The purpose of this module is to:Assist learners in the development of their personal study and observational skills.Enable learners to practice and improve their written and oral communication. Enhance learners interpersonal and professional abilities, towards more harmonious and productive interaction between themselves and others, especially in the workplace context.
Listening and Study Skills
Effective listening in a classroom and workplace environment Effective note-taking – various techniques, their advantages and disadvantages Reading with a purpose – different reading speeds, goal-oriented reading – speed reading, basic steps to more efficient reading
Communication
Theory of communication Different types of communication considered – verbal, written, electronic, visual, audio, and non-verbal. Issues concerning mass media – ownership and control, propaganda, advertising, reportage versus opinion formation Communicating with a purpose – identifying your audience and its needs
Writing Skills
Essential skills and problem solving in paragraph and sentence structure, grammar, punctuation and spelling Layout of letters and memos Appropriate modes of address and expression Structure of reports
Oral Presentation Skills
Pillars of effective communication – preparation and delivery Preparation – identification of audience profile, attitudes, needs and expectations, issues of context, time allotted for presentation, logistical issues re time and venue, research techniques and preparation timeline, rehearsals, dress, coping with nerves Delivery – Importance of balancing spontaneity with prepared material, deciding whether to use notes, script, use of slides and other props, maintaining the audience’s interest, set-piece beginnings and endings, relating to your audience - eye contact, volume, clarity, pace, vocabulary, humour
The Working Environment – Self-Esteem
Definition of self-esteem Factors influencing self-esteem in the workplace and in general Developing one’s own self-esteem – mind, body, spirit Role of managers in promoting self-esteem in the workplace
The Working Environment - Conflict
Definition of conflict Identifying sources of conflict in the workplace and in general Strategies in managing conflict – long-term and short-term Importance of objectivity and honest brokerage Preventing and overcoming conflict through active communication, rotation of roles, integrative bargaining
The Working Environment - Teamwork
Defining teams and groups, different reasons why groups emerge/form Homogeneous and heterogeneous groups Factors influencing teamwork Models of team formation Listening skills for team work, one-to-one and conflict situations Problem-solving strategies and sequences
The Working Environment – Understanding Organisations
Different types of organisations Structures and procedures within organisations – formal and informal structures, hierarchy and authority, peer support and peer challenges, channels for feedback, disciplinary, grievance and appeals procedures Meetings of different kinds, committees and committee roles, obligations of committee members Employment contracts and trade union membership Obligations – confidentiality, copyright and intellectual property, statutory obligations and internal codes of practice
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |