Unit 3 – Communication Studies
Unit 3 – Communication Studies
Essential Information
| 1. This unit runs for ten weeks with four hours of learning per week. 2. Typically this is broken down into two two hour blocks of learning per week. 3. Each lesson is typically resourced with a lesson plan, powerpoint, additional reading material, videos and an online quiz or forums for you to participate in. 4. Every week there will be an opportunitiy for formative feedback through either dialogue in a forum with your teacher and peers OR a quiz. The quiz will help you review your learning and re-direct you to sources which may help you. The quizzes will also give you experience of the types of questions which will be examined in weeks 5 and 10. 5. In weeks 5 and 10 there will be online examinations. There will be a revision quiz prior. Week 5 is a mid-term and week 10 is an end of unit examination. More details can be found below. 6. This unit is worth 2 credits towards the Certificate in Business and Hospitality; the minimum pass percentage is 70%. Further details can be found in the specification. 7.*** This unit may be run as a shorter adapted versions for those students completing the IBCP who are participating in PPS*** |
Unit General Information
Unit aim
This unit aims to introduce learners to the basic principles of the communication process. Learners will discover that the collection and management of business information and the successful communication of that information within the organization is critical for everyone involved.
Unit introduction
Interpersonal skills have long been recognized as essential to personal and professional success. Many people’s careers have fallen apart because of a lack of communication skills. This course is designed to improve abilities to work and socialize with others.
Learners in communication skills will study the basic principles of the communication process and identify its challenges. This course will explore several models of communication and discuss perception in various settings. It will also cover body language, verbal communication, and written communication for dealing with miscommunication and misunderstanding.
Learners will learn how to apply theoretical communication concepts to practical tasks like collaborating, conflict avoidance and resolution, presenting, public speaking, and negotiating to become more effective communicators.
Grading scheme and learning outcomes
To pass this unit, the evidence that the learner presents for assessment needs to demonstrate that they can meet all the learning outcomes for the unit. The assessment criteria determine the standard required to achieve the unit.
Grading Scheme
| Assessment type | Grade percentage toward final grade |
| Mid-term exam (week 5) | 40% |
| Project presentation (Week 8) | 20% |
| Final exam (week 10) | 40% |
| Total | 100% |
General goals and objectives of unit
| Skill standard | Coverage and range |
| Speaking and listening 1. Discuss a range of contributions in various contexts, including those that are unfamiliar, and make effective presentations. | Analyse complex information and give a relevant, coherent response in an appropriate language. Discuss information and present ideas clearly and persuasively to others. Create an image to support discussion. Contrast contributions to suit audience, purpose, and situation. Create significant contributions to discussions, taking a range of roles and helping to move the discussion forward. |
| Reading and writing Examine, read, understand and differentiate texts and apply them to gather information, ideas, arguments, and opinions. | Identify different types of texts to obtain and apply relevant information. Explain information/ideas from different sources. Identify the purposes of texts and comment on how meaning is conveyed. Assess point of view, implicit meaning, and/or bias. Analyse texts about audience needs and consider suitable responses. |
| Reading and writing Apply writing skills in a range of texts, including comprehensive written documents, communicating information, ideas, and opinions. | Describe information/ideas concisely, logically, and persuasively. Describe information on complex subjects clearly and concisely. Apply a range of writing styles for different purposes. Apply a range of sentence structures, including complex sentences, and paragraphs to organize written communication effectively. |
Specific goals and objectives:
By the end of this course the student will be able to:
| 1 Analyse why good communication skills are important |
| 2 Discuss the basic principles of the communication process |
| 3 Describe how biases and limited perceptions interfere with communication |
| 4 Apply competency in recognizing communication challenges in various social, cultural, and professional settings |
| 5 Apply practical steps and methods to overcome barriers in communication |
| 6 Define nonverbal communication |
| 7 Examine the importance of appearance in the business world |
| 8 Apply methods of relating your topic to a specific audience |
| 9 Assess the importance of listening effectively |
| 10 Describe strategies for improving your nonverbal interpretation and expression skills |
| 11 Examine strategies for communicating with cultural awareness |
| 12 Identify and describe how social relationships vary in handling important communication behaviors and conflict |
| 13 Identify and apply strategies for communicating using technology |
| 14 Describe communicative strategies for effective meeting participation. |