Powerful questions to help you evaluate the learning materials you intend to buy - Part 2: How do I evaluate whether learning materials are sufficient?

In most cases when learning materials are not approved by an accreditation body, the reason is one of the following:

1. All curriculum areas are not covered, that is, the learning materials do not are not sufficient.

2. The learning materials contain information that is not relevant.

3. The learning materials are not appropriate, either to the level of the qualification, or the targeted learner group.

Four critical questions can help a training provider in evaluating learning materials:

The first aspect - sufficiency of learning materials - is the topic of this second part in my short series of questions.

When requesting a sample of learning materials for evaluation, include an extract from the learner's workbook or the portfolio guide, as well as the alignment matrix for the learning materials. developers who ensure that they cover all aspects of the curriculum, use clear references for assessment criteria (in the case of legacy qualifications accredited by a SETA), or the Knowledge or Practical component nu,ber in Occupational Qualifications (accredited by the QCTO).

By checking the references and making sure that the materials developer did cover all requirements, the acquirer should check that all assessment criteria (for legacy qualifications) or Knowledge, Practical and Workplace components (for Occupational Certificates) are referenced in the alignment matrix. Do check that what is listed in the alignment matrix, is actually aligned in the materials.

The fact that all Assessment Criteria, or Knowledge, Practical and Workplace components are addressed in the alignment matrix, is, however not assurance that the learning materials are appropriate and relevant. These aspects will be discussed in Part 3: How do I evaluate relevance and appropriateness?