Professional Development for Teacher Aides

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.

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.

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enhance Your Landscaping Skills With Our Cottage Garden Design Course

Gain a competitive edge with your landscaping business or be the envy of your neighbours with our Certificate of Cottage Garden Design. Ideal for landscapers, horticulturalists, garden maintenance staff or even green-thumbed garden lovers, this professional development course will teach you how to design a cottage garden and create landscapes focused on visual appeal and contemporary forms, designs, colours and textures.

You will learn about the history of cottage gardens, landscape features and components, design techniques and drawing plans, and what plants ideally suit a cottage garden. You will also gain insights into the heritage of formal to semi-formal designs with an emphasis on vegetables, flowers, archways, statues, arbours, picket fencing, gazebos, rustic elements and sundials.

Learning Outcomes

Outcomes achieved by undertaking a cottage garden design course include:

  • Learning what defines a cottage garden
  • Exploring how to use plants in cottage gardens
  • Studying plant names, the binomial system and plant families
  • Gaining insights into cultivars and monocotyledons vs. dicotyledons
  • Understanding the principles and elements of landscapes
  • Learning about plant review worksheets – how to name, describe and illustrate plants
  • Exploring the history and concepts of cottage gardens including Australian gardens
  • Studying botany and medicine
  • Gaining insights into plants in ancient, Greek, Roman and Renaissance times
  • Understanding the rise of modern medicine and botany
  • Learning about how alchemy came of age
  • Exploring design techniques and drawing plans
  • Studying garden rooms
  • Gaining insights into where to position garden features
  • Understanding frame views and the design procedure
  • Learning about scale and landscape graphics
  • Exploring landscaping plans and how to represent plants
  • Studying how to appraise the site and collect data
  • Gaining insights into developing a preliminary concept plan and a final plan
  • Understanding climate considerations
  • Learning about the ideal plants for cottage gardens and how to get timing and colour right
  • Exploring perennials, compatible plants and long-flowering plants
  • Studying bulbs, garden borders, tubers and corms
  • Gaining insights into scented plants, fragrant foliage and plants with fragrant flowers
  • Understanding twiners, creepers, climbers and shrubs for cottage gardens
  • Learning about perennial and herbaceous borders
  • Exploring scented geraniums and pelargoniums
  • Studying annual and herbaceous plants
  • Gaining insights into preparing planting designs to incorporate a wide range of plants

And more!

 

History of Cottage Gardens

As you’ll discover in our cottage garden design course, the modern-day concept of cottage garden dates back to the 14th century. At this time, more emphasis was placed on herbs, vegetables and fruit trees for household consumption, and flowers were typically only used to fill spaces and add decoration.

In later years, cottage gardens were admired for their dense traditional plantings, informal design and a mixture of edible and ornamental plants. During the 1870s, cottage gardens became an extension of formal estate gardens. This was illustrated in the boxwood hedges and masses of roses and annuals that were enclosed in “garden rooms”.

During the Arts and Crafts movement of the late 19th century, cottage gardens focused on a return to the informal planting style, and well-know authors like Gertrude Jekyll and William Robinson helped to popularise these.

By the early 20th century, the term “cottage garden” was described as a large and sophisticated garden in which harmony and colour were carefully planned and controlled. The famous Hidcote Manor in the UK is one of the best-known Arts and Crafts gardens in Britain, with its linked “garden rooms” of rare trees, hedges, shrubs and herbaceous borders. In France, the cottage garden was partly inspired by artist Monet, and these spaces were sprawling landscapes full of rich colours, water gardens and varied plantings.

 

Flowering Plants For Native Cottage Gardens

In modern times, the term “cottage garden” has been used to describe a variety of informal garden designs using plants and features that are often far removed from the traditional English garden origins. This is particularly the case in Australia, where our hot summers can take their toll on traditional European flora. The solution? Go native!

Native plants are colourful, drought-hardy, easy to care for and they attract plenty of wildlife. Here are some of the ideal choices that will provide you with even more motivation to undertake our cottage garden design course.

