn’t something that’s achieved overnight. It is a work in progress and should be something you prioritise throughout your working life. Your career development is also unique to you and there is no singular or “ideal” path. However, there are a number of traditional markers of success, including excelling in a performance review, getting a promotion and/or securing a pay rise.

Professional development requires planning and the execution of tangible strategies that will not only increase your success rate, but also help you manage the more challenging moments in your career. You should always be guided by a plan that incorporate the three A’s – goals should be adaptable, ambitious and achievable. Your development should also include strategies that detail what you want to achieve and the experience, skills and people required to get you there. The success of your plan and your ability to progress will hinge on being able to seize opportunities as they arise, even if they come as a surprise! Ways you can enhance your career include:

Consistently Being an Asset

Being an asset in every job role you have over your career will enable you to maximise job satisfaction and ensure you learn as much as possible. It also keeps you open to any opportunities that might arise, both financially and from a business executive development perspective. Some strategies to consider include:

  • Regularly fulfilling and exceeding your role expectations
  • Actively collaborating and assisting your colleagues with their job roles
  • Looking for opportunities to further your skills and learning new processes
  • Embracing change and seeking opportunities that add value to your team and the organisation
  • Participating in company-wide working groups and initiatives
  • Always acting as an advocate for your organisation
  • Sharing knowledge externally and internally
  • Consistently promoting positivity
  • Being adaptable, approachable and enthusiastic
  • Following directions and taking constructive criticism on board
  • Exhibiting loyalty to team members and the organisation
  • Being consistently reliable and responsible

Exploring External Opportunities

Professional development and career progression doesn’t necessarily have to be provided by your employer or during work hours. Looking outside your organisation for ways to drive your career forward is part of proactively seizing opportunities. It can also diversify the knowledge and experiences you are exposed to which will help expand your capabilities. Positive external influences that will enhance your career include:

  • Joining business networks to expand your contacts
  • Finding a mentor who works/has worked in a similar role or industry
  • Being aware of market trends and how they impact your role and industry
  • Undertaking external business and management courses

Learning From Your Mistakes

Making mistakes is a critical part of the professional development process. And while it sometimes feels like they are slowing down your career advancement, they can optimise your professional career life. If you manage them professionally and diplomatically, it will show your managers, colleagues and your organisation’s stakeholders that you are flexible, resilient and focused on the best possible outcomes. Ways you can effectively learn and move forward from mistakes include:

  • Reflecting on your mistakes and identifying where you went wrong and why
  • Examining how you felt — for example, frustrated, angry or embarrassed. This will help you manage your responses and emotions in the future. It will also help you be supportive and empathetic when your colleagues experience the same thing.
  • Remembering how you resolved it — for example, with the help of a manager or a solution-based strategy.
  • Detailing the resolution clearly so you can avoid making the same mistake again.
  • Realising that what was a negative can be turned into something long-term and positive!

Reaping the Rewards

When you commit to business executive development and progressing your career, your efforts won’t go unnoticed! You will be seen as a committed, proactive achiever and someone with direction and ambition. It could also result in positive feedback, great references, a fabulous reputation, a promotion and/or pay rise and even industry recognition. Working consistently on your career progression will also provide you with flexibility and options if you decide to apply your skills in a different role or company.

 

How Professional Development Benefits Organisations

Professional development doesn’t just benefit employees. It can deliver a great return for businesses as a whole as well. Savvy organisations invest in staff development and ensure that programs are aligned to their company’s goals so that employees gain the required skills and expertise necessary to deliver on the needs of the business. Business executive development can help:

  • Develop key performers — Investing resources and time in training builds employee confidence, increases staff morale and enhance your employees’ job satisfaction. It can also help the business develop and retain its key performers.
  • Deliver financial gains — If the outcomes of professional development are linked to your organisation’s objectives, then overspending it less likely. This is because your employees will have an increased understanding of the goals, budget and projects that are necessary for the business to succeed.
  • Improve productivity — Training can provide employees with a work focus and make them feel as though they are a valuable part of the team. This will increase productivity and positively impact your organisation’s bottom line.
  • Raise business competence — Professional development plans enable employees to better understand a company’s processes and how to deliver them effectively and efficiently with the right mix of knowledge and skills.
  • Open communication — Business executive development helps promote employee transparency and gives staff clear boundaries in terms of company needs and goals.

Professional Development for Teacher Aides

Teacher aides support teachers and students across a range of services provided in an educational setting. Their role description can vary according to the environment in which they work and the needs of the school. They are different from Assistant Teachers in that they are responsible for general classroom tasks, whereas Assistant Teachers are qualified to provide instructional support.

What Do Teacher Aides Do?

Teacher aides support students’ learning and development by applying learning and teaching strategies. Most work under the direction of a classroom teacher, although some are provided more responsibility and independence than others.

Some teacher aides work in mainstream classrooms, others in specific subject areas, and some provide support to certain groups of students, including those with specific learning needs (such as with literacy or numeracy), disorders, disabilities or those who speak English as a second language. They also assist one or more teachers to undertake logistical tasks to ensure the efficient operation of the classroom or centre.

Many teacher aides implement teaching and learning strategies such as explicit teaching, scaffolding, modelling, cooperative learning, one-on-one instruction and formative assessment. Some even run their own programs under the direction of a teacher or other specialist. General classroom support and behaviour management are also key responsibilities of many teacher aides in Australia.

However, teacher aides are typically not qualified or employed to teach as such, but interact with students under the direct or indirect supervision of a qualified teacher. And although they may have relationships with families as part of a school community, they should not discuss a student’s behaviour or educational progress with parents — only teachers should do this.

What Are Some Of Their Duties?

  • Demonstrating, supervising and participating in activities which enhance the physical, emotional, intellectual and social development of children in educational environments, including schools and preschools.
  • Supporting teachers with administration tasks, including preparing teaching resources and materials, photocopying and filing lesson material and distributing and collecting students’ work.
  • Preparing indoor and outdoor areas for learning and recreational activities.
  • Supporting behaviour management by implementing techniques like proximity and rapport building.
  • Organising and maintain learning and teaching resources, as well as ordering the appropriate equipment as required.
  • Assisting children with intellectual, physical and behavioural difficulties with their academic studies.
  • Assisting children individually to learn social skills.
  • Attending staff meetings and parent-teacher interviews as required.

What Does a Typical Day Look Like? 

In a typical classroom, the teacher aide will circulate from group to group or work one-on-one with a particular student. They are not expected to teach the whole class — that is the role of the classroom teacher. They may however teach groups, particularly after several years’ experience and demonstrating competence at implementing strategies.

In many classes, the teacher will direct the teacher aide each day or lesson, such as asking them to target certain students who have been identified as needing additional support. This happens with students with high needs and is commonly found with students with physical disabilities and Autism (ASD).

More competent and well-trained teacher aides may be asked to “run” a program of their own in a separate room such as a numeracy or literacy program, which is typically a targeted remedial or intervention program. However, they are generally not required to plan or develop teaching and learning programs.

Are There Different Types of Teacher Aides?

There are different types of teacher aides, and each will undertake different roles and have different responsibilities. A big factor that often determines what a teacher aide will do from one day to the next is the needs and instructions from a classroom teacher who has a responsibility to direct the support staff in their classroom. Common types of teacher aides include:

Teacher Aide

A general all-rounder, who is often employed to assist a student with special needs but will circulate around the room depending on those needs.

Special Need’s Assistant

Works in an inclusive classroom with one or more students with disabilities or in a special needs school.

Aboriginal & Indigenous Education Officer

Works mainly with students of Aboriginal and Indigenous descent

 

Do Teacher Aides Need Qualifications?

You don’t need a formal qualification to gain employment as a teacher aide in Queensland state schools. Once employed you may be eligible to be paid at a higher level if you possess a relevant qualification. However, those who work in an educational setting with children are required to hold a Blue Card and to undergo a Working with Children Check.

Who Do Teacher Aides Report To?

Depending on the size and structure of the organisation, your line manager could be a Principle, Deputy Principal, one or more teacher or the Business Services Manager.

What Are the Employment Conditions?

The conditions of a teacher aide’s employment are derived from the current, relevant certified agreement that is typically determined by each Australian state’s Department of Education. You can view Queensland’s Teacher Aides’ Certified Agreement 2018 here.

Why is Professional Development For Teacher Aides Important? 

Students’ learning is constantly in flux and as things like technologies, circumstances and societies change, so do students’ educational needs. New curriculums also open up gaps in a teacher aide’s capabilities to meet new needs. Targeted professional development for teacher aides bridges these gaps and is an important component of an educator’s learning journey.  It builds skills, qualities and knowledge, and leads to improved teaching and better student outcomes.

Characteristics of Effective Professional Development

Research shows that professional development with the following characteristics can have the biggest (and most positive) impacts on student outcomes:

  • Professional development acquires relevance when it is grounded in practice and aligned with specific goals. It should be challenging, explicit and realistic, and matched to individual, school-wide or system goals. When it’s clearly understood, it initiates and sustains changes to practice. It also encourages action and enquiry related to real challenges that are relevant to different cultural, geographical and socio-economic contexts.
  • The benefits of professional development are magnified if it connects teacher aides with external experts and to their colleagues within and across schools. For it to be most effective, it should actively involve everyone in its design, participation and evaluation. It should also facilitate support through observation and feedback through mentoring and coaching.
  • Practice-based. When professional development for teacher aides focuses on student learning and teaching practice, it can lead to sustained, positive and significant impacts on student outcomes.
  • Future-focused. If it is focused on the future, it builds a teacher aide’s capacity to adapt to the changes that arise in our rapidly changing world. From innovative techniques, emerging technologies and new learning models, exposure to new developments in pedagogy can help teacher aides deal with the challenges that changes pose. It also encourages adaptability and innovation and helps them to understand what new pedagogies mean, and how to apply and use them.
  • Effective professional development challenges a teacher aide’s existing understanding of learning and teaching. It involves negotiating the meaning of new and challenging learning, and then supports its integration into practice.
  • Professional development needs to have focused and sustained implementation. This enables teacher aides to model and nurture learning and access resources to support and evaluate its impact.

Professional development for teacher aides can also enhance and expand your career further, including allowing you to:

Work with different age groups

All educators play an important role in children’s development, including early childhood educators who help set the foundations for a lifetime of learning using play-based techniques.

Work with special needs children

This includes providing educational support to children with specific numeracy, reading, writing and oral language skills, those with special needs or learning difficulties or those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Work with children of different backgrounds

Australia is a multicultural nation, and professional development can assist teacher aides with supporting, contributing and coordinating educational opportunities for children from different backgrounds, including indigenous students.

Expand your skill set

This includes assisting with school administration tasks like organising and managing a school administration department, understanding school policy and procedures, and collecting and recording information to meet organisational and legislative obligations.

Enhance your learning

Professional development can also enhance a teacher aide’s scope of knowledge, including how to design and develop learning programs, nurture children’s creativity, and help children self-regulate their behaviour in a safe and supportive environment.

 

For many years, professional development for teacher aides was carried out face-to-face in the workplace through activities provided or required by employers. This often formed part of the activities of a range of associations and/or professional bodies and in some cases through further, individual study or qualifications. These days, and with the scope and continual advancement of technology, further study can be undertaken from almost anywhere! Including online with our wide range of Education and Teaching courses!

Viticulture Courses For a Fine Career Choice!

The wine industry is a significant contributor to the Australian economy through production, employment, tourism and export. In Australia, there is a $3.5 billion domestic market for Australian wines, with Australians consuming over 500 million litres annually!

Our Certicate of Viticulture – Vineyard and Grape Production is ideal for wine growers, vineyard managers and workers, hobby farmer growers, amateur wine makers or anyone working or aspiring to work in the industry.

This online professional development course explores the nature and scope of the viticulture industry, grape varieties, grapevine culture, vineyard establishment, selling, harvesting and winemaking. In viticulture courses like this, you will learn how to choose an appropriate site for a vineyard, including considering soil quality and the appropriate grape varieties for different situations. You will also learn the basic principles of winemaking, including the harvesting and post-harvesting treatment of grapes, and how to successfully market vineyard products.   

Learning Outcomes

Outcomes achieved by undertaking viticulture courses include: 

  • Learning about viticulture both locally and worldwide
  • Exploring the major winegrowing areas around the world
  • Gaining an understanding of the grape — genera and species
  • Studying rootstocks and the classification of grape varieties
  • Gaining insights into table, wine, juice and canned grapes
  • Examining dried fruit
  • Understanding the suitable climate and soil conditions for vineyard site establishment
  • Learning about temperature calculations, latitude-temperature index and degree days
  • Exploring sunlight, rainfall and plant nutrition
  • Studying soil — types, texture, testing, structure, characteristics, pH, water content and nutrient levels
  • Gaining insights into soil problems — erosion, salinity, structural decline, soil acidification and chemical residues
  • Examining how to select and purchase grape varieties for different situations
  • Understanding yield, varietal characteristics and how to match them with the site
  • Learning about wine grapes — Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Semillion, Muscat Ottonel, Muscadelle, Gewurztraminer, Cabernet sauvignon and Carignan
  • Exploring Vitis rotundifolia
  • Studying wine, raisin and juice grapes
  • Gaining insights into phylloxera
  • Examining how to plan, lay out, prepare, plant and establish a vineyard
  • Understanding vine spacing
  • Learning about shelter belts
  • Exploring crop infrastructure and equipment
  • Gaining an understanding of grapevine culture, techniques and pruning
  • Studying how to prune and train vines including shoot spacing and bud numbers
  • Gaining insights into trellising including its construction
  • Understanding the Guyot, Kniffen, pergola training and Geneva double curtain systems
  • Learning about grapevine weeds, pests and diseases

 

And more!

Australia’s Popular Grape Varieties

Australia has over 160 grape varieties spread over 140,000 hectares across six states. Wine making is concentrated largely in the southern part of the content where the local climate, soil types and availability of irrigation (among other things) is suited to viticulture. As you’ll discover in viticulture courses like ours, the most-widely planted and popular drinking varieties are:

  • Shiraz
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Chardonnay
  • Merlot
  • Sauvignon Blanc
  • Pinot Noir
  • Semillon
  • Pinot Gris
  • Riesling
  • Muscat of Alexandria

 

According to the Vintage Report 2020 released by Wine Australia, the largest “crush” of wine produced was Shiraz (over 376,000 tonnes which accounts for 25 per cent of the total crush), and the second largest was Chardonnay (over 285,000 tonnes).

