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Knowledge without wisdom produces external and internal self-destruction - Paul Tillich

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. - Benjamin Franklin.

[Do you] accept nothing but a repeated confirmation of something [you] already know or believe? - Paul Tillich

Thinking is a skill; it can be developed and improved if one knows how. - Edward de Bono

What is knowledge?

	Knowledge does not only include the explicit 'facts and figures' that might be recited from memory. In our view, knowledge includes the tacit knowledge that applies to practical skills that are learned in 'doing' and can not be easily written down. Is it possible to ride a bicycle or drive a car simply by reading a 'how to' book? Of course not.
	Many training programs and professional courses have now turned towards measurement of competencies rather than text book recitation - it is in the 'doing' that confidence in capability can be better judged.

Competency

Competency is the ability to perform a task to a specific level. It is a manifestation of practical skill and/or other knowledge and its application. For completeness it should also include task management skills and work environment skills.

Competency standards

Competency Standards describe the ability to perform distinct activities within a vocation or profession to the standards expected in employment. Consequently, they are expressed in outcome terms, which allows competency to be assessed. The component parts of a competency standard are: units, elements, performance criteria, the range of variables and evidence guides.

How to use competency standards

	as assessment tools for workplace assessment
	for processes to recognise current competency
	as training activities
	for skills-based position descriptions
	as codes of practice and safety guidelines
	for delivery of workplace training
	for implementation of workplace assessment
	for recruiting

Assessment

	Assessment is the process of collecting appropriate evidence and deciding  whether competence has been achieved. The employee's skills and knowledge may be developed, either, in a structured learning situation, at work, or in another context.
	In the case of competency standards required by an industry or profession, the employee's skills and knowledge are assessed against those endorsed competency standards, rather than simply being compared to other employees.

Testimonials

	Head of School, (Higher Education) [Bruce's field and desktop research work] provided sound background information.....that will ensure a solid understanding of the issues [in higher education assessment] prior to the commencement of the consolidation and implementation phases of the project.
	Associate Director, TAFE Institution Thank you for the work put into developing six draft curriculum in quite difficult and innovative subject areas at higher education standard suitable for our proposed degree program.
	Deputy Director, profession training organisation [Bruce's] support during the course accreditation project was exceptional.