Flowering shrubs

  • Thomasia purpurea – Growing up to a metre tall, this is a fantastic shrub that has vivid green foliage and clusters of stunning bell-life flowers that appear from autumn to early summer.
  • Large-flowered guichenotia – This plant has grey-green foliage that is similar to rosemary. However, its magenta coloured, lantern-shaped flowers make this shrub ideal for a native cottage garden.
  • Heart-leaf flame pea – This scrambling shrub will bring your garden to life with its brilliant bursts of orange and hot pink pea flowers.
  • Correa – The blooms of this shrub are bell-shaped and nectar-filled and a particular favourite of birds. There are also a huge variety that flower throughout the year, so are ideal for a cottage garden that blooms year-round.
  • Grevillea – A versatile plant with a beautiful palette of coloured flowers including the cream and red “Little Drummer Boy”, the creamy-yellow “Moonlight” and the pastel “Misty Pink”.
  • Boronia – Bell-shaped, sweetly scented flowers are this plant’s highlight. Plant close to pathways or cut a pretty posy for an indoor feature and enjoy inside and out!
  • Lechenaultia biloba – This plant is hardy and can handle sunny exposed spots and sandy, gravelly soil. Its divinely dainty blue flowers appear in spring and summer.
  • West Coast Gem – Known as the native hibiscus, this shrub produces spectacular purple flowers from spring to autumn. It’s also a favourite of butterflies and birds.
  • White Solitaire – Also known as the rice flower, this plant has glossy, dark green foliage and divine white pom-pom type flowers that you’ll love as much as the butterflies.
  • Isopogon – Commonly known as “Drumsticks” because of its globe-shaped flowers, this plant reveals its yellow and pink blooms in winter.
  • Eremophila nivea – Add some colour contrast to your cottage garden with this plant’s stunning silvery foliage. Then in spring and summer, prepare for its lovely splashes of purple flowers.
  • Banksia spinulosa – The “Cherry Candles” variety of this compact shrub produces impressive flowers from summer to winter. It’s also salt-tolerant so ideal for a beachside locale.
  • Geraldton wax – This flowering shrub will add colour and a sweet smell to your cottage garden from late winter to spring with its pink or white flowers.
  • Leptospermum – The “Pink Cascade” version has a weeping habit so is ideal for retaining walls. In autumn and spring, it also produces masses of small pink flowers.
  • Kangaroo paw – A super-hardy plant that produces a dazzling flush of flowers from mid-spring to early autumn. The “Bush Pizzazz” and “Bush Pearl” varieties flower all year round.
  • Flannel flower – With its silvery foliage, this plant produces white daisy-like flowers that are oh-so-velvety to touch, hence its name.

Groundcover

  • Hardenbergia – This plant can be grown as a climbing plant or groundcover, and has deep green leaves and pea-shaped clusters of violet, white or pale pink flowers appearing late winter to early spring.
  • Native daisy – Also known as the Australian Daisy, this plant has a big flush of flowers in spring and summer so is ideal for mass planting or as a groundcover.
  • Fan flower – “Scaevola” is a spreading perennial with bright green leaves and it produces pink, white or lavender fan-shaped flowers for most of the year.
  • Dampiera diversifolia – Also known as “Kangaroo Lobelia”, this plant produces a wonderfully rich coloured batch of indigo blooms in summer and spring.
  • Pink paper daisy – This plant’s flowers (which range from shades of white to deep to pale pink) appear any time of the year as long as the weather is warm and sunny.

 

Enhance your landscaping skills and gain unique garden design insights that are original and inspiring with a cottage garden design course, such as our Certificate of Cottage Garden Design.

Weight Loss Consulting is in Demand!

An estimated 2 in 3 Australians are overweight or obese – that’s most of us – so it’s probably no surprise that weight loss consulting is in-demand. Weight loss consultants advise clients on healthy living, diet, nutrition and the importance of relaxation.

It’s an alarming statistic when you consider that being obese is a leading cause of preventable deaths worldwide! It’s a complex issue and can be a challenge for people to navigate on their own. So, knowledge is power when it comes to fighting this global health epidemic.

The Certificate of Weight-Loss Consulting is a unique online course covering all aspects of weight-loss programs, including understanding obesity, the role of diet and exercise, psychological considerations and consulting skills.

You will also explore the business skills necessary to maximise the success of your weight-loss consultancy. As the demand for weight-loss support continues to grow, so does the opportunity to help people achieve their weight-loss goals.

This online course is ideal for anyone who wants to become a weight-loss consultant and is a perfect career-taster for aspiring to become a nutritionist or dietician.

So, if you’d like to start a weight-loss consultancy and join a rewarding niche industry that promotes health and wellbeing, this is the course for you!

Learning Outcomes

Outcomes achieved by undertaking this weight loss consulting course includes:

  • Understand the factors that affect weight
  • Appreciate the scope and nature of the weight loss industry in your region
  • Recognise the role of physical activity in weight loss
  • Gain practical advice and resources required to be a weight-loss consultant
  • Dietary change in weight loss
  • Understand the variety of ways that psychology can be applied to the control of weight
  • Determine the weight status of clients
  • Select, implement and manage the use of different techniques to control weight in clients
  • Understand the viability of a weight loss service
  • Optimise the chance of ongoing success in weight loss consulting
  • Adapt dietary resources based on the needs of an individual or a particular group
  • How to start a weight management group
  • Develop a weight management service as a business

 

And more!

 

Duties of a Weight-Loss Consultant

Weight loss consulting is an exciting niche field that’s in-demand. Weight loss consultants can start their own business or work in gyms, fitness and community centres and health food stores.

#1 Consult on stress reduction and relaxation

A stressed person is more likely to gain weight due to the stress hormone cortisol. When cortisol rises, so does insulin levels, and as a result, blood sugar drops. When this happens, people tend to reach for sugary, fatty foods! Weight loss consulting teaches people how to use relaxation, and stress-reducing activities avoid this junk-food – weight-gain trap.

#2 – Advice on healthy eating habits

Diet and portion control are crucial to achieving lasting weight-loss success. But there’s no one size fits all solution! So, as a weight-loss consultant, you’ll be instrumental in providing advice on diet tips and pitfalls to achieve lasting weight loss and satiety.

#3 – Demonstrate exercises and equipment use

Many clients may want to exercise and include more movement in their day but aren’t sure where to start. As a weight loss consultancy expert, you’ll demonstrate exercises and educate on equipment use.