While the varieties above are the backbone of the Australian wine industry, growers have also discovered less well-know varieties from Italy, Spain and Portugal, which suit Australia’s dry, hot conditions. Other varieties are increasing in demand in the industry, including being used for the blending process. These include:

  • Arneis
  • Barbera
  • Durif
  • Fiano
  • Gamay Noir
  • Grüner Veltliner
  • Lagrein
  • Nebbiolo
  • Sangiovese
  • Saperavi
  • Tannat
  • Tempranillo
  • Vermentino

History of Australian Wine

As you’ll learn in viticulture courses like our Certificate of Viticulture – Vineyard and Grape Production, Australia has no native grapes, but regardless, the art of winemaking has a long and fascinating history.

Early 1800s

Some of the first vine cuttings were bought to New South Wales from the Cape of Good Hope by Governor Phillip on the First Fleet in around 1788. Early attempts at making wine from these first vines failed, however settlers persevered and Australian wine was made available for sale domestically by the 1820s.

In 1822, explorer Gregory Blaxland became the first person to export Australian wine, and was the first winemaker to win an overseas award. The red wine he sent to London was awarded a silver medal by the Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufacturers and Commerce.

In 1830, vineyards were established in the Hunter Valley, and in 1833, viticulturist James Busby (widely known as the “Father of Australian Wine”), returned from Spain and France with a selection of grape varieties. These included classic French grapes and others suitable for fortified wine production.

1840s

Wine from the Adelaide Hills was sent to Queen Victoria in 1844, but there is no evidence that she placed an order as a result! The quality and production of Australian wine was improved by the arrival of free settlers from various parts of Europe. They used their knowledge and skills to establish some of Australia’s premier wine regions. This included winemakers from Switzerland who helped establish Victoria’s wine region in Geelong in around 1842, and those from Prussia who established South Australia’s Barossa Valley in the mid-1850s.

1870s

Early Australian winemakers faced many challenges, particularly because they were unfamiliar with the Australian climate. But because it is dry, warm and similar to Mediterranean weather, it is ideal for wine production and they eventually achieved considerable success.

At the 1873 Vienna World’s Fair, French judges blind tasted wines produced in Victoria. But they withdrew in protest when the wine was revealed on the grounds that wines of that quality must clearly be French! However, Australian wines continued to win high honours in competitions, including a Victorian Shiraz that was submitted in the 1878 Paris Exhibition that was likened to a Château Margaux and “its taste completed its trinity of perfection.”

1880s

At the 1882 Bordeaux International Exhibition, one Australian wine won a gold medal “first class”, and another a gold medal “against the world” at the 1889 Paris International Exhibition.

Modern times

Australia has rapidly become a world leader in both the quality and quantity of wines it produces. For example, Australian wine exports to the US rose from over 578,000 cases in 1990 to over 20,000,000 cases in 2004.  In 2000, it exported more wine to the UK than France for the first time in history.

However, the industry has also suffered from its own productivity. In the late 1980s, governments sponsored growers to pull out their vines to overcome a glut of winegrapes. Low grape prices in 2005 and 2006 led to further calls for another sponsored vine pull. Cleanskin wines were introduced into Australia during the 1960s as a means to combat oversupply and poor sales.

In recent years, organic and biodynamic wines have been increasing in popularity. In 2004, Australia hosted the First International Biodynamic Wine Forum in Victoria. This brought together biodynamic wine producers from around the globe. And despite the overproduction of grapes, many growers have enjoyed continuing demand thanks to the premium prices winemakers can charge for these products, particularly in the European market.

Australia’s Most Famous Wine

If you are familiar with wine, no doubt you will know that Australia’s most famous is Penfolds Grange. The great 1955 vintage was submitted to competitions from 1962, and over the years has won more than 50 gold medals.

The 1971 vintage won first prize in the Syrah/Shiraz category at the Wine Olympics in Paris. The 1990 vintage was named “Red Wine of the Year” by Wine Spectator magazine in 1995. It later rated the 1998 vintage ninety-nine points out of a possible one hundred. Influential wine critic, Robert Parker, who is known for his love of Bordeaux wines, has commented that Penfolds Grange “has replaced Bordeaux’s Pétrus as the world’s most exotic and concentrated wine”.

 

Gain the confidence to pursue a career in the viticulture industry or start your very own winery business with viticulture courses such as our Certificate of Viticulture – Vineyard and Grape Production

Behaviour Management Courses for Education Professionals

This course is ideal for anyone who works in education or other settings, including teachers, teacher’s aids or classroom support officers. The Certificate of Behaviour Management is a professional development course that will give you proven behaviour management strategies to guide the responsible behaviour of children and young people within an educational context.

In this online behaviour management course, you will discover a range of strategies to help children self-regulate their behaviour in a safe and supportive environment. You will learn about learning styles, different developmental stages, learning difficulties and developmental changes, and understand how to apply flexible and positive support techniques to meet the educational needs. You will also discover the tools and techniques required to support both individual and group plans for developing cooperative behaviour.

Learning Outcomes

Outcomes achieved by undertaking behaviour management courses include:

  • Learning how to support the behaviour of children and young people
  • Exploring safe and support environments
  • Studying the six principles of NQS
  • Gaining insights into learning styles and participation
  • Examining inclusive gender and language
  • Understanding cultural diversity and adapting to differences
  • Learning about developmental challenges and mental health issues
  • Exploring environmental factors and flexibility
  • Studying positive support techniques
  • Gaining insights into behaviour expectations
  • Understanding positive enforcement and self-control
  • Learning about the CRC approach
  • Exploring ADD/ADHD guidelines
  • Studying communication techniques
  • Gaining insights into redirecting behaviour
  • Examining how to defuse situations
  • Understanding data collection and how to record observations
  • Learning about ABC charts and scatter plots
  • Exploring anecdotal notes and problem behaviour questionnaires
  • Studying additional support needs
  • Gaining insights into behaviour management
  • Understanding goals and objectives
  • Learning how to identify areas of concern
  • Exploring personalised support plans
  • Studying the implementation process
  • Gaining insights into monitoring new strategies
  • Understanding how to adapt support levels
  • Learning about body language and behavioural cues
  • Exploring the signs of distress
  • Studying how to establish and implement plans for developing cooperative behaviour
  • Gaining insights into initiating strategies and managing behaviour

And more!

The Six Principles of the NQF

In terms of working in education or any settings with children or young people, when you study behaviour management courses you will become familiar with the Australian National Quality Framework (NQF). The objectives of the NQF are to:

  • Ensure the safety, health and wellbeing of children attending education and care services.
  • Improve the educational and developmental outcomes for children attending education and care services.
  • Promote continuous improvement in the provision of quality education and care services.
  • Establish a system of national integration and shared responsibility between participating jurisdictions and the Commonwealth in the administration of the NQF.
  • Improve public knowledge and access to information about the quality of education and care services.
  • Reduce the regulatory and administrative burden for education and care services by enabling information to be shared between participating jurisdictions and the Commonwealth.

 

The six guiding principles of the NQF are:

#1 – The Rights and Best Interests of the Child are Paramount

The NQF aligns with the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child. This treaty ensures that children have the right to be free from abuse, violence and neglect, have the opportunity to thrive, be heard, take action and be accountable, and to be engaged in civics and citizenship. A rights-based approach to delivering care and education means understanding these rights and implementing practice which reflects them.

#2 – Children are Successful, Competent and Capable Learners

The NQF views children as capable learners who “actively construct their own understandings and contribute to others’ learning”. It recognises children’s capacity to initiate and lead learning and their rights to participate in decisions that affect them, including their learning.

Viewing children as decision makers and active participants opens up possibilities for educators to move beyond pre-conceived expectations about what children can achieve. This requires educators to respect and work with each child’s unique qualities and abilities.

#3 – Equity, Inclusion and Diversity Underpin the Framework

The NQF recognises all children’s right and capacity to succeed regardless of abilities, diverse circumstances and cultural background. Inclusion is an approach where diversity is celebrated. It requires educators to hold high expectations for the learning and development of all children, and recognises that every child treads an individual learning path and will progress in different and equally meaningful ways.

In recognising each child’s experience of learning and development, educators can implement equitable, responsive and individualised opportunities, and implement additional support if barriers to success are identified.

#4 – Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Cultures are Valued

The NQF is underpinned by a commitment to “Closing the Gap” and acknowledges Australia is a nation of great diversity, and an ancient land that has been cared for by Indigenous Australians for many thousands of years. Education and care services have a shared responsibility to contribute to building a sustainable environment and better society and to support children, families, colleagues and the local community to understand, respect and value diversity.

Through all aspects of their practice, educators should challenge bias and stereotyping. They should find sensitive and respectful ways to negotiate tensions that may arise, for example, because of differing beliefs, values and expectations within a local context, and within the broader contexts of Australian society. Educators should take every opportunity to extend children’s understanding of their local context and of their wider world.

#5 – The Role of Parents and Families is Respected and Supported

The NQF acknowledges a view of children in the context of their family and community, and that families are children’s first and most influential teachers. It is envisaged that education and care services will actively seek out partnerships and develop secure respectful relationships to ensure families are informed, consulted and supported in regards to their child’s learning and development.

#6 – Best Practice is Expected in the Provision of Education and Care Services

Inherent within the NQF is a commitment to striving for “best practice” and continuous improvement. While the NQF does not prescribe what best practice looks like, it encourages education and care services to draw on a range of the current theory and understandings about early and middle childhood. This can provide educators with an understanding of the best and most suitable practice in the unique and changing context of their services.

 

What is ABC Data?

Behaviour management courses like our Certificate of Behaviour Management that focus on children or young people, often touch on data, in particular ABC data. But what is it exactly?

ABC data stands for Antecedent (A), Behaviour (B) and Consequence (C) data, and is often referred to as the ABCs of behaviour. This data can help behaviour analysts and those in education settings identify patterns of behaviour.

Triggers or antecedents to behaviours of concern may include common situations such as having preferred items or activities restricted. Examples include when a student is undertaking independent work, when they are asked to put away their iPad or they are required to complete a difficult or less-preferred academic task or school routine.

Knowing the elements (antecedents) that trigger a student’s reaction (behaviour) and how peers and educators respond to the behaviour (consequences) can provide useful information as to why the behaviours continue.

When combined, this information can ultimately guide educators in developing effective interventions. Assisting teams with changing the environment, adapting the ways in which they respond to behaviours of concern, and improving young peoples’ fine motor skills can all prevent or reduce the future likelihood of these behaviours.

How is ABC data collected?

ABC data is collected by one or more staff members who frequently work or interact with a student. It can be collected over two or three days or several weeks, depending on how often the student attends school and how often behaviours of concern are observed.

Data may be collected throughout the day or for specified periods of time in which the behaviours are more likely to occur. The goal is to gather enough information to develop a firm hypothesis regarding the student’s behaviours that will assist with the development of effective strategies or interventions.

 

Gain confidence in your ability to use proven techniques and strategies to manage the behaviour of children and young people in a positive and supportive way with behaviour management courses, such as our Certificate of Behaviour Management.

Child Counselling Course Crucial Professional Development

Whether you’re a youth worker, carer, parent or health professional, a child counselling course will improve your counselling skills. Today, children are increasingly experiencing mental health challenges and difficulties in their lives, making counselling skills crucial for anyone working with children or teens.

The Certificate of Counselling – Children is an online program that will improve your skillset to offer counsel to children, considering the legal and ethical issues and a young client’s emotional and cognitive development.

In this professional development course, you will learn about common mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders and conduct disorders. You will also explore counselling approaches, including medication, virtual reality and art, Lego and play therapy.

A child counselling course is an ideal way to understand childhood mental health and broaden your knowledge of counselling for children.

 

Learning Outcomes

Outcomes achieved by undertaking a child counselling course include: 

  • Understand the types & causes of childhood problems
  • Assessment of childhood problems (including ethical/legal considerations)

Counselling for:

  • Internalising problems & disorders I: anxiety
  • Internalising problems & disorders II: depression
  • Externalising problems & disorders III: Eating disorders
  • Externalising problems & disorders IV: Conduct disorders
  • Other problems & disorders
  • Other counselling approaches
  • Problems based learning 

 

And more!

Child Mental Health in Australia: A Snapshot 

Beyond Blue reports that around 1 in 7 Australian children experience mental health issues. And half of all serious mental health illnesses in adulthood begin in childhood (before the age of 14).

Mental Health Disorders in Children 

Children are affected by the same mental health disorders as adults. However, the signs and treatments vary. 

Anxiety 

Anxiety is diagnosed when anxious feelings start to affect daily life for children. It is a common condition affecting one in 14 children who have an anxiety disorder. There are many reasons why children may develop anxiety, including family history, stressful life events, coping styles and changes to neurotransmitters (chemicals in the brain). 

Anxiety can impact both physical and mental health. 

Signs to look out for: 

  • Unrealistic fears or worries
  • Irritability or bad moods
  • Racing mind or going blank 
  • Unwanted or intrusive thoughts 
  • Withdrawal and avoidance behaviours 
  • Upset if there is a mistake or change of routine 
  • Dizziness or headaches 
  • Nightmares, sweating, numbness or hot/cold flashes 
  • Dry mouth 

 

OCD

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder when a person is experiencing unwanted, repetitive thoughts (obsessions) that lead to compulsive behaviours (compulsions). These compulsions are carried out to try and alleviate the anxiety of the obsessions. 

OCD is thought to be childhood-onset if obsessions and compulsions occur before puberty. Boys are more commonly affected by childhood-onset OCD and are at greater risk of tic-related disorders. 

Signs to look out for: 

  • Constant and hand washing, showering or bathing
  • Fear of dirt or germs 
  • Repeated tapping or counting 
  • Routines to stop bad things from happening 
  • Hoarding 
  • Rituals that they are compelled to follow 
  • Checking and double-checking 
  • Organising things in a certain way – symmetry 
  • Intrusive thoughts 

 

Depression

Depression is more than just feeling sad. It affects the way kids think, how they see themselves and how they think about the future. Depression can stop kids from enjoying life and taking part in activities important for their social and emotional wellbeing. 

