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+--- Thread: New IFA membership procedure & updated Handbook (/showthread.php?tid=1044)
New IFA membership procedure & updated Handbook - BAJR Host - 25th July 2008
Seriously though.
There are several questions that would benefit from a serious reply... and I look forward to them.
The above posts are just a bit of fun.
I am very glad that Kath came here and posted the statement.. as it would have been for comment. So I hope she will return and answer some of the concerns and comments.
I note that on the other UK forum, all that was managed was a comment on a missing word... not very constructive.... which is a pity, as the concept is good, the implementation is what needs some thought.
"I don't have an archaeological imagination.."
Borekickers
New IFA membership procedure & updated Handbook - oldgirl - 25th July 2008
Quote:quote:Originally posted by Digger
Soooo Mr Hosty, If I get this right- If I bothered to rejoin the IFA, Instead of filling in the forms I just text them the information? Various photos of say holding a mattock or pushing a wheelbarrow (to demonstrate technical competence) Instaed of sending in reports should I just take a photo of the front cover with my phone and send that? Or could I just mime my application or display my competence through interpretive dance......
I heard that the problem with archaeology NVQ is the cost benefit ratio to a unit offering the system is not good. Unsure who will provide the professional training and funding.
If you haven't been kicked out, have reapplied at the same level and were validated by the committee previously (as opposed to self-validated), you wouldn't need to send anything other than the forms in.
(edited due to typing and grammatical incompetence!)
New IFA membership procedure & updated Handbook - vulpes - 25th July 2008
Quote:quote:Some could easily be MIFA level but can't afford the subscription!
If the company you worked for was any good they would pay your professional fees. My last 3 employers have.
Of more concern to me is the IFAs perceived need to be an all embracing organisation (i.e. a competitor to IHBC). The IFA is for archaeologists and I see IFA/IHBC as having complementary roles. They are and should be quite different in outlook. I feel that this attempted shift is misguided. Is that a robust enough start?
By the way the point about SVQs vs NVQs was (semi) serious. Are NVQs invalid north of the border?
New IFA membership procedure & updated Handbook - BAJR Host - 25th July 2008
Quote:quote:Is that a robust enough start?
Ouch ... so robust it took ma eye out!
This is indeed a real issue... (perhaps best on another thread) ..
But one that I feel as strongly about as you ( while on the Council - I kept my council!) I agree with you.
:face-approve:
"I don't have an archaeological imagination.."
Borekickers
New IFA membership procedure & updated Handbook - Oxbeast - 28th July 2008
Good for the IFA, I say. Although there are a few questions, and frankly I find the whole idea of being able to submit mobile phone pictures a bit dubious. Who is going to be looking at these grainy pictures, and most importantly, how are they going to be able to tell if you've drawn the section/area and recorded it well if you don't also have to submit supporting documentation?
With all the assessment that should be involved, it sounds like the opposite of fast tracking....
This idea does at least try to tackle one of the problems in archaeology: namely that having a degree in archaeology does not make you a competent field archaeologist. However, from that Axia document, this seems to be equally aimed at amateur archaeologists. I don't have any problem with amateurs in the IFA, but why would they be keen to climb the hierarchy?
Also, GBP1000 to GBP1,500 sounds like a lot of money, it isn't that much compared to degrees and a lot of City and Guilds courses. I just paid GBP400 for a training course which my employer refused to fund, and I don't even get any more letters after my name for it.
If you're on a four week rolling contract, your employer won't fund this. There are some of the bigger units that might take this up, though. Maybe if you were on a rolling contract, they could let you spread the payments and stop at any point, like they do with union memberships.
New IFA membership procedure & updated Handbook - Digger - 28th July 2008
Sorry oldgirl, none of the above-just faded away from being a member.Am aware of the procedures, was just having a bit of fun! Find the IFA, like a number of my colleauges, just tooo darn costly to join.
New IFA membership procedure & updated Handbook - BAJR Host - 28th July 2008
Good for the IFA, I say. Although there are a few questions,
quite right Oxbeast.
perhaps they would answer the specific questions we have... which would be good for them... and good for the concept. Involving the people who this is aimed at, would be a good thing in general.
"I don't have an archaeological imagination.."
Borekickers
New IFA membership procedure & updated Handbook - Kathryn Whittington - 28th July 2008
The following statement has been drafted to answer some of the concerns that participants in the BAJR forum have in relation to the NVQ in archaeological practice and its place within the revised Validation system for individual entry into the Institute of Field Archaeologists.
