"Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening and Their Importance in the Workplace"
by: Linda Keats
Description
of the Lesson:
Students
are studying the four communication skills, and the importance of each of these
skills in the workplace. The
teacher introduces the lesson and leads the discussion.
Students then pair up and focus on certain jobs and the use of
communication skills in each job, and finally prepare a paper on a career of
their choice.
Grade
Level:
High School
Area
of Focus:
Professionally Speaking course
Lesson
Objectives:
Students
will understand the importance of communication skills in the workplace.
Students
will understand that all jobs require the use of the four communication skills.
Students
will begin to feel comfortable working together and getting to know each other
(they will be giving speeches to the group as the semester progresses).
Students
will use technology to produce a final paper.
Materials:
Computer,
printer, Microsoft Word software, paper, pencils.
Activities:
1.
Teacher will begin and lead a discussion about the four communication
skills: reading, writing, speaking,
and listening. Teacher will ask for
input from students.
2.
Teacher will select students to work in pairs.
3.
Each student will select a job they are interested in.
Together the two students will discuss each communication skill and list
three ways this skill is used in the job. (For
example, a nurse must read patient’s charts and listen to the
patient describe his/her pain.) Each
student will prepare a written list of the job, the skills, and the way the
skill is used by the worker.
4.
Students will now work on the computer.
5.
Teacher will outline how assignment is to be prepared, explaining the use
of graphics, underlining, and basic word processing skills necessary to finish
the assignment.
6.
Each student will prepare their paper about the job they selected.
Each paper needs the title of the job, and the student’s name.
The four sections of the paper (reading, writing, speaking, listening)
must be keyed in along with three examples of the use of each communication
skill on the job. Finally, the
student must insert a graphic to illustrate a person using this communication
skill. (Example:
For listening a student may choose to use a picture of a worker on the
telephone.)
7.
Papers will be saved and printed when finished.
8.
Time: Two class hours.
Multiple
Intelligences Used in Completing this Project:
Linguistic—Using
language to write their paper
Visual/Spatial—Working
on the computer; using graphics; designing and setting up their page
Interpersonal—Students
worked together to share ideas about the communication skills necessary
Intrapersonal—Students
worked individually to prepare their own final paper
Evaluation:
Each
student’s paper was graded on a 20-point basis; 4 points for each
communication skill and ways it is applied in the workplace; 4 points for the
title, student’s name, use of graphics, and overall appearance.
State
Standards:
A.12.10
Participate as a productive member of a group.
A.12.1
Use common media and technology terminology and equipment
A.12.3
Use a computer and productivity software to organize and create
Information
A.12.3
Write formal and informal reports supported by appropriate graphic
Aids
J.12.1
Demonstrate appropriate interpersonal skills when working with others
J.12.7
Demonstrate the ability to work as part of a team
J.12.8
Demonstrate the ability to work independently