 

Signs to look out for:

  • Feeling sad and unhappy
  • Feeling helpless
  • Worrying a lot
  • Seeming to have less fun
  • fidgeting, not being able to sit still
  • being easily distracted or having trouble concentrating
  • daydreaming
  • getting into fights
  • blaming others for problems
  • teasing others
  • not understanding others’ feelings

 

ADHD (Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder)

ADHD is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a person’s ability to demonstrate age-appropriate self-control. This condition, often diagnosed in childhood, affects approximately one in 20 Australians. It is frequently misunderstood and under-diagnosed. Untreated, this mental health condition can lead to a lifetime impairment. 

Signs to look out for: 

ADHD can present in three ways: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive and combined symptoms.

Inattentive: 

  • Struggling to focus and concentrate on boring or tedious tasks
  • Mind-wandering
  • Easily distracted 
  • Miss instructions or relevant information 
  • Failure to finish tasks
  • Reluctance to finish tasks 

Hyperactive -impulsive 

  • Fidget, tap, restlessness 
  • Talk excessively 
  • Respond quickly to situations without anticipating consequences 
  • Impatience 
  • Find boredom intolerable 
  • Constantly seek stimulation 
  • Risk-taking and dangerous behaviour 
  • Choosing instant gratification 

Eating Disorders 

Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of all psychiatric illnesses. Types of eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, atypical anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). 

Anorexia Nervosa (AN) – obsessive drive to lose weight through food restriction and/or excessive exercise despite being at a low body weight due to distorted body image.

Atypical anorexia nervosa – a young person with atypical anorexia nervosa will be at normal body weight or overweight but has lost a significant amount of weight and displays all other symptoms of AN.

Bulimia nervosa (BN) – Recurrent episodes of binge eating associated with a loss of control around eating and including vomiting, laxative misuse or over-exercising. 

ARFID – Avoidance of eating foods, leading to failure to gain weight, nutritional deficiencies or significant impairment in participating in social life when food is involved. 

Signs to look out for: 

  • Significant weight loss or rapid weight changes 
  • Loss or disturbance of the menstrual cycle 
  • Sensitivity to cold
  • Lethargy, tiredness 
  • Dizziness, fainting 
  • Inability to concentrate 
  • Reducing fat, calories, skipping meals, fasting, avoiding food groups
  • Excessive or compulsive exercise
  • Intense fear of gaining weight 
  • Distorted body image 
  • Distress/anger at mealtimes 

 

When Children Refuse Counselling 

According to Very Well Mind, it is a well-known reality that some children will be resistant to therapy. A depressed child may not be willing to attend treatment for many reasons. They may feel anxious about sharing their thoughts and feelings with a stranger, or they might resent that they need help. Those who are forced to seek treatment, which is usually the situation with child clients, will often resist. So, what can be done? 

When a child refuses therapy, it can be beneficial to involve their parents. Parent counselling and education are ideal ways to get the treatment started while not forcing the child’s therapy. It may also be that the therapist is not a good fit for the child. In this case, it’s helpful to provide alternative counsellors who may be able to connect with the child. 

Timing is also important. It’s not ideal to have a counselling session in the late afternoon (after a busy or stressful school day) or late at night. Find a time when the child will be at their best. 

 

Gain insights into children’s mental health challenges and how to use techniques to counsel children with a child counselling course, such as our Certificate of Counselling – Children. 

Make Our World a Better Place With a Climate Science Course

Our climate is changing … and not in a good way. Changes over the 20th century include rising global sea levels, changes in regional weather patterns, and increases in global air and ocean temperatures. Some of these changes are caused by additional heat in the climate system due to the addition of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. And more importantly, they control the conditions that are vital for all forms of life on earth.

Climate science is the study of atmospheric conditions, and along with the earth’s energy dynamics, play a major role in what influences the everyday conditions of our environment. This course is ideal for those interested in climate and seeking to enhance their professional development including horticulturists, farmers, engineers and environment, land and natural resource managers.

Our Certificate of Climate Science is an online professional development program that will give you a solid understanding of how factors like temperature, wind, water vapour and air pressure can affect climatic conditions.

In this climate science course, you will explore the nature and scope of climatology, factors that influence climate, the foundations of weather science, and climate patterns and classification models including those of Koppen, Thornwaite and Bergeron. You will also study atmospheric dynamics, circulation patterns, factors that cause or influence climate change and the applications of climate change. You will then prepare your own problem-based learning project, which can enhance your career even further!

Learning Outcomes

Outcomes achieved by undertaking a climate science course include:

  • Learning about the nature and scope of climatology and meteorology
  • Understanding how climate and weather affect us
  • Exploring what makes up our weather and we measure it
  • Studying weather science foundations
  • Gaining insights into solar radiation
  • Examining temperature, precipitation and deposition
  • Understanding humidity
  • Learning about clouds
  • Exploring circulation patterns including pressure systems and atmospheric pressure
  • Studying pressure and temperature
  • Gaining insights into air masses and latitudinal circulation
  • Understanding winds, trade winds and the Beaufort Scale of Wind Speed
  • Learning about frontal systems and oceanic and longitudinal circulation
  • Exploring southern oscillation and ocean gyres
  • Studying climate classifications and patterns
  • Examining arid/desert, subtropical, tropical, temperature, coastal and Mediterranean patterns
  • Understanding the factors that influence climate
  • Learning about latitude, wind direction, altitude, aspect and topography
  • Exploring the Koppen Climate Classification and the Thornwaite Climatic Classification System
  • Studying the Bergeron Climatic Classification System
  • Gaining insights into the Spatial Synoptic Classification (SSC)
  • Examining the Holdridge Life Zone System
  • Understanding atmospheric dynamics and atmosphere composition
  • Learning about seasonal variations and the vertical structure of the atmosphere
  • Exploring precipitation, cloud dynamics, storms and thunderstorms
  • Studying tornadoes, cyclones, typhoons and hurricanes
  • Gaining insights into the METAR codes for precipitation processes
  • Understanding aerosols and climate processes
  • Learning about the factors that cause or influence climate change
  • Exploring the sun, earth’s orbit and its axis
  • Studying oceanic circulation and oceanic carbon dioxide
  • Gaining insights into magnetic fields, plate tectonics and volcanic activities

And more!

Major Climate Classification Systems

A major component of studying a climate science course is learning about how different climates are actually classified. These classification systems are four of the most widely used in the world.

#1 – Koppen Climate Classification System

This system was developed by German-Russian climatologist Wladimir Koppen in 1884. It divides climates into five main groups, with each being divided based on temperature patterns and seasonal precipitation. The five groups are tropical, dry, temperate, continental and polar. Because of his experience as a botanist, his climate groups are also based on the types of vegetation that grows in a climate classification region. Therefore, this system is useful in predicting future changes in plant life within a particular region.

#2 – Thornwaite Climatic Classification System

Developed in 1948, this system divides climate into groups according to the vegetation characteristics found within them. It is based on the sum of monthly precipitation and evaporation (P/E) and is defined into five different humidity “provinces” associated with vegetation. A P/E index of less than 16 (arid) indicates desert, 16 to 31 (semi-arid) indicates steppe, 32 to 63 (subhumid) indicates grassland, 64 to 127 (humid) indicates forest, and 127 (wet) indicates rainforest.

#3 – Bergeron Climatic Classification System

This is the most widely accepted form of air mass classification, and it involves three letters. The first describes its moisture properties, with “m” used for maritime air masses (moist) and “c” used for continental air masses (dry). The second letter describes the thermal characteristic of its source region — “T” for tropical, “P” for polar, “A” for Arctic or Antarctic, “M” for monsoon, “E” for equatorial and “S” for superior air (which is dry air that is formed by a significant downward motion in the atmosphere). The third letter defines the stability of the atmosphere. If the air mass is warmer than the ground below it, it’s labelled “w”. If it is colder, it is labelled “k”.

#4 – Spatial Synpotic Classification (SSC)

This system is based upon the Bergeron classification scheme. There are six categories within this scheme — Moist Tropical (similar to the maritime monsoon, maritime tropical or maritime equatorial), Moist Moderate (a hybrid between maritime tropical and maritime polar), Moist Polar (similar to maritime polar), Dry Tropical (similar to continental tropical), Dry Moderate (similar to maritime superior) and Dry Polar (similar to continental polar).

 

Current Initiatives in Australian Climate Science

Climate change exacerbates risks inherent in our country’s climate, which can pose serious consequences to the environment, communities and the economy. Understanding what encapsulates future climate risk is now essential for decision-makers in both government and business alike. As you’ll learn in our climate science course, high-quality climate information allows us to better prepare for and perhaps avoid some climate change impacts, and investments in Australia’s climate science capabilities is the key to achieving the best possible outcomes.

A report released by the National Climate Science Advisory Committee in 2019 which was based on the National Science Statement of March 2017, outlines an extensive body of publicly-funded climate research that’s already underway in Australia, including these initiatives:

National Environmental Science Program (NESP)

This is a long-term commitment by the Government to the environment and climate research. The role of the NESP and the Earth Systems and Climate Change (ESCC) Hub is to ensure Australia’s policy and management decisions are effectively informed by Earth systems and climate science, now and into the future. A collaboration between the CSIRO, the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and several Australian universities, it has world-leading capability in multi-disciplinary Earth system modelling and science and provides information to underpin effective and efficient adaptation responses.

Bureau of Meteorology (BOM)

The BOM continually carries out research on climate variability, climate change and seasonal prediction. Paramount to the success of climate change initiatives is ensuring the scientific community has access to high-quality observational data and global and regional climate modelling capabilities.

The Bureau continues to fund the curation of vital data sets such as the Australian Combined Observational Reference Network for Surface Air Temperature (ACORN-SAT) and the National Tidal Centre sea level data, to better characterise changes in climate over the past century. It is producing the first high-resolution atmospheric regional reanalysis for Australia (BARRA), using Australia’s national weather and climate model (ACCESS). BARRA will produce detailed information on past weather, derived from historical regional observations, and provide researchers with a consistent method of representing the atmosphere over multiple decades.

Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)

The CSIRO has been investing in ocean, atmospheric and climate science for over three decades, and have co-led the BOM on a range of climate change research programs over that period. To better understand and assess climate variability and change in the past, present they established a Climate Science Centre in 2016.  A new multi-year initiative has developed reliable decadal climate forecasts to enable decision-makers in water, energy, agriculture, insurance, health, financial and other sectors to manage the risks and impacts arising from variations in climate.

Australian Antarctic Science Program

Another critical component of Australia’s climate science research effort is the extensive work of the Australian Antarctic Science Program. Delivered through the Australian Antarctic Division of the Department of the Environment and Energy, it places major research focus on Antarctica and Southern Ocean climate, ecosystems and fisheries. This includes a new research station on Macquarie Island, and a research and resupply icebreaker to access the interior of the Australian Antarctic Territory to drill an ice core in excess of a million years old.

Australian Research Council (ARC)

New investments through the ARC have enhanced capability including:

  • The Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes (CLEX) to support research projects that will transform our understanding of past and present climate extremes and enhance our ability to predict them.
  • The Special Research Initiative in Excellence in Antarctic Science will provide Antarctic researchers in Australian universities the opportunity to seek funding to support their work, including in climate science.

International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP)

The IODP provides scientific drilling infrastructure to obtain seafloor samples including cores recording past climate. It provides critical paleoclimate records including in the Antarctic Ocean, the eastern Indian Ocean and the Great Barrier Reef.

Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program (RRAP)

This collaboration of Australia’s leading marine science and other experts has created a suite of innovative measures to help preserve and restore the Great Barrier Reef. It is the largest, most comprehensive program of its type in the world. The resulting technology could be used worldwide to help improve the resilience of coral reefs to climate change impacts.

 

Gain a basic understanding of how the sun’s radiation, the earth’s movement and atmospheric conditions control the conditions that are vital for all life on earth with a climate science course such as our Certificate of Climate Science.

Expand Your Scientific Knowledge With Online Biology Courses

Cells are the basic unit of life and all living things are made up of cells – plants, animals and of course humans! Understanding cell biology is critical for anyone keen to work with living things — from home gardeners to health professionals. The course also offers a solid foundation to enhance your knowledge base for a career in biology, biochemistry, animal studies or health sciences.

The Introduction to Cell Biology is a professional development course that will introduce you to both plant and animal cells, their structure, and how they function. Online biology courses that focus on cells will give you insights into DNA, genes and chromosomes, and the composition, membranes and protein structure of cells.

You will also learn about how cells communicate, cell division, the intracellular compartments of cells and the cell cycle and tissue formation.

Learning Outcomes

Outcomes achieved by undertaking online biology courses include:

  • Learning about plant and animal cells, their structure
  • Gaining an understanding of the history of cell biology
  • Exploring prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
  • Studying cell structure, size and shape
  • Gaining insights into the nucleus and the nucleolus
  • Understanding euchromatin and heterochromatin
  • Learning about cell composition and chemistry
  • Exploring lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, enzymes and nucleic acids
  • Studying cell membranes and golgi apparatus
  • Gaining insights into DNA, chromosomes, genes and genetics
  • Examining DNA replication
  • Understanding telomeres and telomerase
  • Learning about Greg Mendel’s genetic experiments
  • Exploring gene mutations and phenotype and genotype
  • Studying hereditary modifications in plants
  • Gaining insights into meiosis and mitosis in cell division
  • Understanding cell membranes including plasma membranes
  • Learning about the structure of cell membranes
  • Exploring the movement of molecules through cell membranes
  • Studying Endocytosis osmosis and filtration
  • Gaining insights into hydrostatic pressure
  • Examining electrochemical gradient
  • Understanding nutrient and waste exchange in animal cells
  • Learning about mediated and non-mediated transport
  • Exploring ionophores
  • Studying protein structure and function
  • Gaining insights into primary, secondary and tertiary structures
  • Examining globular proteins
  • Understanding protein organisation
  • Learning about protein synthesis
  • Exploring the function of ribonucleic acid in protein synthesis
  • Studying transcription and translation
  • Gaining insights into initiation, elongation and termination
  • Examining food, energy, catalysis and biosynthesis
  • Understanding energy, catabolic and anabolic metabolism
  • Learning about animal and plant tissues
  • Exploring tissue renewal

 

And more!

