Lesson Structure:  Communication VWR100

There are 8 lessons:

1. Introduction
   To to gain an understanding of the concepts of communications
2. Types of Communication
   To identify the types of communications and barriers to communication.
3. Language Skills
   To develop language skills, particularly wording.
4. Writing Skills
   To evaluate and improve writing skills and themes.
5. Developing Writing Skills
   To develop journalistic concepts in writing.
6. Visual Communications
   To identify the significance of visual representation of information.
7. Public Speaking
   To become aware of the techniques of speaking in public and prepare a speech.
8. Committee Meetings
   To identify the function and processes involved in a committee meeting

Learning Goals:  Communication  VWR100

• Explain the communication process
• Explain the types of communication approaches used.
• Demonstrate language skills that are concise and precise.
• Explain the importance of writing as an effective form of communication.
• Demonstrate writing skills as an effective form of communication.
• Describe various forms of visual communication and how they are generally used to impart messages.
• Prepare for effective verbal communication.
• Conduct committee meetings.

Practicals: Communication  VWR100

People can Communicate poorly in many different ways, for example:

• Fragmented Sentence (ie.This is where a writer incorrectly ends a sentence that is not a complete sentence)
• Run on Sentences (ie. Two clauses or sentences are not separated.e.g. I ate this morning my friend ate leftovers).
• Comma Splices (ie. This occurs when two independent clauses are joined together by a comma. e.g. The soup cooked for three hours, it was tasteless.)
• Dangling Modifier (ie. A modifier is a word or phrase that modifies (tells more about) word or phrase. A dangling modifier occurs where the thing being modified is not included.  e.g. Typing at my computer, the foot rail broke off).
• Confusion can also arise when you say or write one thing but your facial expressions or actions are inconsistent with what you say.

There are many other issues to consider and understand with respect to communication; and this is precisely what this course will do.

BARRIERS TO EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

When understanding is blocked, communication becomes ineffective resulting in the kinds of problems listed earlier. There are many barriers to communication including:

• Using unnecessarily complicated language or words.
• Using jargon – not everyone will understand jargon that may be industry specific or regional.
• Language difference – it is important to ensure that the receiver has understood your message.
• Your meaning – make sure that both you and the receiver of your message both understand what you are trying to convey. Poorly expressed communication can alter the meaning. Also do not assume that the receiver will know the importance of your message. Communications fail when the receiver does not understand what the sender is trying to say. This can also occur when the sender uses jargon not understood by the receiver.
• Preconceptions – do not presume that the receiver of your message automatically knows what you are trying to communicate; or that they will let you know that they do not understand.
• Fear or anxiety – nervous receivers may be concentrating more on how they are feeling then the communicator if they feel anxious.
• Overload – giving too much information at once, making it impossible to absorb. Excessive communication can lead to information overload. Too much paperwork or too many emails can lead to inefficiency and miscommunication. For example, members of staff receiving hundreds of messages via email each day.
• Whereas, insufficient communication – if staff are not told what is going on, they can feel “left in the dark” and demotivated. It is about finding the balance between overload and insufficient communication.
• Physical barriers – i.e., when using telephones or other such forms of communication poor reception can result in the message not being heard.
• Unrealistic demands- do not presume that the receiver is more capable than they actually are.

All of this can result in higher costs and inefficiency, so more resources are needed to achieve the same results. Training staff to ensure they use an appropriate medium and send accurate, clear messages can help communication throughout an organisation.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here is a list of the most often asked FAQ’s.

General

Q. Why should I enrol with the Academy for Distance Learning?
A. Here at ADL, our students are our priority – we treat everyone as a unique individual.

Q. Do I need to buy text books?
A. No, as each module has been written by highly qualified industry professionals. The content of the material is presented in such a way that text books are not required. However, if you require additional reading your tutor will be able to supply a list.

Q. What happens if I have to stop studying for a while? (eg. become sick, go on holidays, have a baby, move house, etc)
A. It’s OK to take a break and start up your study at a later point in time. Just let us know.

Q. Is there an age limit?
A. There is no maximum age limit. We do however, have a minimum age limit of 18 years. Below that age parental consent would be required.

Q. Are your courses up-to date?
A. Our courses are revised and updated on a rotation system.

Q. Do you have a Cancellation policy?
A. Yes. We have a cancellation policy that is fair and equitable. For further details please click here.

Q. Will I have any opportunity to engage with other students?
A. We have a Student Community group based on facebook! If you don’t have a facebook account already, you could make one just for talking with fellow students on the group.

Enrolment

Q. When can I enrol/start?
A. You may enrol and start at any time of the year – it’s all self- paced.

Q. Can I study from anywhere in the world?
A. Our courses are available to anyone, anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home. The course content is relevant to any country, culture or economy.

Q. How long do I have to complete the course?
A. You complete the course at any time that is convenient for you.

Q. Completing a 100 hour module – how long will it take?
A. For some students a 100 hour module will take approximately to 3- 6 months to complete. Others take less time and some even longer.

Assessment

Q. Assessment – how does it work?
A. For each 100 hour module you are assessed by assignments (at the end of each lesson) and a final one and a half hour exam (or you may elect to complete a Project, instead of sitting the exam) – the choice is yours – you sit for the exam in your own location.

Q. I don’t cope well with exams – what can I do?
A. You may elect to undertake a Project (set by your tutor) instead of sitting the exam. Projects are completed from your home and can usually take a couple of weeks to complete.

Q. If my assignment is not up to standard is there an opportunity to resubmit my work?
A. Yes –

Q. How many assignments do I need to complete for each module?
A. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment – so if a course has say, 10 lessons, there would be 10 assignments.

Q. I am having difficulty attending workshops/industry meetings, what can be done?
A. If your course requires attendance at workshops, conferences, or industry meetings; alternative arrangements can be made in your country.

Qualifications

Q. What qualification will I receive?
A. For individual modules, you would be awarded a Certificate endorsed by TQUK (Training Qualifications, UK), providing you complete all assignments and the exam. If you just want to complete only the assignments and not sit for the exam or finish a Project, then a Letter of Achievement would be awarded. For more details on qualifications available please click here.

Q. Can I customize my diploma/higher qualification?
A. Not all educational institution’s certificates /diplomas meet everyone’s needs. The opportunity to Design Your Own Diploma at the Academy (subject to our approval) is an added bonus, not found at other colleges. You choose modules that you think will help you in achieving your goal.

Q. What do I get when I complete the course? Will I receive a transcript?
A. At the completion of all courses and providing all assignments and exam requirements have been met, you will receive your Award and a Transcript.

Tutors

Q. Our tutors – who are they?
A. We appoint Tutors and require that they must be currently active in their industry, with at least 5 years’ experience in their chosen profession.

Q. Can I contact my tutor at any time?
A. Yes – you have unlimited access to your tutor via email through our Online Classroom. You can always leave a message with ADL requesting your tutor to contact you. You decide on how much or how little contact you wish to have.

Q. Practical work – How is this done?
A. To find out more about this part of the course please visit the section on How Our Courses Work here.