#4 – Plan personal fitness goals

Having a clear goal in mind will help clients to stay motivated to make healthy changes. Process goals are beneficial in weight loss as the focus is on changing behaviours and habits necessary for lasting weight loss.

#5 – Create exercise plans

An exercise plan is simply a schedule of regular weekly activity. A weekly workout plan is crucial to help clients lose weight. After all, if you don’t plan – plan to fail!

#6 – Measure, record and track weight loss indicators

Goal setting dramatically increases the chance of adherence to weight loss. So, to ensure clients are meeting goals a weight-loss consultant will regularly measure, record and track weight loss indicators, such as satiety, wellbeing, muscle definition, body measurements, blood pressure, mood and more.

#7 – Educate the public on exercise and diet

Weight loss consultancy may include speaking engagements, one-on-one counselling, producing e-newsletters, creating recipe books, scheduling social media marketing and more. The primary goal – to get people making better dietary choices and moving more!

 

The Psychology of Weight Loss

As well as the physical component of losing weight, such as exercise, eating a healthy diet and portion control, there is also a mental battle at work.

It turns out that there is a psychological part to weight loss that is powerful. Psychology Today reports that changes in the way people think about and approach weight loss results in sensible lifestyle adjustments.

The BMI Clinic says in the process of losing weight, people can become caught up in strict rules around eating, and this stress can negatively impact mood. This stress is counterproductive – because stress and depressive symptoms result in less weight loss. This may occur because low mood is associated with lethargy and low motivation – two enemies of weight loss success!

So, what’s the solution? It’s essential to adopt healthy lifestyle habits, such as sleeping well, eating nutritious foods, and being active. But make sure a client is also engaged in activities they find enjoyable and rewarding!

 

What Are the Qualities of a Weight Loss Consultant?

  • Customer/client service
  • Ability to know when people need help/encouragement
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Active listening skills
  • A positive, happy disposition
  • In-depth knowledge of nutrition and exercise

 

Gain the confidence to begin your career in weight loss consulting and support your clients in their quest for a happier and healthier life. Discover our Certificate of Weight Loss Consulting.

Grow Organic Food With Our Aquaponic Farming Course!

The future of sustainable farming is all about producing enough food for the world’s growing population, while protecting the environment, minimising resource usage and ensuring systems are economically viable … and aquaponics does just that! Aquaponics is a food production system that combines aquaculture (raising aquatic animals in tanks) with hydroponics (cultivating plants in water). Some people operate large-scale commercial aquaponic farms, however you can also practice the principles of aquaponics in your own backyard!

The Certificate of Aquaponic Production is a professional development course that will teach you the fundamentals of aquaponic plant culture and how to set up an aquaculture system successfully.

In this aquaponic farming course, you will learn about the science of plant and animal growth, how different aquaponic systems work, and how to control the nutrition of your own system. You will also discover how to select and manage the right combination of plant and animal life, how to manage an aquaponics venture yourself, and how to troubleshoot any potential issues that arise.

 

Learning Outcomes

Outcomes achieved by undertaking an aquaponic farming course include:

  • Learning about the history of aquaponics and its advantages and disadvantages
  • Exploring world food and urban farming
  • Studying cost benefit analyses and the scale of operation
  • Examining different systems – open, deep water, floating raft, recirculating and non-recirculating
  • Understanding indoor and outdoor systems
  • Learning about wick, NFT, barrel ponic systems, gravel bed systems etc.
  • Exploring aqauponic sub systems, intermittent flow and deep water culture (DWC)
  • Studying commercial and backyard equipment, tanks, aeration devices and solids removal
  • Gaining insights into pH adjustment, heaters, chillers, alarms, biofilters and fish rearing facilities
  • Understanding hydroponic grow beds, water maintenance and organic vs. non-organic systems
  • Learning about plant growth factors and plant structure – roots, stems, leaves and reproductive parts
  • Exploring biochemistry, aquaponics and biochemical processes in a cell
  • Studying photosynthesis, plant nutrients, the mechanisms of nutrient uptake and the role of pH
  • Gaining insights into animal science, bony fish (osteichthyes) and crustaceans
  • Understanding water-soluble (ions) and less water soluble chemicals
  • Learning about nutrient formulae, atoms, elements, compounds and how chemical names are written
  • Exploring what a plant needs, calculating formulae and how to mix nutrients
  • Studying the symptoms of nutrient deficiency
  • Understanding variables in aquaponics – conductivity, pH control, oxygenation and beneficial bacteria
  • Learning about climate, water, food and fish food production
  • Exploring marketing, finance and the scale of operation
  • Studying the main species to grow from a range of countries and how to source them
  • Gaining insights into compost and earthworms
  • Understanding fish health, common pets and diseases and salinity and system health
  • Learning how to choose the right system and components, setting it up and the threats involved
  • Exploring greenhouse systems including management, active solar heating and controlling the environment
  • Studying humidity, vapour pressure, oxygen, carbon dioxide and light, air and root temperature control
  • Gaining insights into seeds – sources, types, sowing, propagating media and how to select them
  • Understanding herbs and vegetables in aquaponics
  • Learning about successional planning, flow charting a crop, pollination and how to control plant growth
  • Exploring pests, diseases, disorder control and how to identify crop problems
  • Studying how to market and undertake aquaponics for profit
  • Gaining insights into the harvesting and post-harvest management of fish, herbs and vegetables
  • Understanding harvested crop physiology – fruit ripening, respiration and when to harvest
  • Learning about storage temperature, chilling damage and CA and MA storage
  • Exploring the harvesting and grading of fruit and vegetables
  • Learning about how to manage an aquaponics venture
  • Exploring case studies – Speraneo, University of Virgin Islands and North Carolina State University systems
  • Studying research methodology and how to run an aquaponic trial
  • Examining water, pH, algae growth, gas, salinity, nutrient and plant problems
  • Understanding environmental physiological disorders and deficiency symptoms
  • Learning about pythium in aquaponics
  • Exploring fruit set management and flower and fruit development problems
  • Studying power losses, sediment clogging and fish-to-plant imbalances
  • Gaining insights into pathogenic contamination issues