15 Fascinating Facts About Cells

The word “cell” is derived from the Latin word “cella” which means “small room”. Each cell is a self-contained and partially self-sufficient compartment designed to carry out a limited series of functions. And as you’ll learn in online biology courses such as our Introduction to Cell Biology, while the structure and function of cells are highly variable, their basic structure is similar. Here are some fascinating facts about cells.

  • Cells are the smallest biological unit of life found in all organisms.
  • It is estimated that cells first appeared on Earth around 3.5 billion years ago.
  • All cells are bound by an outer membrane and contain DNA and cytoplasm.
  • Organisms can have one of two classifications — unicellular or multicellular.
  • A unicellular organism only has one cell, and an example is bacteria.
  • A multicellular organism has more than one cell, and an example is a human!
  • There are two different types of cells — eukaryotic or prokaryotic.
  • Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and can be unicellular or multicellular organism.
  • Prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus and are unicellular organisms.
  • “Cell division” is the process where one cell divides itself into two or more cells.
  • It is estimated that the average human body has around 40 trillion cells.
  • The human brain alone contains around 80 billion cells.
  • The human body has around 200 different types of cells, including blood, bone, fat, stem and skin cells.
  • Blood cells in the human body include platelets and red and white blood cells.
  • Bone cells in the human body include osteoclasts, osteoblasts, osteocytes and osteoprogenitor cells.

How Long Do Cells Survive?

Cells die just like all living things, and an adult male loses around 96 million cells per minute! Fortunately, in that same minute around the same amount have divided, replacing those that have died. Just as you shed dead skin cells, the dead cells from your internal organs pass through and out of your body with waste products. However, the length of a cell’s life can vary. For example, white blood cells live for around 13 days, the top layer of your skin’s cells about 30 days, red blood cells for around 120 days and your liver cells about 18 months.

History of Cell Biology

When you study online biology courses, in particular those focusing on cells, you will gain insights into the history of cell biology. Cell theory states that all organisms are composed of cells, which are similar units of “organisation”.

The first bacteria and protozoans were observed by Antonie van Leeuwenhoek between 1632 and 1723 and the first division of cells by Hugo von Mohl in 1835. However, the concept of cell theory was formally articulated in 1839 by Matthias Jakob Schleiden and Theodor Schwann, and it has remained the foundation of modern biology. The idea predates other great theories of biology including Darwin’s Theory of Evolution in 1859, Mendel’s Laws of Inheritance in 1865, and the establishment of comparative biochemistry, including the work of Ernest Baldwin in the late 1930s.

The First Discovery of Cells

The invention of the microscope allowed scientists to gain further insights into what living forms were composed of. The word “cell” was first coined by English scientist Robert Hooke in 1665, in a book he called Micrographia. However, what he saw was the dead cell walls of plant cells in cork, and it did not indicate the nucleus and other organelles found in most living cells.

The first person to witness a live cell under a microscope was Anton van Leeuwenhoek, who in 1674, described the algae, Spirogyra.

In 1838, Schwann and Schleiden were enjoying an over-coffee conversation on their studies on cells. Schwann was struck by the similarity of the plant cells with nuclei that Schleiden was studying to the cells he had observed in animal tissues. So, both proceeded to Schwann’s lab to look at his slides! Schwann’s book on plant and animal cells (Mikroskopische) was published the following year, and his observations were that:

  • The cell is the unit of physiology, structure and organisation in living things.
  • The cell retains a dual existence as a distinct entity and a building block in constructing organisms.
  • Cells form by free-cell formation (spontaneous generation), similar to the formation of crystals

We now know that although his first two observations were correct, the third was not. The correct interpretation of cell formation by division was formally enunciated by physician Rudolph Virchow in the late 19th century when he stated that “all cells only arise from pre-existing cells”.

Modern Cell Research

With the rapid growth of molecular biology in the mid-20th century, cell biology research reached dizzying heights in the 1950s. It now became possible to grow, maintain and manipulate cells outside of living organisms. In 1951, cell biologist George Otto Gey cultured the first continuous cell line, which was derived from cervical cancer cells taken from a patient named Henrietta Lacks. They were eventually referred to as HeLa cells, signifying a breakthrough in the study of cell biology in terms of the structure of DNA.

In the following decade, the study of cells was aided by advances in electron microscopy and transfection methods (among others). Today, the function and structure of cells continue in a branch of biology called cytology, and cytology microscopes have allowed this field to progress, particularly in clinical settings.

 

Gain a solid introduction to cell biology to enhance your career and understand your body in a whole new light with online biology courses such as our Introduction to Cell Biology.

Control Time, Don’t Let It Control You!

Time management strategies will help you be super productive! Do you find that your to-do list keeps growing? Your wheels are spinning, but the work keeps piling up? You’re not alone – a lot of people struggle with the hustle.

Sadly, you can’t buy more, and you can’t save it. Time is finite. But you can manage it better to achieve more. All you need is a bit of know-how, a touch of technology and a few practical strategies under your belt. The trick is to control time and not let it control you!

Successful Time Management is a professional development course that will develop your schedule management skills and goal setting techniques to help you deliver under pressure.

You’ll explore how to leverage your personality traits to boost productivity, beat fatigue, maintain focus and decline work-related tasks. You’ll also discover how to implement organisation techniques, meet targets, achieve goals, and track your progress.

Learning Outcomes

Outcomes achieved by undertaking a course in time management strategies include:

  • Manage priorities better
  • Learn how to complete goal alignment worksheets
  • How to clarify goals by asking questions
  • Manage work priorities better
  • Learn to use a priority matrix
  • What does it mean to be more productive?
  • Identify driving and inspirational personalities
  • How to deal with time stealers
  • Create effective to-do lists
  • How to keep your time organised
  • Assess the value and time of your tasks
  • Prioritise tasks
  • How to chunk your time
  • Build a schedule
  • Beat procrastination and temptation
  • Beat fatigue
  • Manage multitasking
  • Block out distractions
  • How to say “no.”
  • Adjust your time when necessary
  • How to regain focus
  • Time management strategies

 

And more!

 

What is Time Management?

Put simply, time management is about using time management strategies to get more done in your professional and personal life. It’s implementing techniques that help you be more productive. At the heart of it, good time management allows you to manage tasks based on their importance and urgency.  By prioritising your day, you can focus your time and energy where they matter most.

 

6 Secrets to Successful Time Management

Now, we’re not giving alway all the secrets. You’ll need to enrol in the Successful Time Management course to discover all the time management strategies! But, here are a few basic tips on managing your day better!

  1. The Morning Routine

Who doesn’t love a good sleep in? But could you be a little less indulgent? Weekends are for walking late, but could you make your weekdays a bit longer?

In The New York Times, Benjamin Spall wrote that his study of successful people revealed that most wake up with the sparrows. It seems the choices made in the first few hours of the day determine the success or failure of the rest of the day.

As a result of interviewing over 300 successful people, Mr Spall notes that the average wake-up time for successful people is 6.27 am. They also make time in the morning for what energises and motivates them, whether that’s a 5K run, meditation or a green smoothie!

On rising first thing in the morning, Marie Condo simply opens windows to let in the fresh air, lights incense, and tidies the house (of course)! Anna Wintour plays tennis before starting her workday, and our very own Turia Pitt practices gratitude by thinking of three things that make her grateful every morning on waking.

  1. Make Daily & Weekly To-Do List

A daily work plan helps us to prioritise tasks and make progress towards goals incrementally. They’re a great visual aide for those of us who take comfort in seeing items being ticked off! It’s also an excellent anxiety-killer because it gets the task out of your head and onto paper (screen or board).

The trick is to find the format that’s right for you. Electronic gadgets, notepad or whiteboard – it doesn’t matter, you’ll still get the same benefits! Just don’t make a list too long – perhaps three significant priorities for the day – and be specific.

Getting back to the importance of mornings – many a successful person swears by the ‘do the hardest task first rule.’ It’s a great way to gain momentum by starting the day with a win.

  1. Focus

If you still think multitasking is the new black – time to wake up (there’s that morning reference again)! It simply isn’t the most efficient use of time. Neuroscientist Earl Miller says that, for the most part, we simply can’t focus on more than one thing at a time.

“People can’t multitask very well, and when people say they can, they’re deluding themselves,” he says.

It’s science – don’t argue!

  1. Delegate

No one can be all things to all people. Don’t be a micro-manager, or you’ll burn out fast. Instead, employ the right people for the right tasks, and relinquish the reins.

  1. Use the 80/20 Rule

Are you familiar with the 80/20 rule (also known as the Pareto Principle)? It basically means, in time-management terms, that 20 per cent of your effort will reap 80 per cent of your result. So, successful people understand that ‘top priorities’ (or 20 per cent of your to-do list) will drive your most important results.

  1. Allow Distraction Time

Distraction plays a considerable role in the productivity of our day. Whether it’s checking social media, making plans with friends, checking in on Aunt Betty or making a doctors appointment – distractions are part of every day.  But what if you gave yourself distraction time? If you plan for it, it’s expected.

If you set aside 15 -20 minutes every day for distractions, they won’t consume you – or your day! Remember, unless it’s an emergency, you don’t need to instantly reply, return calls, or comment on social media. Save it for your set distraction times. You could space them out into five minutes chunks of distraction time throughout the day.

 

If you want to start managing your time better, time management strategies can save the day. You’ll discover how to reclaim your professional and personal life in our online course Successful Time Management.

Enhance Multicultural Diversity in the Workplace

Multicultural diversity is becoming increasingly important in society. In fact, over 75 per cent of Australians identify with an ancestry other than Australian. As a society, we can all gain from understanding one another better and learning to accept and embrace difference. That’s why it is crucial to embrace differences and develop cultural competence.

This course is ideal for everyone — from migrants and indigenous people to employers and employees. It is particularly relevant to those wanting to enhance their multicultural awareness, including counsellors, managers, business owners, migration and HR officers, and those in the teaching, police or military fields or in the healthcare sector.

Our Multicultural Awareness and Diversity course is an online professional development program which will develop your sensitivity to culture, diversity and multicultural societies and enhance your capacity to understand multicultural issues.

When studying multicultural diversity, you will gain an understanding of the origins and influence of prejudices and structural and institutional racism. You will learn how to work with culturally diverse clients, communicate across cultures, and overcome barriers to ensure successful multicultural relationships.

You will also discover the social, cultural and psychological influences on multicultural mental health issues, the stages of cultural shock, factors affecting grief and bereavement, and adjustment and treatment strategies for cultural distress.

Learning Outcomes

Outcomes achieved by undertaking a course on multicultural diversity include:

  • Learning about cultural diversity, the elements of culture and how to define it
  • Exploring subcultures, societal structures and processes
  • Gaining an understanding of key areas of cultural diversity
  • Studying values, social discourse and cultural behaviour
  • Gaining insights into ideology
  • Examining expectations
  • Understanding problems with culture
  • Learning about cultural self-awareness
  • Exploring how to define the cultural self
  • Studying environmental influences and the definitions of self
  • Gaining insights into human nature and family or social groups
  • Understanding psychological, socio economic and political influences
  • Learning about personal autonomy
  • Exploring the emphasis or minimisation of cultural diversity
  • Studying code switching and physical environmental influences
  • Gaining an understanding of racism and prejudice
  • Studying ethnocentrism and in-groups or out-groups
  • Gaining insights into prejudice — its functions, how we measure it, theoretical perspectives and how to reduce it
  • Understanding stereotypes — its functions, the dangers of using them and how to change them
  • Learning about racism and social, structural and institutional discrimination
  • Exploring perception, cognitive dissonance and perpetual change and defence
  • Studying how to develop cultural sensitivity
  • Gaining insights into working with culturally different clients
  • Examining the principles of communication and how to communicate across cultures
  • Understanding how to communicate intimate information
  • Learning about the culturally skilled worker

And more!

Why is Workplace Ethnic Diversity Important?

In the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ 2016 census, more than 75 per cent of Australians identified with an ancestry other than Australian. Around 45 per cent reported having at least one parent who was born overseas, and around 26 per cent of the population were born in another country. In summary, Australians speak over 200 languages, the most common of which (besides English) is Chinese followed by Arabic, Vietnamese, and Italian. But why is workplace ethnic diversity so important?

It’s good for individuals

Statistics have shown that diversity makes people happier — for people who belong to minority ethnic groups, and  people for whom inclusion traditionally hasn’t been as hard to achieve. For example, in 2017, the Diversity Council of Australia reported that people in inclusive teams (including ethnically diverse teams) are nineteen times more likely to be very satisfied with their work compared to people in non-inclusive teams. They are also twice as likely to gain regular career development opportunities … and a pay rise!

It’s good for businesses

Cultural and ethnic diversity is also beneficial for businesses. According to a 2017 McKinsey report, companies in the top quartile for cultural and ethnic diversity on their executive teams were 33 per cent more likely to have industry-leading profitability.

It’s good for society

In Australia, migrants make an enormous contribution to Australia’s economy, collectively providing an estimated fiscal benefit of over 10 billion dollars in their first ten years of settlement.

Defining the Cultural Self

One of the key factors you will learn if you are studying multicultural awareness and diversity, is that everyone in a particular culture will not behave in the same way. Many factors contribute to variety within a culture, including:

  • different situations
  • individual human psychology
  • differing human motivations
  • socio-economical differences

 

Every culture also contains variations of perceptions, human personality, ways of thinking and feeling, different psychological attitudes and different kinds and levels of skill and so on.

From outside a culture, it’s often easy to what individuals have in common. However, from within, the people that are part of it are as varied as those within our own culture. As human beings, we tend to share some fundamental aspects of attitude and behaviour with other members of our culture, which are part of who we think we are. Some aspects of our cultural “self” to consider include:

  • What we value in ourselves and others.
  • How we interact with others.
  • How we communicate our feelings.
  • What support we offer or receive from others.
  • Who we seek support from and to what degree.
  • What we believe we should strive for or achieve.
  • What kind of parent we become.
  • In what way do we relate to family and those outside the family.
  • How we define or perceive ourselves as human beings.
  • In what regard we express individualism.
  • How we relate to authority.
  • What potential we possess.
  • What possibilities we can perceive for personal or social growth.
  • How we understand or define psychological distress.

