COMMUNICATION SKILLS IN DIFFERENT CONTEXTS
COMMUNICATION SKILLS IN DIFFERENT CONTEXTS
Defining literacy as the ability to read and write is no longer acceptable in our modern, fast paced world.
In order for people to engage effectively, they need to be able to read, write, listen and speak in a variety
of contexts, including digitally.
Being digitally literate means being able to use tools of technology proficiently.
Beyond this, it means
being able to create and evaluate multi-media texts and even manage multiple streams of information
within various settings.
BOHE developed Communication in different contexts with the expanded definition of literacy in mind. In
order to succeed, it is necessary for people to build cross cultural connections using a variety of
communication media to ensure understanding of meaning and intent.
This has the potential for people
to solve problems collectively but also strengthen individual independent thinking.
All communication has a purpose and a medium. The use of genres within specific contexts conveys intent,
for example, a formal letter or email suggests a business or elevated interaction instead of a casual,
relaxed context.
People are continuously surrounded by stimuli, both visual and auditory. Consider the various
advertisements both in print and digital media. Skills are needed to decipher messages from the media
but also to respond effectively and fluently, and with insight.
CONTENT
When designing the programme, various topics were considered in terms of their relevance and
contribution to advanced literacy. People need to make sense of news stories, editorials and investigative
journalism to understand the dynamics of their societies, and indeed, the world. Within these genres, the
writing could be objective or subjective, designed to manipulate people’s thoughts, thus it is essential for
citizens of the 21st century to be able to identify truth and emotive persuasion.
Understanding humour in
the media is also a vital skill. Satire is often used by both writers and cartoonists to provoke thought in
readers. This skill is presented in lessons on visual media and blog writing.
Many other topics contribute to a programme that will enhance participants understanding and
engagement in different settings of their lives.
BENEFIT TO ORGANISATIONS
The Communication in different contexts brings the following advantages:
- Literate employees are empowered because of enhanced self-esteem and confidence.
- Understanding various communication media in a business context will allow employees to adapt to the expectations of different tasks.
- With improved literacy skills, employees have the capacity to collaborate in teams and offer meaningful and valid contributions.
- The ability to manage and understand multiple streams of information will enhance performance and output of employees.
- Enhancing literacy skills of employees engenders the idea that learning is a life-long process, thus employees are constantly developing and refining their skills.
OUTCOMES
By the end of this course students will be able to:
- Understand the concept of different genres in writing.
- Identify the genres appropriate in different contexts.
- Identify the different characteristics of genres of writing.
- Use different genres in a variety of contexts.
- Understand the concept of emotive language.
- Identify objective and subjective writing.
- Communicate with confidence.
DURATION
There are 35 lessons. If three lessons are completed per week, the course should last approximately three months.