As previously stated, an NVQ is a vocational qualification designed to measure the competence an individual has in their current role. It is a work based qualification, gained by carrying out archaeological work, not by attending taught courses at a learning institution. It is not specifically a means of acquiring new skills or training, although skills or training needs are identified as part of the process, and so the project that has developed the NVQ has a different aim to that which runs the Workplace Learning Bursaries (which are designed to fill specific skills gaps within the sector). The aim of the NVQ is to give archaeologists a means of demonstrating they are competent to do their job. This can benefit them in formally accrediting skills learnt #8216;on-the-job#8217;, finding new jobs and joining the IFA if they wish.
The IFA#8217;s NVQ is awarded by EDI. The following is taken from their website (http://www.ediplc.com/n-svqs.asp):
"In order to achieve an NVQ or SVQ, a learner must demonstrate that he/she is working to the national occupational standard. Learners are normally assessed through observation by a qualified assessor experienced in that industry. Learners will provide evidence from their job role demonstrating their competence. They will also be assessed (for example by their assessor or through formal tests such as technical certificates) in the knowledge required by the standards."
It makes no difference whether you are working full time, part time, for different companies, self employed or have any other employment pattern, or indeed are involved in archaeology in a voluntary capacity, the evidence collected is not specific to who you work for. The focus is on selecting evidence that demonstrates your competence in the areas you are being assessed on.
The NVQ was developed as part of a long running project by the Archaeology Training Forum (of which IFA is part) to develop National Occupational Standards (NOS) for the sector and apply them to training and assessment material. Currently, two levels have been accredited by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (3 and 4) with a Level 5 in development. The initial project to develop NOS culminated in the publication of a substantial report "Project to define professional functions and standards in archaeological practice. Final Report" Carter and Robertson 2002, which is available on the IFA website (http://www.archaeologists.net/modules/icontent/index.php?page=41). The IFA has regularly posted news items and articles in The Archaeologists that refer to the results of this report and the development of the NVQ, and Council and our Committees have been regularly informed and consulted as the work has progressed, especially over the last 12 months. The project report and, in particular, the National Occupational Standards have underpinned IFA#8217;s work on training and skills over the past five years.
The NVQ is relevant to the Validation process because it tests an individual#8217;s technical competence, which is what part of the Validation process does as well. The requirements of the NVQ have been subject to a detailed comparison with the requirements of the IFA Validation process to ensure that there is a match across. Applicants with a level 3 NVQ can apply for membership at PIFA level without having to submit a portfolio of work with their application because they will have already submitted a much larger portfolio of work to their NVQ assessor which tests the same areas. Level 3 NVQ actually requires slightly more of applicants than PIFA level of the IFA does and so entering the IFA by this route is in no way an easy option or 'cop out'. If an applicant has NVQ at level 3 but wishes to apply at AIFA or MIFA level, they will need to apply in the usual manner. Similarly an applicant with a level 4 NVQ can apply at AIFA level without needing to submit a portfolio of work but not MIFA level. Ethical competence still needs to be assessed if you have an NVQ and so references are still required.
The IFA is aware that the current costs may be prohibitive to many people. We are currently investigating funding methods, and several employers have registered an interest in paying to put their staff through the NVQ. By becoming an assessment centre themselves this can reduce their costs.
The IFA is not alone in developing NVQs for its sector and linking them to entry procedures. The RICS website outlines the uses of NVQs and the courses that it runs:
http://www.rics.org/MyRICS/NVQs/nvq_faq_C_101007.htm
If anybody has further questions they can contact Kate Geary, the IFA#8217;s Training and standards coordinator, at kate.geary@archaeologists.net
New IFA membership procedure & updated Handbook - historic building - 28th July 2008
Is it just me, as my computer at work is practically archaeology, but I seem to be getting this:
<!---------------------------------------------------------------------etc for about two screens worth.
on most pages of the IFA web site?
New IFA membership procedure & updated Handbook - BAJR Host - 28th July 2008
Many thanks for the reply Kath, much appreciated.
I hope then that Kate will be able to answer the specific questions that still seem to be unanswered:
How will it work for people in 4 week employment patterns?
How many employers have signed into this scheme to become assesment centres?
How many people have signed up to do the NVQ as of today?
How many accessors are there right now?
Where do you actually get this NVQ?
As the cost is too high for all field staff (excepting those that are in permenamt work and have a kind employer) - what sort of reduction (ballpark) are the IFA looking at being able to provide?
the statement
"To undertake the Qualification, candidates must register with an assessment centre. This could be the IFA or any other centre offering the qualification. " means that there must be a place to register? Perhaps Kate will tell..
I have emailed her this list of questions and hope she is able to come back on this. The more information about this the better, and will hopefully guide people in the right direction
"I don't have an archaeological imagination.."
Borekickers