Life Skills & Instruction: Program Leaders Monday, February 26, 2007, 1 pm – 3 pm Bell Training Room Participants: Richard Love, Lisa Duncan, Robert Powell, Lisa Key Brown, Bianka Stumpf, Melissa Staley, Lara Manton, Brian Merritt, Vivian Rosser, Joni Pavlik, George Clayton, Johnny Shull Communication skills already included in coursework: Paralegal Written and oral communication skills are included in the program with instructors monitoring improvement throughout the semester.  The main writing courses for Paralegal students are: Legal Research and Writing I, Lex 120 Legal Research and Writing II, Lex 121 Law Office Writing, Lex 271 Case Analysis and Reasoning, Lex 180 Criminal Justice Written communication is priority (CJC 120, CJC 212) Guidelines for writing paper is already in place The capstone course includes 4 written components and 4 oral components; listening skills are also part of the capstone. Grading rubrics have been developed Student learning outcomes address communication skills Human Resources Management Written and oral communications are a part of the program; however, more oral communication instruction is needed Practice interviews build oral communication skills Student profile: more mature and experienced Business Administration Business Communications, BUS 260 - focuses on grammar, etiquette, nonverbal skills - has a written component: a one-page proposal that is evaluated by another instructor - a grading rubric identifies skill level in content, style, presentation, dress, PowerPoint presentation, and supporting documents Organization Behavior, BUS 255 - groups research companies Introduction to Business, BUS 110 & Business Ethics, BUS 240 - students conduct case studies Principles of Management, BUS 137 - has a resume component; grading rubric is used Make sure whatever is assessed counts toward grade – avoid assessing students on anything that they know will not go toward grade. Are there adequate opportunities for students to learn the skill? Paralegal: Skills instruction is happening but not all students are making As – not all can be considered good communicators. Criminal Justice: Yes.  The bar is set higher than the Advisory Board recommends.  Graduates’ interest in the 4-year degree means the bar is high. Human Resources Management: Yes.  Has a capstone that includes cases and exercises.  An HR manager interview is a final project. Business Administration: Yes Listening and asking good questions are also indicators of strong communication skills. Student learning outcomes (SLO) -    SLOs need to be discriminating -    Students should find answers to complex questions; need to find pros and cons -    Students should be able to find facts, understand, and apply -    Students should be able to research and be skillful in oral and written communications -    Students should have analysis skills, be able to prioritize and conduct research -    Students should have clarity in writing skills and comfort in oral presentations To create a consistency in skills instruction across all courses and programs a website would: -    Include broad ideas that provide standardization -    Include folders for each class -    Be a clearinghouse for assignments and activities -    Include requirements for skills instruction -    Include rubrics, assessments, checklists, and self assessments Criminal Justice provides guidance to faculty through hard copy guidelines. QEP Resource Site The QEP resource site should include broad ideas that are standard across all curricula.  Separate sections would hold course-specific information.  General information on the site might include: 1.    How to Teach Communication 2.    Effective Oral Presentations (including video links) 3.    Effective Writing 4.    4 – 5 rubrics that assess generic writing, presentations, etc. 5.    Links to resources 6.    Suggested instructional approaches a.    Sample lesson plans b.    Videos of effective classroom sessions 7.    Etiquette, mock interviews, resumes 8.    Graduate testimonials Assessment might be qualitative if the cohort was manageable enough