Communications Level 4 G10001

Assessment Technique: Portfolio of Coursework Weighting: 10% of total marks for module Title: Learning Journal and Reflection

GUIDELINES

It is required that you keep a written record on a regular basis of the activities that you cover in class. In this learning journal, you should record the hopes and concerns you have (or that you had) at the start of the course. Subsequently, you should record how you consider your learning is progressing and reflect on areas that you may have found difficult and areas that you particularly enjoyed.

Your finished journal should contain two different pieces of work:  A brief account of selected activities, tasks, or work that you undertake;  Your personal reflection on your experience during the course.

You may use the following headings as a guide to record your thoughts and insights:  What I want to learn and/or achieve?  What I have learned?  How I learned it?  How this learning challenged me?  What differences this learning has made to me?

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA MAX MARK Marks will be awarded as follows: Charting learning experiences 15 Identification of significant learning 20 Identification of challenges 15 Awareness of progress 15 Reflection on impact of learning 25 Presentation of Learning Journal 10

I confirm that this is my own original work.

Signed:______Date:______Communications Level 4 G10001

Assessment Technique: Portfolio of Coursework Weighting: 15% of total marks for module Title: Non-verbal & Visual Communication

GUIDELINES

Non-Verbal and Visual Communication  Visual aids e.g. wallchart, signs and symbols, overheads, photographs Or  Non-verbal presentation e.g. mime, dance of 3 – 5 minutes duration Evidence of support studies should be provided.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

A. Answer the worksheet headed “Non-Verbal Communication” keeping in mind you are interpreting body language – use your imagination. The answers here must be at least one sentence. A single word will not be accepted. There are no “correct” answers as each person may interpret body language differently. You may discuss. B. From newspapers or magazines choose pictures/photos that depict an emotion i.e. sadness, joy, etc. Attach these to a sheet of paper and state what each represents. In the case of the photos chosen write a suitable “bubble” for the chosen picture. C. Prepare a non-verbal/visual message to be shown to the group. D. Prepare a short message to be mimed to the group.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA MAX MARK CANDIDATE MARK

I confirm that this is my own original work

Signed:______Date:______The Non-Verbal Message - Worksheet

How would you indicate the following messages in a non-verbal way?

There is a phone call for you.

Would you like a cup of tea?

What time is it?

Go over there.

Look up. Hello. Communications Level 4 G10001

Assessment Technique: Portfolio of Coursework Weighting: 5% of total marks for module Title: Listening Exercise

GUIDELINES

You are required to listen to an extract from Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim and to take notes to remind you of its content. Answer the questions overleaf (on separate sheets of paper), ensuring that your work is well-presented with clear, comprehensive answers. Your rough notes should be attached to your answer sheets for assessment.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA MAX MARK

Marks will be awarded as follows: High level of attention with good use of positive listening skills 10 Good notes taken 10 Clarification and appropriate questions asked 10 Questions answered correctly 10 Neat presentation 10 50

I confirm that this is my own original work.

Signed:______Date:______Unit 3 – Personal Interaction – Listening Exercise

Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim is a 2004 collection of 22 autobiographical essays by American humorist David Sedaris. The essays address the author's upbringing in Raleigh, North Carolina, his relationships with family members, and his work and life in New York City and France.

“Let It Snow”

1. In what State did David Sedaris live when he was younger?

2. What type of winters did they have there?

3. Where did his family move to?

4. What grade was David Sedaris in at the time of this story?

5. How much snow did they get that year?

6. Why were the children at home?

7. What did the mother do to her children and why?

8. What did the children do to pass the time?

9. What was the mom doing in the kitchen?

10. What were the narrator’s sisters’ names?

11. Why does his father enjoy going to work, according to David Sedaris?

12. Who do they ask to lie down in the middle of the street? Why, what is their plan?

13. Whose was the first car that came by?

14. What did their mother lose in the snow?

15. How does the story end? Communications Level 4 G10001

Assessment Technique: Portfolio of Coursework Weighting: 10% of total marks for module Title: Book Review

GUIDELINES

Select a book from the titles presented to you and read it at home at your leisure. When you have finished reading the book, write a review of it. Your book review should include the following:  The name of the book;  Its author;  A summary of what it is about; and  Your own personal opinion on the book.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA MAX MARK

Marks will be awarded as follows:

Good understanding of the theme of the book 4 Well-written summary 6 Personal opinion clearly expressed 6 Neat presentation 4

20

I confirm that this is my own original work.

