It is important to integrate Communications skills with other quadrants of The Circle of Learning. For example, the project on environmental issues would most likely use all of the Communications skills as well as Numeracy, technological knowledge (from Lifelong Learning) and co-operation and teamwork (from Interpersonal Skills). Try to be as creative and open-minded as possible when developing lessons with learners.

Benchmarks and Learning Outcomes for Communications
OBSERVING & VIEWING Level 1 OBSERVING & VIEWING Level 2

Benchmark

Observe and view actively

Learning Outcomes
  1. Learners will view for practical purposes and social skills development.
  2. Learners will observe for practical purposes and social skills development.

Benchmark

Observe and view critically.

Learning Outcome
  1. Learners will demonstrate critical observing and viewing behaviours to gain knowledge and for personal enjoyment.
LISTENING Level 1 LISTENING Level 2

Benchmark

Listen to short messages actively and respectfully.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Learners will listen with understanding to short messages for enjoyment and practical purposes.
  2. Learners will demonstrate active listening behaviours.
  3. Learners will minimize barriers to listening in order to improve daily interactions.

Benchmark

Listen to long messages actively and respectfully.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Learners will listen with understanding to long messages for personal enrichment and practical purposes.
  2. Learners will listen with understanding to long messages for social skills development.
  3. Learners will demonstrate that listening is an active process of constructing meaning.
  4. Learners will listen with empathy in order to improve daily interactions.