Communication skills - learner

1. Introduction to communication skills

Communication is about using language in different situations, in different contexts, to different target groups, in different language style. Communication implies building relations and to convey a certain message. Communication means speaking and listening, reading and writing and using digital tools. The main goal is to be understood and to understand what is being said and what is written.

The content is divided into Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening and Digital tools.

It is recommended for the learner to start with self-assessment of their communication competences.

2. Reading

In workplaces reading competences are important for many reasons. You must be able to:

• read screen and paper texts critically and in an independent manner
• can ask questions and talk about the content of texts
  
• seek information of different kinds
  
• be acquainted with new routines or working tasks 
  
• understand daily messages from colleagues and leader
  
• understand the purpose of a text
  
• understand complex sentences and difficult words and expressions 
  
• use different reading strategies relevant to text types and purposes
  

Professional texts at workplaces are often packed with information. To read means to understand and decode the content. One way to check your own understanding is to transfer and communicate the content of the text to another person. (You can chose a text from workplace as an example.) Maybe this will concretize challenges of different kind. Can you describe in few sentences or words what challenges you have when reading a professional text. Some keywords can probably help you in your reflections (important information, words/vocabulary, sentences …. ). Try to reflect on what and why as concrete as possible.

You can work further with your reading competences here.

3. Writing at workplace

Here is an example of the activity of a home care giver.

Watch the videos, and observe the writing skills she has to mobilise for her activity.

- Checking the blood pressure: click to watch  the video

- Preparing the shopping list: click to watch  the video

3.1. Writing skills

Writing is implemented in almost all working tasks, by either screen or paper. Writing means to communicate with other people and for this reason an important competence. Writing in workplaces indicate competences to:

• adjust and be aware of writing to different target groups
  
• master different writing style and text genres
  
• use words and expressions suitable for text purpose
  
• write complete and understandable sentences
  
• write without mistakes in punctuation and spelling
  
• can express in written form one’s own opinions and express personal experiences
  
• can argue (for and against) and give reasons for one´s own professional standpoints in written form 
  
• can reflect and assess one´s own learning in written form 
  

Written activity n° 2

Describe in a few sentences how you consider your own writing competence and what you want to develop further to be a better writer.

4. Speaking and listening

To speak and listen are closely connected. Oral communication implies competences in careful, respectful listening to others and awareness of own language use according to target group, purpose and content. Oral communication at work indicate use of both daily life language and professional use of language. To be aware of ways of speaking and attitudes when listening to others is important communication competences in working life. To speak and listen indicate specific competences such as to be able to:

• be aware of and adjust communication to the communicative context  and situation
  
• adjust the language use to audience or target group
  
• develop ability to speak or make presentations at meetings, and formal gatherings
  
• learn speaking strategies for speaking on spot
  
• learn strategies for turn-taking in discussion and conversation
  
• use conversation to promote own and others´ interests  
  
• maintain focus and concentration when listening to others
  
• be aware of listen in addition to hearing    
  

Written activity n° 1: 

• you can print the page
• if you are member of the group  (registered with an email) you can make the interactive activity
  

Answer as honestly and precisely you can to following questions with YES or NO:

5. Digital tools

Technology and use of digital tools are implemented in nearly all working tasks. This require digital competence by employees for further learning, for active participation in working life and society in constant change. You have to use computers to seek information on Internet, to choose between different internet sources and do it critically. You also have to use digital tools to write and inform different target group about working procedures, activities or reports. Digital competence involve being able to use digital tools, social media and different resources as Internet, smartphones and APPs of different kind. More specific this means that you must be able to:

• read and interpret information from digital resources
  
• read hypertexts 
  
• navigate between different sources and do it critically
  
• search and assess information from digital sources
  
• use search tools and master search- strategies in subject related/professional tasks
  
• produce and edit digital texts 
  
• apply basic rules for protection of personal integrity on the Internet and social media
  
• reflect ethically on Internet and social media as a communications and information channel
  

Written activity n° 1: 

• you can print the page
• if you are member of the group  (registered with an email) you can make the interactive activity

Describe in a few sentences both you challenges by using digital tools and your wishes to develop your competence in using digital tools.