 

Any or all of these aspects of cultural identity can be expressed in very different ways. Some aspects may not be expressed at all except through our perceptions of self, others and our world and our responses to them. These can be apparent in our judgements and opinions, what we say about ourselves, the stories we tell each other, our interactions with others and our status and expectations.

We may communicate our cultural identity and our cultural perceptions through what we say, to whom we say it and when, and through what we don’t say. We may also communicate them non-verbally through actions and gestures, our clothing, the arts, where we live, the kind of house we choose, and our uses of the surrounding space.

How to Map Your Workforce’s Cultural Diversity

When studying multicultural diversity, you’ll learn that mapping the cultural diversity of your workforce can achieve a number of things.  And fundamentally, it will help you assess how well your organisation supports the customers, clients and markets it wants to serve.

The Diversity Council Australia’s Counting Culture guide outlines six guiding principles that will allow you to map culturally diversity in a way that is accurate, respectful, inclusive and suited to the multiculturalism of Australian businesses.

Principle #1 – Recognise peoples’ unique position

This principle applies directly to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples. Diversity Council Australia (DCA) recommends organisations recognise their unique position by separating Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples from the broad category of “cultural diversity” when Counting Culture.

Principle #2 – Remember identity is key

This refers to how we see ourselves and how others see us. Counting Culture encourages organisations to adopt an identity-based definition of cultural diversity. This recognises the significant impact identity has on our experience of inclusion at work.

Principle #3 – Use multiple indicators

Cultural identity is made up of many aspects – for example, an employee may be born in Australia, have Lebanese ancestry, identify as Christian, and speak English, French and Arabic. All of these factors have relevance to their experience of inclusion at work.

Principle #4 – Simple is good, but not too simple

Simplifying cultural diversity is a good strategy but it should not be over-simplified. Organisations should go beyond simple “culturally diverse” statistics (for example, “Are you culturally diverse?”) to those that help a business generate valuable and rich workforce insights.

Principle #5 – Engage with intersectionality

Intersectionality refers to the way that multiple aspects of diversity, like sexual orientation, culture, age and gender identity, “intersect” and come together to form part of our identity and therefore employees’ experiences of inclusion at work.

Principle #6 – Use benchmarks

Comparing the breadth and degree of cultural assets in your organisation against those found in Australia’s general community, in key labour markets, in your industry or in your customer base will give you insights into how well your workforce reflects and can therefore attract, respond to and service this cultural diversity.

 

Gain insights into relating to and supporting those from multicultural backgrounds and feel confident to encourage and support diversity with our Multicultural Awareness and Diversity course.

What to Consider Before You Write Your Business Plan

Whether you are contemplating a new business idea or been running your business for years, business planning can help your business move forward — in leaps and bounds!

Analyse Your Business Idea and Yourself

Analysis can help you set goals for your business, and anticipate challenges you might face in the future and how to overcome them. Before writing your business plan, a good first step is to analyse your business idea. Questions to ask include:

  • Is your business idea viable?
  • Is there a market for your proposed service or product?
  • Is your idea worth investing your time and money into?

 

You should then analyse yourself. Questions to ask include:

  • Are you ready to venture into business?
  • Do you have what it takes to be an entrepreneur?
  • Do you have the skills needed to run your business successfully?
  • Are you ready to put in the hard work?
  • Will you be running a business or a hobby?

Determine Who Your Plan Is For

Next, consider whether your business plan has more than one purpose — will it only be used internally or will it involve external parties such as a bank or investor? This can help you decide what your purpose is and develop your plan for the right audience. If your plan is being developed for third parties, you need to determine what they will be most interested in. This is crucial, because you shouldn’t assume they are just interested in the financials — they will be looking at the whole package!

Do Your Research

Before you can undertake your plan, you will need to make some important decisions about your business. These include its structure, finances and marketing strategies. Research can help you develop targets and goals and better understand your customers and where your business should be heading. Any market research should also be accurate and up-to-date before you present it to investors or lenders as market conditions change over time.

Examine Your Finances

Investors and lenders will need to know your business is in a strong financial position and your finances are in order. They will want to know how much money you have, how much money you need and how much you expect to make in the near future. Therefore, undertaking an analysis of your finances is critical. And while extra funding can help you cover unexpected costs, you should be realistic and avoid asking for more money than you need!

Write Your Summary

When preparing to write your business plan, have a summary of the main points of your business with as few words as possible. Ideally, you should get to the point, but not overlook the important facts. This stage is also an opportunity to sell yourself, without overdoing it! Your summary should include details about your goals, market, business, current financial position, how much finance you’re seeking and what those funds will achieve.

How to Conduct a SWOT Analysis of your Business Case

One important element of how to write a business case is undertaking a SWOT analysis, which will help you achieve your goals. This is an analysis of its internal strengths (S), weaknesses (W), external opportunities (O) and threats (T). To get the most out of a SWOT analysis, you should have an objective or question in mind from the start. For example, are you using it to change your processes or help you decide if you should introduce a new product or service?

You should do some research to fully understand your industry, market and the business you in. You can also gain a range of perspectives by talking to your clients, staff and business partners. Market research can also help you find out more about your competitors.

Your Business’ Strengths (S)

Identify and list what you think your business’s strengths are. Some examples include those relating to your business’ competiveness, financial resources, employees, business location and cost advantages. At this stage, the list doesn’t have to be definitive – further along in the process you can start prioritising these.

Your Business’s Weaknesses (W)

Identify and list factors of your business that you consider to be weaknesses or that may put your business at a disadvantage to others. These can include staff absenteeism, distance to market, a declining market share, the absence of new clients or products, or a lack of intellectual property. This list can also indicate how your business has grown over time and if you review regularly, will give you insights into weaknesses that have been resolved. And although you may find new weakness, the absence of former ones is a sign of progress!

Your Business’ Potential Opportunities (O)

Potential opportunities are external and not necessarily definite. An opportunity for one aspect of your business can also be a threat to another. For example, introducing a new product can allow your business to keep up with consumer trends, but your competitors may already have a similar product — therefore, the same factor shouldn’t be listed as both an opportunity and a threat. Opportunities can include training programs, new technology, a diverse marketplace, partnerships or a change of government.

Your Business’ Potential Threats (T)

These are external factors that may be cause a problem or pose a threat to your business. Examples include increasing competition, higher interest rates, rising unemployment and the uncertainty of global markets.

You should now have four separate lists, so it’s time to prioritise! Questions to ask yourself include:

  • How can I use my business’ strengths to take advantage of the opportunities I’ve identified?
  • How can I use my business’ strengths to overcome the threats I’ve identified?
  • What do I need to do to overcome the identified weaknesses so I can take advantage of the opportunities?
  • How will I minimise my business’ weaknesses to overcome the identified threats?

Once you have finalised your lists, you can now starting using your SWOT analysis to develop strategies and ultimately work towards achieving your business goals!

 

Gain the skills, knowledge and confidence to develop, implement and present successful business strategies with a course such as our online Develop and Implement a Business Plan.

Gain Valuable Insights Into Animals With Our Pig Husbandry Course

Pig production contributes over $5.2 billion to the Australian economy according to Australian Pork Limited, and greater demands from meat processors and rising poultry prices are forecast to continue to support the industry over the next five years. So if you deal with pigs on a daily basis or are keen to gain insights into this uber-intelligent animal, then this course is for you!

Our Certificate of Pig Husbandry is ideal for farmers; piggery managers, hands or breeders; those in the pig retail, marketing or wholesale industries; or those interested in keeping pigs for self-sufficiency or as a hobby.

In this professional development course, you will gain a solid foundation in pig biology, production and husbandry with an emphasis on how to manage the practical daily needs of pigs — including sows, boars and piglets.

You will learn about pig health, nutrition and feeding, selective breeding and herd management, and the various pig breeds including hybrids. You will also learn about building systems, pig production systems including extensive, intensive and free range systems, economics, environmental controls and aspects of farm management including record keeping. Oink!

Learning Outcomes

Outcomes achieved by undertaking a pig husbandry course include:

  • Learning the pig husbandry terms, pig breeding, pig farming and pig production systems
  • Exploring the pig breeds and hybrids in pig farming
  • Studying building systems, materials, floors, pig pens and fencing
  • Gaining insights into environmental controls
  • Understanding waterers, feeders, waste water treatments and water flow
  • Learning about anaerobic ponds and suitable plants
  • Exploring breeding and selection including heritability in pigs
  • Studying how to test for pig performance and points for selection
  • Gaining insights into pure breeding, cross breeding and crossbreeding systems
  • Understanding single cross, back crossing and rotational crossing
  • Learning about hybrid breeding and artificial insemination
  • Exploring feeding pigs including their digestive system and the types of rations
  • Studying energy, protein, mineral and vitamin requirements
  • Gaining insights into feeding on pasture
  • Understanding pig diseases, general health problems and management practices
  • Learning about the diseases that affect sows and of growing and fattening pigs
  • Exploring vices in pigs and how to handle and restrain them
  • Studying breeder pigs and the pre- and post-weaning periods
  • Gaining insights into selecting and managing boars
  • Understanding house to house, feed, breed and look after the health of boars
  • Learning how to manage the sower and litter including housing, feeding and weaning
  • Exploring the selection of gilts
  • Studying ovulation, pregnancy and lactation
  • Gaining insights into farrowing – before, during and after
  • Understanding the management of suckling pigs
  • Learning about marking pigs and ear notching
  • Exploring the management of fattening pigs

 

And more!

 

Australian Pig Breeds

As you’ll learn in our pig husbandry course, there are eight pure breed pigs remaining in Australia. All of them were originally imported, however, for biosecurity reasons the importation of live pigs is no longer permitted. Three of these breeds are common in commercial pork production — Duroc, Landrace and Large White. The remaining five are typically used by outdoor producers and some of these are quite rare.

Duroc

This breed is an older breed of domesticated pig that originated in the United States and formed the basis for many mixed-breed commercial hogs. The Duroc lines currently in Australia were imported in 1981 from New Zealand and Canada in the early 80s. Durocs are muscular, large-framed, of medium length, golden yellow and reddish-brown in colour, and have partially-drooping ears. They are used in cross-breeding programs as a terminal sire when crossed with Landrace or Large White cross sows, as they are not a good maternal sire. They also tend to be one of the least aggressive of all swine breeds that are raised for meat.

Landrace

Landrace pigs were originally bred in Denmark and imported into Australia up until 1973 — mostly from Great Britain and New Zealand. They are white in colour, and their ears droop and slant forward with their top edges nearly parallel to the bridge of their straight noses. They are noted for their ability to farrow and raise large litters.

Large White

Originally developed in the UK in the late 1700s, this breed is popular in all major pork producing countries around the world. They are white with a moderately long head, a broad snout, erect ears and a slightly “dished” face. They have wide chests, a level and wide back, and necks that are fine, long and evenly full to their shoulders. Large Whites are typically crossed with Landrace pigs and this cross is often used as the maternal line in commercial herds. They are prolific breeders and have a good carcass quality.

Tamworth

Originally from central England, the most notable ability of this breed is their ability to forage. They have erect ears and their ginger coats make them adaptable to a variety of climates and protect them from sunburn. They are agreeable in disposition and have an active intelligence. Sows make excellent mothers, and piglets are vigorous and often have 100 per cent survivability, but they are slow growing compared to other breeds.

Wessex Saddleback

Originating in the West Country of England, this breed was very popular in Australia for many years, but they are quite rare today. They have lop ears and are black in colour with a white saddle over their shoulder. Wessex Saddlebacks are popular for their docile nature, ability to forage and their excellent mothering ability.

Hampshire

This is one of the oldest breeds in America. They are black with erect ears and a white belt that totally encircles their body, including both feet and front legs. They have been used as a terminal sire in cross breeding programs overseas and are valued for their quality carcasses.

Berkshire

This breed is the oldest registered breed in the world, with the first hog ever recorded being bred by Queen Victoria. Berkshire pigs have erect ears, shorter necks, more of a “dish” face and are black with white on their tail tip and legs. They are docile and hardy animals and are popular with outdoor producers.

Large Black

This breed also originated in England and are now quite rare as a pure breed. They are a black pig with huge black floppy ears. Large Blacks are known for their foraging and their ability to raise large litters, and are often crossed with other breeds for pork production.

Fascinating Pig Facts

Pigs are one of the smartest of all domesticated animals, and been have been placed fourth on the intelligence list behind humans, primates and dolphins/whales. Here are some fascinating facts about pigs that will give you even more motivation to undertake our pig husbandry course.

  • Pigs show dominance by swiping their heads or barking and then charging.
  • They grunt to communicate with each other and it is dependent on their personality.
  • Pigs can’t sweat, so can get sunburnt easily and can suffer heat stroke.
  • To cool their body temperature, they wallow or roll in mud, which also protects them from insects.
  • Pigs have three layers of skin on their shoulders.
  • The highest density of tactile receptors is found in a pig’s snout, and their sense of smell is about 2000 times more sensitive than ours.
  • They enjoy rooting with their snouts, which provides them with food, minerals and vitamins from the soil.
  • Pigs do actually have hair … which is very bristly!
  • Piglets are born with a curly tail, which is often trimmed to prevent other piglets chewing it.
  • A pig’s life span is between 10 and 15 years.
  • The gestation period of pig is around four months.
  • Sows typically have two litters a year and can have 8 to 12 piglets depending on their breed (sometimes more).
  • A newborn piglet’s body weight is made up of 75 per cent water.
  • Newborn piglets learn to respond to their mothers’ voices, and mother pigs communicate with their babies through grunts when they are nursing.
  • Piglets often have a certain teat order and each piglet has its own teat to suckle from.
  • Pigs have excellent memories, and can recognize and remember objects, sometimes for years.
  • When trained, piglets can learn their names at just two to three weeks old. They can also learn to respond when called and learn tricks.
  • In their natural state, pigs are clean animals and keep their toilets away from their feeding and living areas.
  • Pigs like to get massages, enjoy relaxing while listening to music, scratching themselves on trees, and playing with enrichment toys.
  • Pigs are incredibly social and form close bonds with each other and other animals.

 

Develop the necessary skills to manage pigs for commercial production, self-sufficiency or as part of your own pig-friendly hobby farm with a pig husbandry course, such as our Certificate of Pig Husbandry.

