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Communication
Why teach Communication?
Very few learners start their post-16 education as experts in the field
of communication. There is sometimes a mistaken assumption that 'good'
advanced-level students will already possess effective research, note-taking,
presentation, discussion and writing skills. However, candidates' performance
in the external tests and in compiling portfolios shows that this is not
the case.
It is essential that the skills learners
already have are further developed and are applied. The skills
learners do not have, or those in which they show particular
weakness - perhaps identified through initial assessment -
need to be taught and learned.
The continuum of key skills development
shows a successful pattern of progression from teaching and
learning the skills, through practising the skills in context,
to assessment.
It has been shown that learners who have
been taught the underpinning skills and who have had an opportunity
to practise and use them in a variety of contexts before being
assessed are more successful communicators, more successful
in putting together a portfolio and more successful in external tests. This leads to improved performance in other areas of
their work. For example, if students develop their skills
of summary and synthesis, they will do better work in GCSE,
GNVQ, A-level, AVCE and other qualifications. Being able to
communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, increases
employment opportunities, as well as leading to increased
confidence and self-esteem.
For those learners thinking of progressing to higher education, it is
important to realise the value that universities place on key skills.
This is both explicit in the awarding of UCAS points for the Communication
qualification (10 points for achievement at Level 2, 20 points at Level
3) and the heavy emphasis placed on communication skills within the UCAS
Profiles, and implicit in the skills required by undergraduates. KSSP
has been working with UCAS to give an accurate picture of the response
of HE to higher education institutions to key skills and communication.
This can be found at Key Skills - Progression.
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Summary of this section