And more!

 

Best Living Things for an Aquaponic System

Fish

  • Tilapia
  • Blue gill/bream
  • Sunfish
  • Crappie
  • Koi
  • Goldfish
  • Pacu
  • Various ornamental fish such as guppies, angelfish, tetras, mollies and swordfish

 

Plants

  • Any leafy lettuce
  • Bok choy
  • Kale
  • Swiss chard
  • Arugula
  • Basil
  • Mint
  • Watercress
  • Chives
  • Most common house plants

 

The Advantages of Aquaponics

Large-scale commercial aquaponic farms exist across Australia, but many people also have small-scale aquaponic gardens in their own backyards. If you’re thinking of undertaking an aquaponic farming course, here are some of the advantages.

Environmental Benefits

  • Reduced water usage – With droughts a common occurrence in Australia, water is a scarce resource. In conventional farming, water is often pumped out onto the land through irrigation pumps and lost through percolation, run-off or evaporation. In aquaponic systems, water loss is minimal because tank water is recirculated.
  • Reduced chemical use – In an aquaponic system, nutrients are made available to plants via fish waste so the need for chemicals is dramatically reduced. In fact, the use of chemicals is very harmful to fish and can disrupt the natural interactions between fish and their environment.
  • Reduced pesticides – A controlled environment reduces the need for pesticides because in an enclosed aquaponics system, the likelihood of pest infiltration is dramatically reduced.
  • Erosion reduction – Erosion is a major issue in Australia. Many hectares of precious topsoil are often lost through wind and water erosion every year, which often results in silt build-up in our waterways. Something that doesn’t happen with aquaponic farming!

 

Commercial Producer Benefits

  • Accessibility – Quality farm food production typically needs large amounts of water and land with high quality soil, and access can be challenging. With aquaponics, as long as you have a supply of water — even simple tank-stored rainwater — you’re sorted!
  • Reduced running costs – The costs associated with running a conventional horticulture farm can be immense. With aquaponic systems, there is no need for synthetic chemicals, and no spraying or ploughing required, so large tractors that require large amounts of fuel are out of the equation!

Backyard Producer Benefits

  • Reduced water consumption – Many locations in Australia now have restrictions in terms of the amount of water they are allowed to use. An aquaponics system uses less water compared to growing plants in soil.
  • Less physical labour – Backyard gardens often require physically exertion, particularly if your garden requires ongoing digging and weeding. Aquaponic systems are generally constructed above ground level, so maintenance is a breeze!
  • Educational advantages – Children can learn how fish and plants grow, and the ecological interactions between them and their environment. It will also give them a great ‘show and tell’ project for school!
  • Household cost savings – An aquaponic system can provide healthy, organic food for your family all year round. Get ready to reduce your shopping bill!

 

Aquaponics Throughout History

Thinking of doing an aquaponic farming course, but curious as to how the practice came about? Read on …

Aquaponics has ancient roots that are thought to have begun with the Aztec’s construction of ancient agricultural islands known as chinampas. Plants were raised on movable, stationary islands in the shallows of lakes, and waste materials dredged from the canals of the surrounding cities to irrigate the plants.

Examples of early aquaponics systems are also evident across Southeast Asia with the cultivation of rice in paddy fields. These were actually polycultural farming systems, where aquatic animals including fish and snails existed harmoniously alongside the plants.

A 13th century Chinese agricultural manual called Wang Zhen’s Book on Farming described wooden rafts piled with dirt and mud which were used for growing rice and fodder. The text also references floating raft rice cultivation as being used as early as the 6thcentury Tang Dynasty and 8th century Northern Song Dynasty periods of Chinese history.

The development of modern aquaponics is often attributed to Dr. Mark McMurtry and his team at the USA’s North Carolina State University. In the early 1970s, they devised an Integrated Aqua-Vegeculture System (iAV), which was based on the combination of aquaculture and sand-based grow beds.

In 1979, Dr. James Rakocy and his colleagues at the University of the Virgin Islands were then inspired to develop the use of deep water culture hydroponic grow beds in a large-scale aquaponics system.

Other institutions focused their research on “ebb and flow” systems, where coarse media like gravel or expanded clay replaced sand. Around the same time, ebb-and-flow irrigation cycles (called Speraneo Systems) were also being developed by the owners of aquaponics farms in Missouri, USA.

Canada saw a rise in aquaponics setups throughout the 1990s, predominantly as commercial installations raising high-value crops such as lettuce and trout. A setup based on the deepwater system was built in a greenhouse at Alberta in the US, where Dr. Nick Savidov and his colleagues researched aquaponics from a background of plant science. The team researched how to close the solid-waste loop and sustain rapid root growth in aquaponics systems. They found that compared to traditional aquaculture, systems could run well at lower pH levels.

In more recent years, floating aquaponics systems on polycultural fishponds — floating wetlands — have been installed in China on one of the largest scales ever seen. They are used to grow wheat, rice, canna lily and other crops with some installations exceeding ten thousand square metres. These experiments have today provided inspiration for the culture of aquaponics, and a foundation for the scaling-up of larger bodies of water for food production.

 

Set up, maintain and reap the benefits of an environmentally friendly aquaponic system with an aquaponic farming course such as our Certificate of Aquaponic Production.

 

Learn How to Create Amazing Vertical Gardens!

Thanks to the vertical garden trend, even tiny apartments can be turned into a green-thumb’s dream come true! Planting upwards instead of outwards has many benefits. So, whether you want to learn to grow vertical gardens in your home or for commercial and public spaces, this course is ideal professional development for you!

The Certificate of Vertical Gardens will teach you how to create vertical gardens on walls and roofs to beautify unsightly spaces or create space for urban farming.

In this online course, you will discover types of installations for roof and vertical gardens, engineering considerations, which plants are suitable for walls and roofs, and maintenance requirements and landscaping aesthetics and functionality.

Have we piqued your interest? Discover how you can expand your career or invest in a wholesome hobby today!

Learning Outcomes

Outcomes achieved by undertaking a course on vertical gardens include:

  • Discuss the natureand scope of vertical gardens and roof gardens in horticulture today
  • Explain engineering considerations involved with the building of verticaland roof gardens, both on small- and large-scale projects
  • Select appropriate materialsand plan how the non-living components of the garden are created to achieve an appropriate and sustainable installation
  • Select appropriate climbing plants for creating vertical or roof gardens,and determine appropriate strategies to cultivate those plants, in a variety of different situations
  • Select appropriate plants for use in vertical or roof gardens, which are tolerant of the adverse growing conditions, having natural adaptations to growing under conditions that are encountered in these gardens
  • Selectand plan the cultivation of plants that lack natural adaptations to growing on roofs or vertical gardens; but which are none the less required to grow in these adverse conditions
  • Explain a range of container growing techniques, in a range of different roofand vertical gardens that may be used to select various plants.
  • Identifyand evaluate problems with vertical and roof gardens, and compare options for solving those problems
  • Plan the development of roof gardens for both small- and large-scale applications
  • Plan the development of vertical gardens for both small- and large-scale

 

And more …

 

Why Create Vertical Gardens?

There are many reasons to create vertical gardens from extending green areas in a small outdoor space to improving the look of an unsightly building, improving the environment and urban farming! 

Extend green space

If you want to create a more extensive garden but lack the space, a vertical garden is a perfect solution.

Improve building aesthetics

If you live or work in an unsightly building or have walls that look unattractive, then a vertical garden can improve the aesthetics.

Improve the physical environment

When you install a vertical garden (or any garden for that matter), you can improve the physical environment in various ways.

Greenspace, particularly those positioned on roofs and walls, can minimise glare, modify the temperature, filter the air and pollutants reduce water run-off and even mitigate flood problems!

Vertical urban farming

Growing crops in an urban area – or urban agriculture – is about producing food inside suburban regions and within the metropolitan fringe. Vertical farming is like indoor farming in vertical greenhouses, and it’s set to revolutionise the future of agriculture. It makes sense that when space is limited –go up! Growing upwards to create a sustainable food source is an excellent way to reap all the benefits of green space while producing a product to sell, consume or donate!

 

6 Amazing Benefits of Green Spaces!

Plants boost our physical and mental health in many ways – here are six amazing benefits of creating more green spaces in your home or workplace!

  1. Boosts air quality

Green spaces look gorgeous, but they also help boost air quality and may be able to remove air-borne chemicals!

  1. Promotes physical activity 

Gardens inspire movement and gardening is a wonderful fitness activity for all ages. So, if you’re looking to improve your physical fitness get planning!

  1. Decrease illness risks

Having plants in your workspace could prevent sick days! Those who work in high-rise buildings understand how fast illness can spread, so investing in greenery may help purify the air.

  1. Inspires a healthy diet

Gardening encourages people to include healthy foods in their diets and break free of poor eating habits. Homegrown food tastes better and is more appealing because of the time and effort that has been invested in growing and harvesting.

  1. Boosts mood and productivity

We generally feel happier and more productive in green surroundings with plenty of plants and nature. Flowers particularly can evoke positive emotions.

  1. Helps relieve stress

Gardening brings people closer to nature and encourages living in the present moment while engaging the senses. When you take time to ‘smell the roses’, cortisol levels drop, which can help alleviate symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression.

 

Learn how to create thriving vertical gardens for your home or commercial projects. Study our Certificate of Vertical Gardens today!