Enhance or Build Recreational Space With Our Facility Management Course

The fitness, sport and recreation sector continues to grow in Australia, and it caters to a range of pursuits, interests and demographics. However, its impact extends beyond just economic advantages, it can result in positive mental and preventative health and wellbeing benefits. It can also create positive environments for people to connect within and share a common focus.

Our Certificate of Recreational Facility Management is ideal for gym or leisure facility managers, those who work in recreational and sporting clubs, or those who are looking to develop or redevelop leisure facilities.

In this facility management course, you will learn about the amenities required to provide services in different types of leisure facilities, including recreation facilities, gyms, swimming centres, health clubs, bowling greens, golf courses and other sporting complexes.

You will study how to plan construction or redevelopment work, the legal requirements involved, and the types of equipment needed, including for indoor and outdoor use. You will also explore bookings, insurance, contingencies and purchasing and health and safety procedures.

 

Learning Outcomes

Outcomes achieved by undertaking a facility management course include:

  • Learning about the scope of community recreation services
  • Exploring exercise facilities and the scope and distribution of leisure facilities
  • Studying town planning, surveys and the central place theory
  • Gaining insights into structural, systems and advocacy planning
  • Understanding a multidisciplinary approach to management
  • Learning about the administrative process
  • Exploring planning for play and planning processes
  • Studying the legal requirements for construction
  • Gaining insights into health and special events
  • Understanding liability, negligence and risk management
  • Learning about work scheduling
  • Exploring planning management of a construction
  • Studying competitive tendering
  • Gaining insights into contingency plans for disruption to work
  • Understanding the types of recreation buildings and indoor equipment and facilities
  • Learning about general requirements – access, security, lighting, toilets, parking, signage, staff facilities, etc.
  • Exploring the needs for specific facility types like swimming centres, community centres, gymnasium, etc.
  • Studying selection criteria for equipment and how to conduct a cost analysis
  • Gaining insights into outdoor equipment for all purpose sports grounds, tennis courts and bowling clubs
  • Understanding camp and caravan sites, playgrounds, picnic grounds and riding schools
  • Learning about water recreation facilities including sailing, water skiing, power boating, and canoeing etc.
  • Exploring safety procedures including Duty of Care for employees, employers, manufacturers and others
  • Studying lifting and manual handling, protective equipment, protecting hearing and chemical handling
  • Gaining insights into First Aid, accidents, water safety and safety on a sports turf and outdoors
  • Understanding safety audits, safety risk analysis and safe communication

And more!

 

Recreation and Sporting Facility Design

Facility design is a critical part of planning and delivering a recreation and sporting facility. A poorly designed facility can create management challenges, alienate users and increase operational cost. Fixing these problems after construction can also be difficult and expensive, so it’s important you spend the time and energy up-front.

As you’ll explore in our facility management course, design principles, the stages of design and the way design teams, processes and budgets are established can differ by location and project. And although the following requirements may be more relevant to government-funded facilities, they also offer valuable food for thought to those looking to construct, develop and/or manage any leisure facility.

 

Practical and Affordable

Recreation and sporting facilities are long-term assets that typically require large amounts of public money to develop, operate and maintain. The design project should aim to deliver the highest possible standard of facility but also the funding realities including its life-cycle costs. It is worth having cost estimates, facility design and project outcomes peer reviewed or benchmarked against other facilities, even if there is an additional cost involved. Costs can be also offset through providing spaces and generating income from other community or commercial tenants including health clubs, retail/office administration, childcare centres, neighbourhood houses, allied health services, monthly community markets or youth or other community services.

Fit-for-purpose

Facilities should meet the needs of users and the required sports or recreation standards for the intended levels of play, use or competition. It is critical to engage with all key stakeholders at the earliest opportunity. This includes potential users, facility managers and sporting and state recreation organisations. It will ensure that design features like stormwater run-off areas, sporting grounds and amenities like change rooms meet the standards required for the level and type of activities that are being provided.

 

Shared and Multi-use

The vast majority of regional-level facilities are typically multi-use sporting hubs with shared clubroom facilities. Where there is shared use involved, the interrelationship and compatibility of activities needs to be considered during the design process.  This includes:

  • Ensuring facilities are designed to meet compliance requirements, including having the appropriate field-of-play dimensions and the appropriate run-offs to cater for the concurrent use of different types of sports.
  • Identifying the appropriate neutral locations for club memorabilia, for example, in neutral public spaces like foyers, rather than in multi-purpose rooms.
  • Providing secure and adequate storage space for different user groups and their equipment when it is not in use.
  • Engaging with the community and facility user groups like clubs at the earliest opportunity to determine operational and management requirements. This will ensure facilities are well-used day and night, on weekends and throughout the week to maximise stakeholders’ return on investment.

 

Future-Proofed

The best long-term outcomes for leisure facilities are achieved by designing them in ways that enable them to be adaptable, flexible and able to be re-invented to cater for community needs that change, including for the ageing population. They should also accommodate potential future expansions, whether they are temporary (for event purposes) or permanent (for future needs).

 

Functional and Flexible

Facility layout and design should promote optimal and safe functionality and flexibility to accommodate their concurrent use for different events and activities. This includes the design of secondary areas like toilets, car parks, reception/foyer areas, spectator viewing areas, crèches, cafes, kitchens, storage rooms and operational plant and equipment areas. Facility managers can provide valuable advice in the early stage of design in terms of operational issues and actual and potential user needs and demands.

 

Universally Designed

Facilities should be designed to accommodate a range of users regardless of their gender, age, ability and cultural background. This includes participants, administrators, officials, visitors and spectators. It is worth running workshops at the initial concept design phase for proposed and actual facility users to identify aspects or areas of the facility that need specific attention. These can include baby change facilities, toilets and areas that may need pram and/or wheelchair access.

 

Safe and Healthy

Facilities and their surroundings should be designed, built and maintained in accordance with relevant standards and codes including Occupational Health and Safety standards. It is also important to consider child-safe, female- friendly and Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles in the conceptual and design processes.

 

Environmentally Sustainable

The cost of utilities like water and electricity are rising which places increased pressure on the operating and maintenance of facilities. So it’s important to consider the use of water/energy efficient design elements and products to help enhance environmental sustainability, reduce consumption and save costs. Things to consider:

  • Using passive design principles to reduce a reliance on energy, for example, using indirect natural lighting via highlight windows and ventilation via louvre windows.
  • Installing PV cell systems to inject electricity back into the grid network and reduce the building’s energy consumption.
  • Installing rainwater tanks for irrigation and toilet flushing to supplement mains water as needed.
  • Using water efficient fixtures and fittings in wet areas like bathrooms and in kitchens.
  • Providing for the installation of battery storage systems or ensuring the design allows for their future installation.
  • Providing for electric vehicle charging points or ensuring the final design allows for their future installation.
  • Using stormwater runoff to irrigate surrounding landscapes (WSUD) or utilising local council recycled water supplies for irrigation purposes.
  • Conducting energy reviews and setting sustainable energy use targets and objectives for the future.

 

Accessible and Engaging

Where possible, facilities should be situated in locations that are site-appropriate with connections to cycling and pedestrian routes, public transport, major road networks and connections to community services and facilities. Other factors to consider:

  • Designing social spaces like cafés and outdoor play spaces that are connected to the public environment.
  • Providing safe pedestrian access and pick up and drop off areas for centre users.
  • Ensuring adequate parking, including for bikes and buses.
  • Providing opportunities for shade where outdoor spaces are intended for families, spectators etc.
  • Prioritising building materials that are resistant to vandalism and are easy to maintain.

 

When you complete a facility management course, such as our Certificate of Recreational Facility Management, you will have gained a sound understanding of how to develop and manage a recreational facility, which could lead to increased career prospects including launching your own business! 

Anger Management to Reduce Its Control Over You!

Anger management training can help you (or your clients) reduce the destructive nature of unhealthy anger. People often assume, incorrectly, that all anger is bad, but this isn’t the case. Anger is a normal and healthy emotion. It’s okay to feel angry sometimes. Anger can be a positive force for change. Think of all the social injustices that have been rectified through people becoming angry.

However, when anger interferes with your job, relationships or wellbeing, it’s time to seek help. Anger and aggression are different – there are many healthy ways to deal with anger without resorting to threats and violence.

Our Anger Management program is an online course that will help you learn to identify anger triggers and provide coping and planning techniques to help you manage your anger better.

You will also discover a range of proven tools, self-talk techniques and coping strategies for dealing with situations where anger can escalate.

This anger management course is beneficial for those who manage people in a work or recreational setting to gain insight into how to be assertive and sensitive to others’ emotions.

This program is also ideal for those requiring an anger management certificate to meet court or other official requirements; please check with your legal advisor.

Learning Outcomes

Outcomes achieved by undertaking anger management courses include:

  • Nature and scope of anger
  • Explore and understand anger dynamics
  • Dimensions of anger
  • Managing your anger
  • Anger pay-offs
  • The anger process
  • Trigger thoughts
  • Coping with anger
  • Positive self-talk
  • Distorted thinking
  • Destructive labelling
  • Imperative thinking
  • Mind reading
  • Coping strategies
  • Relaxing techniques
  • Communication skills
  • Listening and feedback
  • Losing control
  • Behaviour management
  • Goals and rewards
  • Action plans

What Students Say About Our Anger Management Course

Watson,Gympie, QLD |Anger Management | November 2020

“I found completing this course a smooth experience the course was really easy to understand and helped me learn more insight into managing anger.”

 

A.Hladni, Frankston VIC | Anger Management 

“Australian online courses are fantastic! I would highly recommend.”

 

J.Webb, Five Docks, NSW | Anger Management

“I found the Certificate of Anger Management course easy to achieve … and now understand how anger works for different people … excellent course!”

 

Gourlay, Eildon VIC | Anger Management

“Very user friendly. I initially had a problem with logging in; however, the call centre was more than helpful in getting me set up. I wouldn’t hesitate to use Australian Online Courses in the future.”

 

Anger: Separating Fact from Fiction

Relationships Australia helps bust a few common anger myths!

 

Myth 1 ­– Anger is inherited

Evidence from research studies shows that you can’t blame your anger on Grandpa John! In fact, the studies show that people are not born with a set way of expressing anger but that it is a learned behaviour. So, it’s not fixed and learning to express anger differently can be done!

Myth 2 – Anger always leads to aggression

Anger does not need to be expressed through aggression. Anger management can help de-escalate angry feelings so that it doesn’t lead to aggressive outbursts or violence.

Myth 3 – People get what they want through aggressive behaviour

Don’t confuse assertiveness with aggression. Assertive people can meet their own needs while still respecting the rights of others. Communicating calmly and respectfully is more likely to gain cooperation from others.

Myth 4 – Venting is always desirable

If you think screaming into a pillow or punching a boxing bag is therapeutic and a good way to release anger, think again! Research studies show people who vent their anger in this way actually get better at being angry. So, venting anger in aggressive ways begets more aggressive behaviour. A run, a relaxing bath or any activity that calms you down will be a much better way to deal with anger.

 

10 Basic Types of Anger

Anger is a universal emotion, and we all feel annoyed, frustrated or even outraged from time to time. The type of anger we use to express our feelings can also vary depending on our mood and the circumstances. But anger is neither good nor bad – it is simply an emotion. Clarifying different types of anger and learning the strategies to manage them – particularly by taking anger management courses – is the key to controlling emotions and subsequent behaviours.

#1 – Assertive Anger

This is the most constructive type of anger in that feelings of frustration or rage can act as a catalyst for positive change. Rather than internalising feelings, avoiding confrontation or resorting to physical or verbal outbursts, anger is expressed in ways that don’t cause destruction or distress. This ‘assertive anger’ can help individuals address injustice, overcome fear and achieve their desired life outcomes. It’s a powerful motivator!

#2 – Behavioural Anger

This type of anger is expressed physically and usually aggressively. It might involve throwing or breaking things or even physically attacking the object of an individual’s rage. It can be highly unpredictable and often has negative interpersonal and legal consequences. Management strategies include individuals taking a moment to calm down, removing themselves from the situation and using self-talk techniques to regain control of their emotions.

#3 – Chronic Anger 

This is an ongoing frustration with circumstances, anger towards oneself or a general resentment of other people. Because of its prolonged nature, it can have profoundly negative effects on one’s health and wellbeing. To manage it, individuals should spend some time on reflection and identify the source of their resentment. It can also involve forgiveness – which is a powerful process that can help people resolve lingering frustration and hurt.

#4 – Judgemental Anger 

This type of anger is indignant and usually a reaction to someone else’s shortcomings or perceived injustice. It assumes a morally superior stance and may alienate potential allies by invalidating differences of opinion. Management strategies include individuals being open-minded about different situations because they are rarely as simple as they seem! Other people’s perspectives can also give valuable insights into some of life’s challenges.

#5 – Overwhelmed Anger

This is a form of anger which occurs when individuals feel a situation is beyond their control. This results in feelings of frustration and hopelessness and is common when people take on too much responsibility, or unexpected events have reduced their capacity to cope. To manage it, individuals should reach out to others for support. By alleviating potential sources of stress, emotional and behavioural control may be achieved.

#6 – Passive-aggressive Anger 

This is an ‘avoidant’ type of anger, where individuals try to evade confrontation and may deny feelings of fury or frustration. It can be expressed as silence, mockery or sarcasm, and often people who express anger in this way aren’t even aware they are being aggressive. Management techniques include individuals learning to assertively communicate and confidently face their fears to meet their personal and professional needs.

# 7 – Retaliatory Anger

One of the most common types of anger is an instinctual response to being attacked or confronted by someone else. It can be deliberate and motivated by revenge for a perceived wrong and often intimidates others by asserting control over an outcome or situation. To manage it, individuals should pause and think before they act. By choosing to diffuse the conflict, they can avoid the often long-term consequences of revenge.

# 8 – Self-abusive Anger

This type of anger is shame-based. People who express this type of anger often feel unworthy, humiliated or hopeless. By internalising feelings, anger can be expressed by self-harm, substance abuse, eating disorders or negative self-talk. Management strategies include cognitive reframing techniques and mindful meditation, which can help centre an individual in the present and help them deal with impulse-related behaviours.

