50-801-500Applied Communications for Apprentices
Course Information
Description
Introduces the apprentice to basic communication concepts relating to the workplace. It is designed specifically for the apprentice to acquire the necessary skills of giving instructions, writing a technical memo, and explaining a technical process. Throughout the course the apprentice will brainstorm, write, edit, revise, and use one-on-one communication delivery in a small group. The course combines lecture and hands-on activities utilizing information which the apprentice brings from the workplace.
Total Credits
0.5

Course Competencies
  1. Deliver a set of instructions to another individual orally
    Assessment Strategies
    Presentation
    Criteria
    apprentice clearly identifies the goal of the instructions
    apprentice speaks clearly in language that is appropriate to the level of understanding of the individual
    apprentice organizes materials and information before delivery to the individual
    apprentice highlights caution, warning, and danger steps
    apprentice elicits feedback from the individual to clarify communication
    apprentice uses graphics or equipment/tools as appropriate
    apprentice makes presentation in an organized and concise manner

  2. Write a technical memo
    Assessment Strategies
    Work instruction document and memo
    Criteria
    the informative memo includes the purpose of the memo
    the informative memo includes :To, From, Subject, Date
    the informative memo integrates the elements of technical writing
    the informative memo applies standard english format
    the informative memo applies the writing model
    the informative memo targets the appropriate audience for the topic/purpose
    the informative memo credits information taken from outside sources
    the work instruction document includes require tools and equipment
    the work instruction document lists pre-requisite materials
    the work instruction document explains the required processes to reach a specific point in the process
    the work instruction document outlines safety concerns
    the work instruction document includes references as appropriate
    the work instruction document shows completion requirements

  3. Explain a technical process to a small group
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
    Criteria
    apprentice clearly identifies the purpose of the presentation
    apprentice speaks using professionally accepted standard English
    apprentice elicits feedback from the group with the question and answer method at summary
    information presented in the oral presentation is accurate
    apprentice speaks clearly in language that the individual can understand
    apprentice uses graphics or equipment/tools as appropriate
    information presented in the oral presentation highlights caution, warning, and danger steps
    information presented in the oral presentation includes major elements of a technical report
    information presented in the oral presentation credits information taken from outside sources

  4. Interpret trade and occupational information
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
    Criteria
    apprentice uses terms accurately
    apprentice applies concepts correctly
    apprentice references resources
    apprentice completes worksheet on time
    apprentice submits worksheet to the instructor for review and approval
    work is complete
    work is accurate
    work is grammatically correct and error free
    answers are clear and concise
    answers are neat and readable
    apprentice relates the competency to given specifications

  5. Apply nonverbal skills to communication as an apprentice
    Assessment Strategies
    Case Study
    Scenario Response
    Criteria
    case study response demonstrates a thorough understanding of relevant aspects of the case
    case study response outlines in detail the decision selected by the learner
    case study response includes an explanation of why the decision was selected
    case study response is supported by relevant evidence
    case study response is well organized
    case study response evidences correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling

  6. Listen to other workers and customers
    Assessment Strategies
    Self Assessment
    Criteria
    reflection describes learning goals
    reflection presents a realistic picture of the learner's skill prior to the learning experience
    reflection accurately describes the learner's new skill level
    reflection compares learning achievement with goals
    reflection identifies how the learner will use the new or enhanced skills
    reflection includes strategies for continued improvement
    reflection presents insight about the learning experience and personal learning styles

  7. Communicate electronically
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill Demonstration
    Criteria
    apprentice uses e-mail
    apprentice communicates via social media
    apprentice accesses resources on the Internet
    apprentice attaches documents and pertinent information to support communications
    apprentice communicates in a timely fashion with coworkers, job sites, and customers
    apprentice communicates via radio and/or telephone appropriately
    communication fulfills a clear purpose
    communication addresses a specific customer or work site need
    apprentice shows use of positive phrasing
    apprentice demonstrates effective organization
    communication exhibits correct and appropriate grammar, punctuation, spelling, syntax, and word usage
    apprentice responds accurately to the original message
    apprentice clarifies what you are questioning from the original e-mail
    e-mail follows prescribed format required by your company

  8. Present a speech that informs a specific audience about a selected topic from your trade
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral Presentation
    Criteria
    you present information in a style and tone consistent with the audience's level of interest and level of knowledge or understanding
    delivery is extemporaneous
    delivery holds audience attention; you are energetic and enthusiastic
    your voice inflection, volume, and rate are appropriate for the content
    your nonverbal communication is consistent with your verbal message
    you maintain eye contact with audience
    you use acceptable language
    presentation purpose is clear
    introduction includes an attention getter that grabs the audience's attention
    introduction includes an overview of the main points
    main points are clear and concise
    each main point is proven using a variety of supporting material
    sufficient supporting material is used to persuade the audience
    conclusion includes a summary of the main points
    you introduce and use the visual aid appropriately
    visual aid (including any words or pictures on the visual) is large enough to be seen by the audience
    visual aid includes only one main idea
    visual aid is visible to all members of the audience

  9. Resolve conflict constructively
    Assessment Strategies
    Class participation
    Criteria
    you apply conflict resolution strategies to a real or simulated conflict situation
    you define the conflict clearly using non-judgmental language
    you identify two or more conflict resolution strategies that could be used
    you assess the probable effectiveness of each of the resolution strategies
    you present a rationale for choosing one of the strategies showing how it could resolve the conflict objectively
    you assess the effectiveness of conflict resolution strategy you use assertive verbal and nonverbal behaviors effectively

  10. Assess potentially hazardous communication situations
    Assessment Strategies
    Scenario Response
    Written Product (optional)
    Criteria
    you analyze a communication situation for possible hazards
    you always leave yourself an "out"
    you make eye contact
    you act respectfully
    you use appropriate language
    you control your emotion
    you communicate negative news in a professional manner
    you adopt an attitude appropriate to WHO has caused the problem at hand
    Optional written analysis:
    written analysis illustrates how the elements of the communication model apply to a communication situation
    written analysis identifies how participants fulfill communication responsibilities in terms of the communication model
    written analysis identifies elements that impact the communication situation written analysis suggests techniques to improve the communication situation