Learn How to Write Right With Our Business Writing Course!

Communication skills are an essential life skill, and improving them can build more effective relationships with friends and family. They can also enhance your career prospects, as employers seek those who communicate well on many platforms and to a variety of audiences, including with colleagues, customers and suppliers. This course is ideal for writers, editors, communication coordinators, admin staff, managers, client-facing sales staff, and those who speak English as a second language.

The Certificate of Business Writing and Communication is a professional development course that will enhance your written, visual and aural communication skills — from increasing profits and improving customer service to boosting productivity and reducing workplace accidents.

In this business writing course, you will study appropriate communication, the types of language, emphatic listening, and the different channels you can use to deliver powerful messages in business. You will also learn how to develop your visual communication skills in public speaking, write for different audiences in a variety of formats, and how to incorporate digital applications and technology into presentations.

 

Learning Outcomes

Outcomes achieved by undertaking a business writing course include:

  • Learning about the problems with poor communication
  • Exploring the barriers to effective communication
  • Studying how to give instructions
  • Examining how to evaluate instructions or orders
  • Understanding the different types of communication
  • Learning about appropriate communication
  • Exploring passive, aggressive and assertive communication
  • Studying empathic listening and the obstacles to listening
  • Gaining insights into ways to indicate you are listening
  • Understanding the informative, persuasive, imaginative and literal language
  • Learning about figurative, formal and colloquial language
  • Exploring communication channels
  • Studying how to review and evaluate your writing
  • Gaining insights into using concise wording and condensing your writing
  • Understanding clear wording and how to make meanings clear
  • Learning about the causes of confusion – homophones, malapropisms, colloquial meanings and ambiguity
  • Exploring simplicity in writing and communication
  • Studying where writing skills are used
  • Gaining insights into determining and writing for a purpose and knowing your reader
  • Understanding language and the guidelines for effective writing
  • Learning how to write a business letter and other business documents
  • Exploring writing themes including analogy and chronological theme
  • Studying punctuation, concise wording and how to avoid the common grammatical errors
  • Gaining insights into writing for newspapers and magazines
  • Understanding visual communication including handouts and digital technology
  • Learning about charts and illustrations
  • Exploring digital applications like graphics, CAD, multimedia and the internet
  • Studying public speaking
  • Gaining insights into audio aids and recorded presentations
  • Examining the principles of public speaking
  • Learning about the functions and how to conduct a committee meeting
  • Exploring the role of office bearers
  • Studying how to take minutes in a meeting

And more!

Causes of Communication Confusion

According to scientists, humans began writing around 4000 B.C and speaking around 100,000 years ago. Prior to written language humans used cave drawings, which then evolved to word symbols. With the evolution of language and with the number of words available, the opportunity for miscommunication became (and still is) high. This is because specific words and the meanings of those words can vary significantly due to different cultures, environments and experiences. After you’ve done our business writing course, you will understand the importance of using the following correctly:

Acronyms

These are abbreviated versions of phrases or organisation names that are formed by combining alphabetical characters to create a new word. They can save time and may improve the recall of a phrase’s underlying meaning, and the use of acronyms also continues to grow as people communicate through different platforms like social media and messaging apps. However, they are so ubiquitous in print and speech that their meanings are often misinterpreted!

 

Common acronyms used in business include:

  • DIY (do it yourself)
  • DOB (date of birth)
  • ASAP (as soon as possible)
  • GST (goods and services tax)
  • KPI (key performance indicator)
  • BAU (business as usual)
  • COB (close of business)
  • F2F (face to face)
  • ETA (expected time of arrival)
  • ATO (Australian Taxation Office)
  • OHS (occupational health and safety)
  • MYEFO (mid-year economic and fiscal outlook)

 

Common acronyms used in social media include:

  • AMA (ask me anything)
  • BTW (by the way)
  • FOMO (fear of missing out)
  • HBD (Happy Birthday)
  • TGIF (Thank god it’s Friday)
  • YOLO (You only live once)
  • ICYMI (In case you missed it)
  • TBH (To be honest)
  • TMI (Too much information)
  • LMK (Let me know)
  • NM (Not much)

 

Colloquialisms

These are words or phrases that develop a new meaning outside of the traditional definition. They can be specific to geographic regions or fashionable at a particular time or in a particular context. They also include “buzzwords” (which are words that sound impressive but convey no special meaning), and although they colour writing and speech, the possibility of misunderstanding can be high. Examples of buzzwords used in business include:

  • Passionate
  • Motivated
  • Extensive experience
  • Creative
  • Driven
  • Strategic
  • Track record
  • Enthusiastic
  • Responsible
  • Innovative

 

Examples of colloquialisms used in business include:

It’s a no-brainer – A decision or choice that is so easy or obvious, it requires little or no thought.

Think outside the box – A metaphor that means to think unconventionally, differently or from a new perspective.

At the end of the day – When everything is taken into consideration.

It’s a win-win situation – An outcome or situation where everyone comes away happy.

Touch base – To briefly renew or make contact with someone.

Moving forward – A progression in time from the present.

Giving it 100 per cent – Giving it all that you’ve got, plus more.

Close of play – The end of a work or trading day.

