Presenter: Hildy Hanson (Keyano College)
The Effective Reading in Context (ERIC) program was developed by Keyano College in partnership with Syncrude Canada. The core curriculum has remained basically the same since the launch of the program in 1987, although the documents addressed change depending on the specific learner group. Since 1987 it has been delivered to over 1500 Syncrude employees. ERIC is intended as an interactive workshop that presents participants with the opportunity to practice efficient workplace reading using proven and effective strategies. The key word here is practice.
From a safety and business perspective, efficient reading of workplace documents benefits all levels of an organization. Safe Work Practices require, in part, the reading of procedures, instructions, notices, and numerous other workplace documents. Many workplace accidents occur, not because workers cannot read, but because they are not “in the moment”; that is, workers are not focusing and actively processing written information.
Human performance has a significant impact on workplace safety. Since workers are responsible for their own reading, effective reading courses offer the worker a means to manage their workplace reading. Each of the strategies discussed in the ERIC workshop is meant to keep the workplace reader in the moment for that particular task. An increase in worker attention for reading tasks produces a safer workplace environment.
SAM was introduced to Syncrude employees in 1997 and was originally called WIN Working in Numeracy. SAM focuses on the math most commonly used in the workplace using workplace applications. As a refresher course, its focus is to ensure a solid understanding of basic math skills. SAM participation improves workplace efficiency in areas including budgets, inventory, blue print reading, angle applications for crane booms, grades and welding, safety and loss management and the math required for most trades. The customized workplace examples and exercises ensure employees are interested and involved.
Both ERIC and SAM have been adapted to meet the needs of a variety of clients. The adaptation involves incorporating authentic workplace documents into the course material. Past partners include the Communications Energy and Paperworkers Local 707, Northern Lights Health Region, Westwood Community High School, Alberta Power (ATCO Electric) and the Construction Owners Association of Alberta.