# 9 – Verbal Anger

Verbal anger can be a form of psychological or emotional abuse that deeply hurts an individual’s target. People may express this anger in the form of furious threats, ridicule, sarcasm or intense criticism or blame. This often results in the individual feeling ashamed and apologetic afterwards. To manage it, individuals should take a breath before they speak and delay the impulse to lash out.

#10 – Volatile Anger

This type of anger often comes out of nowhere. People who are quick to get upset by annoyances often experience volatile anger. It can be incredibly destructive because even though individuals calm down just as quickly if left unchecked, it may eventually lead to more violent verbal or physical behaviour. Management strategies include identifying the signs and symptoms that precede an outburst and using relaxation techniques to stop their anger from escalating.

 

Do you or a client need help to manage unhealthy anger? Learn a range of valuable anger management techniques that will improve relationships and reduce stress with our Anger Management program. 

 

Gain Improved Pasture With Our Forage Management Course

Forage management benefits livestock and other animals and helps generate sustainable environmental systems on farms and other natural landscapes. Our Certificate of Forage Management is ideal for farm hands, farm managers, land or produce agents or anyone involved in the agricultural industry.

This professional development course will teach you how to establish forage plant environments, and provide year-round grazing and foraging by managing soil, irrigation, pests, diseases and weeds. You will also learn about forage quality, fodder resources, ecosystems and grasslands, animal-related forage disorders and how to preserve forage as silage and hay.

Learning Outcomes

Outcomes achieved by undertaking a course that can help with improved pasture include:

  • Learning about the scope and nature of forage resources
  • Exploring forage management terminology and the types of forage and forage lands
  • Studying what different animals eat including avian, monogastric, ruminants and pseudo ruminants
  • Gaining insights into managing forage ecosystems
  • Understanding over-grazing, continuous and rotational grazing
  • Learning about ecosystem health
  • Exploring weed types and populations
  • Studying grassland species and ecosystems
  • Gaining insights into different ways to feed animals
  • Understanding fodder systems and fodder plants including grasses, legumes, roots, wildflowers and forbs
  • Learning about fodder trees and shrubs including definitions
  • Exploring their advantages and disadvantages
  • Studying how to use fodder trees
  • Gaining insights into harvesting foliage — pollarding, coppicing, browse blocks, leaf fall and silvopasture systems
  • Understanding the criteria for plant selection
  • Learning about financial considerations
  • Exploring tree species — Acacias, Bamboos, Beech, Black locust, Carob, Honey Locust, Pome Fruits and many more
  • Studying forage establishment
  • Gaining insights into natural area grazing
  • Examining seeding and soil — soil biome, rhizosphere and autotoxicity
  • Understanding weed management
  • Learning about biodiversity — riparian zones and birds
  • Exploring regenerative grazing management
  • Studying strategies for soil improvement — crop rotation, tillage, zero tillage, fertility testing, soil compaction and soil cover
  • Gaining insights into fertiliser and irrigation management
  • Understanding NPK and how to use legumes
  • Learning about animal access management – hedges, wire, barbed wire, electric fence, stone walls, banks, rises, gates and digital fencing technology

And more!

The Differences Between Fodder and Forage

Those who own livestock have two basic categories of livestock feed from which to choose — forage and fodder — that can lead to improved pasture that is sustainable, both environmentally and economically. The choice between forage and fodder or a combination of both depends on a number of factors, including cost, land availability and the animals that are to be fed. They also serve essentially the same purpose but thrive in different environments and require different levels of care. But what are some of their differences?

 

Forage Crops

These are crops that animals graze independently on or have purposes other than just for animal feed. Legumes and grasses make up the two broad sources of forage livestock feed, and suit grazing livestock like horses and cows. Forage crops can reduce weed population, aid in land conservation and prevent soil erosion. However, these types of crops often require maintenance upon implementation before plants becomes established, including testing the soil’s pH levels. They also better suit larger growing areas.

 

Fodder Crops

These include crops that serve as livestock feed and enable livestock owners to regulate their animals’ food intake. They typically include corn, oats, wheat and some grasses, and are ideal for smaller animals like pigs, poultry and goats. One of their main advantages is their ability to survive with less water, so they often work well in arid environments and in drought conditions. However, cereal crops are prone to mould development if they’re not properly maintained, and fodder crops also work best on smaller farms.

 

What Makes a Good Fodder Plant?

A study done by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation cites there are hundreds of thousands of hectares of cultivated forage shrubs and trees grown across Australia. The vast majority of these areas are planted with species including Tagasaste (Chamaecytisus proliferus), Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) and Saltbush (Atriplex). Their use can lead to improved pasture, and plants with potential should:

  • Show optimal growth characteristics.
  • Cause minimal soil disturbance — fodder trees generally need no soil disturbance after they are established.
  • Prevent nutrient loss from the soil— fodder trees do this because of their permanence.
  • Have little or no need for irrigation — they can tap into deep water tables out of reach of shorter-rooted pastures.
  • Provide yields of edible components compared to pastures — they also have yields that are several times higher.
  • Have the ability to fix nitrogen to reduce the dependence on artificial fertilisers — legumes in particular fix nitrogen by using bacteria and converting them into nitrates.
  • Have a high protein content in their edible portions — legumes for example often have around 20 to 25 per cent.
  • Provide their feed in a short time — the possible yields from fodder shrubs and trees can be up to five times the yield per year compared to pastures.
  • Be fuel-efficient and require little input in terms of fossil fuels — once established they are permanent farm features and should require minimal ploughing of the soil.

 

Endophyte-related Disorders

There are a number of factors that impact the quality and quantity of forage. But in order to understand how to manage improved pasture, those who own stock should also understand some of disorders that can affect it, including those caused by endophytes.

An endophyte is a fungus or bacterium that lives within a plant for at least part of its life cycle without causing apparent disease. Some may enhance nutrient acquisition and improve a plant’s ability to tolerate conditions such as salinity and drought and enhance their resistance to insects and pathogens. Not all endophytes are toxic to animals, however those that are, can cause livestock health issues, including:

Fescue Toxicosis

Epichloe coenophiala is a seed-transmissible endophyte of tall fescue, which is a grass endemic to North Africa and Eurasial but widely naturalised in Australia. This endophyte has been identified as the cause of the fescue toxicosis sometimes suffered by livestock that graze on the infected grass. These toxins constrict blood vessels and reduce circulation to body extremities. Symptoms include poor weight gain, elevated body temperature, reduced fertility, rough hair coats, and “summer slump” in hot weather and “fescue foot” in cold weather.

Summer Slump

An elevated body temperature is the key issue associated with this condition. Animals spend less time grazing and more time standing in shade or water in an attempt to stay cool. Other clinical signs include poor weight gain, decreased milk production, a lower pregnancy rate and a reduced food intake.

Fescue Foot

This disorder is characterized by lameness, swelling in the legs, and dry, dead tissue in the extremities. After a few weeks, animals can also lose the tips of their ears or tails and develop sloughing of the hooves. In winter, frostbite can occur.

Ryegrass Staggers

Ryegrass staggers in animals are caused by toxins in perennial ryegrass, and can cause tremors, spasms and muscle weakness. Many affected animals show no clinical signs unless they become excited, and when they run, may experience severe incoordination, trembling and/or fall. Others symptoms include weight loss and a decrease in milk production.

Horse Oedema

In Australia, a new syndrome has been reported in horses grazing certain tall fescue varieties that causes them to be infected with a specific strain of endophyte. Cattle and sheep are not affected. Horses develop fluid retention under the skin throughout their body, especially in the neck, head and chest. Other clinical signs include weakness, lethargy and loss of appetite.

Gain a solid understanding of how to promote natural ecosystems with foraging principles to achieve improved pasture and more sustainable environments with our Certificate of Forage Management.

 

Enhance Your Landscaping Skills with Our Garden Design Courses

Natural gardens are informal in style and an attempt to recreate the appearance of a natural or bush area via a combination of plants that typically grow together in a specific geographic area. Our Certificate of Natural Garden Design is ideal for horticulturalists, landscapers, landscape designers or anyone keen to create a natural garden setting in their own backyard.

In this professional development course, you will explore the history and scope of natural gardens, and study how to construct and maintain natural, environmentally sustainable landscapes. You will also develop detail concept plans using the concepts of harmony, unity, form, texture, tone, proportion, contrast and colour by using a variety of plants, and garden features like paths, rockeries and water features.

Learning Outcomes

Outcomes achieved by undertaking garden design courses include:

  • Learning about the features of a natural garden
  • Gaining an understanding of wild and bush gardens
  • Exploring soil mixes, soil names and composition and how to improve soils
  • Gaining insights into mulches, drainage and improving infiltration
  • Understanding resources and plant review worksheets
  • Learning about plant collection options and how to press a plant
  • Exploring plant identification sheets
  • Studying the history of natural, wild and bush gardens
  • Gaining insights into the natural garden movement
  • Understanding landscape architects and landscape and garden designers
  • Learning about natural gardening approaches
  • Exploring how to develop concept plans
  • Studying the principles of landscapes
  • Gaining insights into the quality of components
  • Understanding pre-planning and how to create effects
  • Learning about dimensions and other measurements
  • Exploring council by-laws
  • Studying graphic drawing plans and landscape plans and symbols
  • Gaining insights into plant representation on landscape plans
  • Understanding how to design a playground, home garden or park garden
  • Learning about plants for natural gardens
  • Exploring planting procedures, fertilisers, planting times and frost protection
  • Studying old trees, pruning and how to build raised beds
  • Gaining insights into mulching materials and plant nutrition

And more!

 

Main Types of Natural Gardens 

As you’ll discover in natural garden design courses, when plants are combined in a way in which they occur naturally in nature, they will grow in wonderful harmony. And there are a range of natural gardens — from those that protect wildlife habitats and improve windbreaks, to those that conserve water and provide shade. Here are some of the main types of natural gardens.

 

Rainforest Gardens

Typical rainforest plants include tall, dense trees that are covered with profuse green shrubbery at their base. They can include tree ferns, palms and other plants that are heavy with foliage. The selection of trees will vary according to your priorities and goals, but include providing wildlife habitats and shelter, improving aesthetics, decreasing fire risk, and improving windbreaks and natural pest management.

The initial development and maintenance of these types of gardens involves weed control. This can be done with the establishment of a forest canopy, achieved by planting “shade” trees — the outer layer of the leaves creates a dense growth that blocks incoming light. The canopy created over their surrounding environment provides shade and privacy and attracts birdlife. Other advantages include allowing the soil to retain moisture and protecting less-hardy plants from wind, storms and frost damage. Fast growing varieties include the Blue Fig, Silky Oak, Yellow Cedar and Red Ash.

However, the ecosystem of a natural forest involves several layers of plant species. Once part-shade has been achieved with a canopy, understorey plantings can be introduced and you’ll begin to see the beautiful appeal of a layered and diverse rainforest.

 

Meadow Gardens

These colourful, exquisite and seemingly “wild” gardens are usually associated with America or Europe, but can easily be created in your own backyard. The simplest version is an area of paddock-like tall grass that is complemented by regularly maintained edges, pathways or even shapes that prevent the lawn grass invading the adjoining “wild” areas. They achieve their aesthetic affect due to the contrast between the order of the mown areas and the “untidiness” of the meadow areas.

Grasses that work well in “meadow” areas include Common Tussock Grass, Kangaroo Grass, any of the Lomandra varieties, any of the Pennisetum varieties, as well as sedges like Tall Sedge and Knobby Club-rush. For the turf parts of your garden, choose a grass suited to mowing and one that grows well in your location’s climate —Buffalo Grass is a popular choice.

 

Woodland Gardens

Woodland gardens are areas of larger shrubs or small deciduous trees with a combined canopy that simulates a dappled environment and allows understorey plants to thrive. Because they often change through the year, they also provide constant visual stimulation.

These types of gardens are typically created from the ground up. In nature, woodlands encompass years of accumulated leaf litter, so it’s important there is plenty of diverse organic material around your plants. They should be deciduous to let the winter sun in and small enough so their root systems don’t dry up the ground. Woodland plants to consider include the North American Trillium— their leaves and floral parts are in sets of three, hence the name. Barrenwort is also a beautiful addition with its unique bi-coloured flowers and heart-shaped leaves, as is the Trout Lily with its elegant pink or white flowers.

 

Desert Gardens

Another type of landscape you’ll discover when studying garden design courses are desert gardens. Palm Springs in California is renowned for these and because Australia’s natural environment is similar, they are the ideal garden renovation project. These garden spaces are grouped, sleek and focused on a balance between planted and empty spaces. They are often defined by the absence of grassy areas and instead include stones, pavers, gravel, rock beds or large feature rocks.

Colour schemes typically feature grey, greens and white. Red, orange and chocolate coloured foliage plants can also be added for visual interest. Rock layers reduce the need for watering, and plant choices should be hardy and ones that favour a more arid environment. Ideal options include cactus, agaves, Prickly Pears, geometric succulents, palm trees like the Ponytail Palm, vertical plants like Mother in Laws Tongue, shapely feature plants like the Joshua Tree, and the hardy Grass Tree.

 

Wetland Gardens

Water in our landscape has many benefits and bodies of water significantly enhance the aesthetics of a landscape, as well as providing a habitat for native fauna and flora. Wetland plants help to clean ponds, dams, swamps and creeks and can provide shade and wind protection. Local sedges and rushes planted in shallow water will improve water quality, native grasses will add aesthetics and small flowering shrubs can attract insects for fish to feed on. A wetland garden can also provide a valuable habitat for waterfowl, yabbies, frogs and turtles.

Native tree species to consider include casuarinas, eucalyptus and melaleuca, shrubs like Swamp Banksia, Bottlebrush and Leptospermum, and grasses and sedges like Baumea and Carex. Aquatic plants like the Water Primrose, Marsh Flower and Rainbow Nardoo will complete the effect.

 

Xeriscapes

Xeriscaping is a Greek word derived from the term “xeros” which means dry. In terms of landscaping, it refers to any landscaping technique that results in a water-efficient environment. This can be done through various means including installing efficient drainage patterns and irrigation systems, using soils and gravels that store water, and planting slow-growing and drought-tolerant varieties of flora.