It’s on my radar – In a person’s awareness.

 

Homophones

These are words that are spelt differently but sound the same. Because English is the most widely spoken language across the globe, it’s not surprising that certain words are pronounced or spelt similarly. But as you will learn in our business writing course, accuracy and error-free communication and documentation is vital in professional dealings. Some of the common homophones that confuse many of us are:

  • Complement vs. compliment – To complement is something that enhances or completes, and a compliment is an expression or remark of admiration.
  • Ensure vs. insure – Ensure means to make safe or sure and insure to obtain insurance.
  • Affect vs. effect – Affect means to act or have an effect upon, and effect is a change caused by the consequences of an action.
  • Confirmation vs. conformation – Confirmation is the act of being confirmed, and conformation is compliance with a rule or law.
  • Incite vs. insight – Incite is to urge or spur on, insight is a deep understanding of people or situations.
  • Accede vs. exceed – Accede is to agree or approve, and exceed to extend beyond or be greater than.
  • Imminent vs. eminent – Imminent is something that’s about to happen soon, and eminent is a respected person in a particular sphere.
  • Defer vs. differ – Defer is to postpone or delay and differ to disagree or be dissimilar.
  • Principle vs. principal – Principle is a fundamental doctrine, principal is the most important thing or person.
  • Queue vs. cue – A queue is a sequence of things or people, and a cue is a signal.

Malapropisms

This is the misuse of word or words, and it can often have confusing or unintentionally hilarious results. The term comes from an 18th-century play called The Rivals written by Richard B. Sheridan — the main character says things that sound almost correct, but are just a little bit wrong! Common malapropisms used in everyday language include:

“I could care less” – this phrase is often used to utter disinterest in a discussion topic, however, it literally means the opposite of what is probably intended! The correct phrase is “I could not care less” or “I couldn’t care less”.

“For all intensive purposes” – when this is used, the speaker probably means “in every practical sense”, however they are actually saying “for the purposes of making things more intensive”! The correct phrase is “For all intents and purposes”.

Irregardless – this is a combination of two words with the same meaning – “regardless” and “irrespective”. Both mean “setting that aside for the moment” or “despite prevailing circumstances”. This is one of the most common and oldest malapropisms in modern English and humans have been using it since at least the early twentieth century!

 

Other malapropisms occur because of the misuse of phonetically similar words, and include:

  • Ambiguous/ambivalent – the first means unclear and the second unsure.
  • Affect/effect – the first is a verb meaning to change, the second a noun referring to the result of a change.
  • Allusion/illusion – the first is an indirect reference, the second an apparition, mirage or hallucination.
  • Precede/proceed – the first means to go before something, the second, to move forward.
  • Jibe/jive – the first means to agree or complement and the second is a type of dance or to perform that type of dance. They are a little different!

 

Gain the confidence to write, communicate and present professionally in a business setting with a business writing course, such as our Certificate of Business Writing and Communication.

Watch Your Career Flourish With Our Water Garden Design Course!

Anyone can create backyard ponds or water features but designing those that are ecologically sustainable and encourage healthy ecosystems is another skill entirely …. that is in demand! Ideal for landscapers, garden designers, water feature specialists and backyard enthusiasts, this course will improve your gardening know-how, enhance your job prospects, and even lead to a new career direction!

The Certificate of Water Gardens is a professional development course that will give you the skills and knowledge you need to create stunning water gardens and features.

In this water garden design course, you will learn about the nature and scope of water gardens, including equipment, construction materials and techniques, and how to construct and maintain spas and pools. You’ll also study garden design and the water plants and aquatic animals that are typically used in water gardens.

Learning Outcomes

Outcomes achieved by undertaking a water garden design course include:

  • Learning how to determine the size of a water garden
  • Exploring water quality and water supply in terms of rain and tanks etc.
  • Studying how to site a water garden
  • Gaining insights into safety, water depth and evaporation rate
  • Understanding informal and formal garden design
  • Learning about shade, edging and water sculptures
  • Exploring water effects including sound, movement, reflect, light and cooling
  • Studying water life including fish, algae, wildlife, plants and mosquitoes
  • Gaining insights into water garden construction
  • Understanding how to plan a water garden and the types of construction
  • Learning about the effects and matching the effect with the type of garden
  • Exploring surrounds and its size, surrounds, shape and location
  • Studying how to use a liner and pond edges
  • Gaining insights into pre-formed water gardens
  • Understanding water garden equipment
  • Learning about submersible pumps
  • Exploring light design with water including power sources and DC power
  • Studying pond filtration systems – sterile or living water
  • Gaining insights into swimming pool, mechanical and biological filtration
  • Understanding how to design a natural watercourse
  • Learning about siting a stream, water circulation, dams and pond design and management
  • Exploring reed beds, bog gardens and oxygenating plants
  • Studying the design and aftercare of spas and swimming pools
  • Gaining insights into choosing a swimming pool and cost and structural considerations
  • Understanding above and below ground and vinyl, fibreglass and concrete pools
  • Learning about pump and filtration systems
  • Exploring shapes and special features in pools
  • Studying how to heat a pool and care for a pool over winter
  • Gaining insights into indoor and outdoor water features
  • Understanding pot ponds, water barrels, wall plaques, wall fountains and water walls
  • Learning about fountains, waterfalls, water spouts, canals and cascades
  • Exploring birdbaths and cobble fountain construction
  • Studying cobble fountain construction
  • Gaining insights into how to use water features in a landscape
  • Understanding water plants including waterside trees and shrubs
  • Learning about bog, emergent water, floating leaf and aquatic plants
  • Exploring water lilies
  • Studying the plants to avoid in water gardens
  • Gaining insights into surround plants
  • Understanding aquatic animals
  • Learning about the conditions needed by fish and aquatic animals
  • Exploring maintenance and troubleshooting
  • Studying fish, frogs, tortoises, water snails, insects and birds
  • Gaining insights into troubleshooting issues with water gardens

History of Water Gardens

Water gardens not only add creative inspiration to a landscape, but they also add functionality — from providing water for wildlife to adding a calming ambience to the surroundings. Here is some historical inspiration that might convince you to undertake our water garden design course.

Water features have been present in every historical era and any culture that had gardens in their landscapes and architectural environments. They were used for both ornamental aesthetics and to enable plant and fish production.

Planned water gardens first originated in ancient Egypt when the Egyptians channelled water from the Nile River into their palace gardens. Gardens were designed with the pond as the focal point, and fish were included as well as blooming aquatic plants like lilies and papyrus. Lotus plants were grown, as they were considered sacred and a source of medicine for ailments. In fact, lotus petals were found at the excavation of the Ramses II tomb, suggesting they were being used over three thousand years ago! Ornamental trees and plants were also scattered around this oasis, and spaces created where they could lounge and enjoy the outdoors. The Persians were next to construct water gardens, and considered sunlight and its effects an important factor of the structural design — shapes and textures were specifically chosen to harness the light. This was followed by the Greeks (their gardens included statues of their gods), and the Chinese and Japanese (their gardens were designed to encourage reflection and contemplation).

After the fall of the Roman Empire, utilitarian gardening was nurtured by monasteries until the beginning of the Renaissance in the late fourteenth century. They controlled the management of water, using wells and local streams and rivers for both domestic uses and for fishponds. In many monasteries, simple cisterns were found in gardens and wall fountains were placed within the cloister.

In the Middle Ages, public displays of religious water features (like water stoops and baptismal fonts) were only found in major church buildings. Decorations were inspired by Bible stories associated with water, such as the stories of Moses and the baptism of Christ. Garden fountains were often used for bathing and represented an earthly paradise and a source of spiritual rejuvenation. A beautiful example that still exists today is the Fontana Maggiore in Perugia, Italy. Fountains and water features in private residences also became a celebration of a family’s wealth and prosperity. In urban areas, they combined both civic and religious themes, which summarised the town’s revival and were a crowning achievement for all to enjoy.

The industrial age saw the introduction of the modern water pump that allowed for water recirculation. Up until then, water was diverted from springs and rivers as it exited natural watercourses or agricultural fields. Many of the concepts and water features used across history — like irrigation, arbours, edible ornamentals and fish keeping are still being used today.

 

Main Types of Water Features

Water adds a touch of magic to gardens – a sound and presence that has the power to soothe and calm. Whether you install a naturalistic pond in a wildlife corner or a formal rectangular pool for aquatic animals, water features can be easily adapted to suit the style and space of a garden and its surroundings. And as you’ll discover in our water garden design course, most water features follow an informal or formal style.


Formal

Formal ponds and pools are named because they are mainly designed with defined angles and shapes with distinct edges. They create a vista and exist to be seen and admired, whether it’s centrally positioned with an ornate fountain or towards the rear of a courtyard with a wall fountain above it. Formal water features can be framed with decorative stones or traditional construction materials like bricks or concrete. These structures are also often further enhanced by garden plants after the final geometrical shape and structure have been defined.

Formal ponds can be sunken or raised. Typically, a raised pond will be of a uniform depth throughout such as a rectangular raised pond sitting on a stone patio. The sides and capping of the pond will usually be constructed of the same material as the adjacent buildings or walls, which will tie all the garden elements together and create a sense of rhythm and unity in the design.

Informal

Informal water features typically don’t have clearly defined edges. Their irregular or curved shape allows for a more natural look as if the pond or pool is an extension of the garden. Another feature is the possible absence of edging materials to frame it or the addition of lawn or ornamental grasses that give the illusion that it has been formed by nature.

These types of “natural” water features can also take the form of a pond or a meandering creek or stream that runs through the garden, and blend into their surrounds rather than standing out.  They may be edged by materials that replicate the landscape of the local region including bark, rocks, shingle, river pebbles, driftwood and even bare earth.

Informal water features also aren’t just part of a natural garden theme — they can be included as part of a rustic design or in a cottage garden. In cottage gardens, it could be an irregularly shaped pond with brick edging or a birdbath located in a shady spot. In a rustic garden, it could be a body of water housed in an old whiskey barrel, an enamel sink or an antique claw-footed bath. The options of using water creatively in garden projects are only as limited as your imagination!

 

Gain a comprehensive understanding of how to create stunning water features and gardens for yourself or your clients with a water garden design course, such as our Certificate of Water Gardens.

Find your new direction today!

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