Ideal plants for a xeriscape garden include the Jade Plant, the African Milk Tree, African Milk Bush, Pencil Cactus, agaves like Queen Victoria and Swan’s Neck Agave , and flowering succulents like Kalanchoes and Senecios.

 

Discover how to design, construct and maintain sustainable natural gardens and environmentally friendly landscapes with garden design courses, such as our Certificate of Natural Garden Design.

 

 

 

 

Diversify Your Livestock With Our Goat Farming Course 

Domesticated goats can be a great source of income as a breeding or cottage industry investment or on a farm or grazing enterprise that’s looking to diversify. Goats produce meat, dairy, leather, wool, soaps and hair and body products, but they also control grass and weed overgrowth and provide manure … which is fantastic for the garden!

Our Certificate of Goat Husbandry is a professional development course that will introduce you to the various goat breeds, and teach you how to feed, care for and understand this entertaining animal’s unique behaviour.

In this goat farming course, you will learn about health management, farming systems, and general goat husbandry, including housing, fencing and grooming. You will study how to breed goats and use them for meat, dairy and fibre production. You will also gain insights into farm management, including housing, farm safety, record keeping, handling equipment and machinery, and how to market and sell your products.

Learning Outcomes

Outcomes achieved by undertaking a goat farming course include:

  • Learning about the nature and scope of goat production
  • Exploring the history and uses of goats and goat production
  • Studying goat breeds and biological terminology
  • Gaining insights into keeping a buck
  • Understanding farm systems and social structure
  • Learning about goat psychology and the truths and myths about goats
  • Exploring breeding and a wide variety of goat breeds
  • Studying the objectives of selection and breeding
  • Gaining insights into reproductive system anatomy and breeding seasons
  • Understanding flock, pen and hand mating
  • Learning about reproduction control methods and the synchronisation of oestrus
  • Exploring superovulation, artificial insemination and out-of-breeding season
  • Studying genes, genetics and selection
  • Gaining insights into feeds, feeding and nutrition
  • Understanding forage, hay and haylage
  • Learning about straw, wild plants, concentrates, by-products and minerals
  • Exploring feeding strategies
  • Studying feeding for milk and meat production
  • Gaining insights into the health problems and management of goats
  • Understanding ecopathology, signs of good health and a range of diseases
  • Learning about accidents, emergencies and First Aid
  • Exploring digestive and respiratory problems
  • Studying the sanitary policies of infectious goats
  • Gaining insights into how to choose a vet
  • Understanding goat husbandry in terms of housing, fencing and grooming
  • Learning about grazing and pasture management
  • Exploring hoof care, disbudding, dehorning and tattooing
  • Studying vaccination and worming
  • Gaining insights into grooming and hair care
  • Understanding kids and kidding
  • Learning about the delivery, and birth/parturition
  • Exploring how to care for a newborn kid
  • Studying early feeding, weaning and castration
  • Gaining insights into dairy production
  • Understanding the lactation curve, quality and the quality and composition of a goat’s milk
  • Learning about proteins, fats, lactose, ash and vitamins
  • Exploring the factors of variation, and breeds and production systems
  • Studying age and lactation number
  • Gaining insights into the different types of cheeses
  • Understanding meat and fibre production
  • Learning about mohair and cashmere production
  • Exploring the management of a meat flock
  • Studying slaughter terminology
  • Gaining insights into carcass quality and grading
  • Understanding leather production
  • Learning about goat farm management
  • Studying buildings and structures
  • Gaining insights into goat shelters and farming production systems
  • Understanding goat management and keeping records
  • Learning about farm safety, duty of care and occupational health and safety legislation
  • Exploring protective equipment and lifting and manual handling
  • Studying how to store, dispose of and deal with chemicals
  • Gaining insights into safety audits
  • Understanding how to market products, advertise stock and where you can sell

 

And more!

 

Goat Production in Australia

Goats have been used for their fleece, meat, milk and hides for thousands of years. However, as you’ll discover with our goat farming course, goat production is a relatively small industry in Australia compared to sheep and cattle. But the industry is growing! Here are some reasons why …

Dairy production

Goat milk is a great alternative for people who suffer with gastro-intestinal disorders and allergies to cow’s milk. Commercial goat milk is typically used in yoghurts and cheeses, and there are six main goat dairy breeds in Australia. Two are bred in Australia (the Australian Brown and Australian Melaan), three are of Swiss origin (the Toggenburg, Saanen and British Alpine) and one is from the Middle East (the Anglo Nubian).

 

Meat production

Goat meat has many advantages, including having a low cholesterol content compared to pork and beef. There are also no religious or cultural taboos associated with it. Two of the main goat breeds used for meat in Australia are Boer and Rangelandgoats. Boer goats in particular gain weight quickly, are hardy and adaptable, and have high fertility rates with multiple births common.

 

Types of Goat Farming Systems

Our goat farming course will give you many insights into this amazing animal, including the common types of goat farming systems. Typically, goats are farmed under intensive, semi-intensive or extensive systems.

Intensive

In an intensive system, goats are kept in enclosures where space is a premium. This allows for controlled breeding, stall feeding and the segregation of bucks and kids. It enables several goats to be farmed in small spaces in restricted environments, which can often make them more profitable than other farming systems. This is because environments can be controlled and the land on which goats are housed can be minimised. Loss of stock is also of less concern as predation is often reduced.

 

Semi-intensive

Semi-intensive systems may involve a combination of both stall feeding and grazing, so require more land than intensive systems but less than extensive systems. In certain areas, it is considered an optimal method of farming as it allows goats to exercise and free range during the day, but keeps them safe from predators at night. One of the down sides, however, is that it requires farmers taking the time to round up their goats at night for a return to their stalls. However, because goats are clever, they will often work out that feeding will take place at a particular time and place. The movement of goats may then become easier once a routine has been established.

 

Extensive

With an extensive system, animals are allowed to roam free over large distances in open range landscapes or paddocks. Effective management may require a controlled interaction between goats to prevent random breeding, and kids may need to be segregated in order to manage their feeding. Sheds need to be provided for protection from weather and predators, and considerable time may also be spent rounding up animals for shearing and health checks. However, goats are hardy animals and will thrive in outdoor environments even if they are left there for some time. The quality of meat from animals that are allowed to free range can also be improved as exercise and access to fresh feed is beneficial.

 

15 Fascinating Goat Facts

 Goats are hardy, robust, easy to care for and renowned for their intelligent, curious, sociable and affectionate personalities. But here are some other facts about goats that will inspire you to undertake our goat farming course.

  1. Goats were one of the first animals to be tamed by humans and were being herded over 9000 years ago.
  2. Worldwide, goat meat is the most consumed meat per capita.
  3. The life span of a goat is about that of a dog.
  4. Because goats are sociable animals, they can become depressed if they are isolated or separated from their companions … so they need friends!
  5. Goats are one of the cleanest animals and are much more selective feeders than pigs, sheep, cows and even dogs.
  6. As picky eaters, they use their sensitive lips to “mouth” things so they can search for clean and tasty food. In fact, they will often refuse to eat hay that has been walked on!
  7. Goats have a gestation period of five months and the average birth rate for goats is two kids per year.
  8. Kids are standing when they are born and take their first steps within minutes.
  9. Goats are very good at climbing and have been known to climb to the tops of trees!
  10. They are notoriously curious animals, and their inquisitive nature means they are constantly exploring and investigating anything unfamiliar they encounter.
  11. Goats can be taught their name and to come when they’re called.
  12. Bleating is the way goats communicate with each other. Mothers call to their babies to make sure they stay close. They also recognise their mum’s unique call soon after they are born.
  13. The pupils of goats are rectangular, which gives them vision for 320 to 340 degrees (compared to humans with 160 to 210) around them without having to move. They also have excellent night vision.
  14. They dislike water and would rather leap over puddles and creeks rather than stepping in them.
  15. A baby goat is called a kid and when goats give birth it’s called “kidding”. And no, we’re not!

 Gain insights into goat husbandry, choosing the right breed, and managing your herd effectively with a goat farming course, such as our Certificate of Goat Husbandry.

 

 

 

 

Eco Tourism Course Prepares You to Lead Green!

An eco-tourism course will prepare you to lead with your environmental conscience in tact. It’s an excellent time to invest in the travel industry! Why? Because it’s bound to boom after COVID-19 restrictions lift, and people begin to explore again!

If you have a passion for the environment and love travel, our Ecoourism Tour Guide Program is ideal for you. This eco-tourism course is perfect for those who want to conduct tours, overnight walks or treks with a tour guide service, or entrepreneurs inspired to start their own tour guide business!

The Ecotourism Guide Program is an online program that will give you insights into the ecotourism industry, including guiding environmental awareness via tour planning, displays and interpretive aids.

You’ll learn about ecology and conservation, plant and animal identification, geology and geomorphology, and discover how to interpret land and aquatic environments.

You will also learn about the ecotourist profile, how to plan an eco-tour, set up eco-tour displays, and advertise and lead eco-tour services.

On completion of this eco-tourism course, you will be able to successfully organise and lead eco-tours so that your clients, including overseas visitors, gain insights and inspiration about the natural world around them.

Learning Outcomes

Outcomes achieved by undertaking an eco-tourism course include:

  • An ability to analyse the structure of interpretive ecotourism in your country.
  • To recognise the factors of the environment and their significance to ecotourism.
  • To plan an eco-tour.
  • Create/develop interpretation aids for a selected ecotourism
  • Develop a display with an ecotourism
  • Determine the specific name of a range of natural features in a selected wilderness area including birds, fish, shells, other animals and plants
  • Lead an interpretive tourwith an ecotourism
  • Develop innovative concepts in interpretation for a selected aquatic ecotourism
  • Identify geological and geomorphological factors of interest to eco
  • Prepare identification sheets, containing a preserved specimen, a photograph or a drawing; together with a description of the species/type of organism.
  • Design and conduct interpretive activities.
  • Research the legal and administrative background required to set up an ecotourism venture
  • Marketing and advertising possibilities for ecotourism
  • Identify and locate ecotourism facilities
  • Prepare interpretive activity sheets for an ecotourism group
  • Classify organisms sighted in a set time
  • Identify points of interest in a natural area for an ecotourism group
  • Research the lifecycles of several plants and animals
  • Design a range of eco-tours for ecotourists
  • Make observations of aquatic organisms and identify pollutants
  • Identify potential ecotourism activities for a marine area
  • Develop interpretive techniques for minimal environmental impact
  • Plan an eco-tour including the destination, accommodation, transport, catering
  • Construct an eco-tour display
  • Plan and lead an eco-tour

And more!

Why Become an Eco-tour Guide?

Ecotourism involves low-impact travel to fragile, pristine or relatively undisturbed natural areas. But it also reflects the concepts of conservation and the management of resources to ensure environments remain protected and sustainable.

Ecotourism is important because it preserves the integrity of the destination. Its focus is to allow tourists to enjoy an experience while considering the environment, historical heritage, culture, communities and natural resources of a tourist attraction

Eco-tour guides are part of this balance between tourism and conservation – so you’ll enjoy the natural wonders while helping protect and share it with tourists. An eco-tourism course will help you to navigate this important and exciting career path.

What are the Features of a Professional Eco Tour?

A professional eco-tour guide will be calm, confident, and in control. An eco-tour guide needs to be well prepared to maintain this level of professionalism. So, what are the features of a professional eco-tour?

  • Punctuality – a tour should start and finish on time
  • Safety – eco tours must adhere to safety standards
  • Organised – tour guide must be prepared
  • Delivers a clear message and purpose
  • Provides interesting facts and stories
  • Interactive – must be interesting
  • Audible, visible, understandable tour guide – use clear language
  • Confident and friendly tour guide
  • Provides for any special needs of the tour group

Where Can Eco-Tour Guides Work?

  • Zoos
  • Wildlife parks
  • National parks
  • Holiday resorts
  • Museums
  • Theme parks

 

What do Eco-Tour Guides Do?

Eco-tour guides educate tourists on travelling green to reduce their carbon footprint and give back to communities that they visit.

  • Take scenic and sight-seeing tours
  • Taking bookings
  • Organise tour groups
  • Ensure groups stay together
  • Answer queries and provides information on points of interest – focus on the environment
  • Chaperone the group
  • Plan ecotourism itineraries
  • Apply knowledge of travel routes, destinations and environmental and sustainability matters
  • Resolve problems with itineraries, services or accommodation

5 Fun Eco-Tour Facts!

  1. Ecotourism isn’t always expensive – it can cost as little as $5 a day!
  2. Eco-tours can be luxurious – it’s not all about living out of backpacks and sleeping on the floor.
  3. You can take an eco-tour in the city!
  4. An eco-tour can help you to indulge a passion. Try an organic cooking class or learn how to dive and explore coral reefs on Australia’s Heron Island!
  5. Volunteering is often part of the eco-tour experience. The International Ecotourism Society is a great place to find opportunities!

 

6 of the Best Eco Tour Resorts in Australia!                

Imagine working at one of these world-class Australian eco-resorts! You’ll be surrounded by the magnificent natural beauty that is Australia – while sharing and protecting it with others.

  1. Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, QLD

Ecotourism certified, Gwinganna’s ocean views and green valleys coupled with relaxation facilities, provide everything you need for the ultimate wellness experience.

  1. One&Only Wolgan Valley, NSW

Set on a 7,000-acre conservancy within the World Heritage-listed Greater Blue Mountains region, One&Only Wolgan Valley offers 40 ultra-luxe accommodations plus a swimming pool with a striking mountain range backdrop.

  1. Bay of Fires Lodge, TAS

The Bay of Fires Lodge Walk features superb exclusive accommodation located within footsteps of the pristine Bay of Fires beaches.

  1. Daintree Wilderness Lodge, QLD

This eco-lodge is surrounded by the World Heritage-listed Daintree National Park in the heart of the world’s oldest rainforest!

  1. Karinji Eco Retreat, WA

Enjoy unique outback glamping in the heart of the spectacular Karijini National Park, Western Australia.

  1. Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge, TAS

Located in the World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park this eco-resort provides secluded luxury and relaxation in Tasmania’s wilderness.

 

Obtain the knowledge and skills to become a professional eco-tour guide and discover the magic of working in untouched beauty with an eco tourism course, like our Ecotourism Tour Guide Program.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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