Signed:______Date:______Communications Level 4 G10001

Assessment Technique: Portfolio of Coursework Weighting: 5% of total marks for module Title: Oral Presentation

GUIDELINES

Prepare a presentation on any subject of your choice (e.g. book review, short report, hobby, etc.) to be given to your fellow students, bearing in mind the following:  Your presentation should be about 3-5 minutes long;  Remember to speak clearly and maintain eye contact with your audience;  Your presentation should have an introduction (of you and the subject), your main points and a conclusion;  Your use of visual aids should be just sufficient to make your points clear.

This presentation will be recorded.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA MAX MARK

Marks will be awarded as follows: Evidence of planning and rehearsal obvious 2 Cue cards used 2 Good eye contact and approach to holding interest of audience 2 Good introduction, main body and conclusion obvious 2 Tone, stance and gesture positive and engaging 2

10

I confirm that this is my own original work

Signed:______Date:______Communications Level 4 G10001

Unit 3: Personal Interaction Title: Oral Presentation

STUDENT’S COMMENTS

Was I happy with the overall presentation?

Which part did I feel best about?

Did I feel confident? Did my feelings change as I settled into the presentation?

Would I change anything if I were doing it again?

How do I feel now? How would I feel when next I am asked to do another presentation?

Communications Level 4 G10001

Unit 3: Personal Interaction Title: Oral Presentation

ORAL PRESENTATION ASSESSMENT

1. Student’s Manner

Nervous Average Confident Enthusiastic

2. Voice

Inaudible Hesitant Clear

3. Content

Irrelevant to audience Relevant to audience

4. Use of visual aids

Insufficient Just right Too much

5. Use of notes

Verbatim reading Used as guide but distracting Used well/not distracting

6. Eye contact

None Limited Wide ranging

7. Questions

Invited Answered Ignored

8. Closure No summary Poor summary Good summary

Comment:

Tutor: Communications Level 4 G10001

Assessment Technique: Portfolio of Coursework Weighting: 20% of total marks for module Title: Writing Section

GUIDELINES

As part of your writing section at Unit 5, you are required to submit the following pieces of work:  2 letters: o a personal letter – hand-written; o a formal letter – either typed or hand-written;  A piece of personal expressive or creative writing (200-300 words) e.g. story, autobiography, a speech, opinion, series of poems;  A short report (2–3 pages), either typed or handwritten, based on research, in conventional report format;  Curriculum Vitae, one page (typed);  An agenda for a club of your choice;  Complete at least two forms;  A set of instructions or directions.

The above documents should illustrate your ability to write clearly, confidently and expressively and should also show your competence in punctuation, spelling and structure. Evidence of drafting, proof-reading and editing should be provided.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA MAX MARK Marks will be awarded as follows: 2 letters – personal, formal 10 Short report 10 Personal, creative or expressive writing 10 Writing for specific purposes (CV, Agenda, etc.) 10 40

I confirm that this is my own original work.

Signed:______Date:______Communications Level 4 G10001

Assessment Technique: Portfolio of Coursework Weighting: 5% of total marks for module Title: Short Report

GUIDELINES

Carry out research on a topic of your own choosing and produce a report of 2 – 3 pages (either typed or hand-written) containing the following information:

 Title  Introduction  Aims  Evidence of Research  Your conclusions/recommendations  A list of references used

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA MAX MARK

Marks will be awarded as follows: Clear and written in impersonal language 15 Document facts not opinions 20 Presented in sections as per guidelines above 20 Evidence of research included 30 Conclusions/recommendations 15

I confirm that this is my own original work.

Signed:______Date:______Communications Level 4 G10001

Assessment Technique: Portfolio of Coursework Weighting: 15% of total marks for module Title: Media Awareness

GUIDELINES

A. Compare and contrast the attached articles outlining the following information in your answer:  The names of the newspapers and their date;  The names of the journalists who wrote the article for each paper;  On what page do the articles appear?  Were there photographs included and did these add to the story?  Did the writers express personal opinions about the topic? If so, give examples;  Outline some of the factual statements that appear in each article;  In your opinion, which was the better report? Give reasons for your answer. (200 words minimum)

B. From the selection of newspapers and magazines presented to you, choose two visual images (photos or advertisements):  one image that appeals to you and  one that you dislike. In the case of each, give reasons for your choice. (50 words minimum)

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA MAX MARK Marks will be awarded as follows:  Evidence of appropriate research 5  Understanding of assignment clearly demonstrated 5  Comprehensive evaluation and objective analysis completed 10  Assignment presented appropriately 10 30

I confirm that this is my own original work.

Signed:______Date:______Communications Level 4 G10001

Assessment Technique: Portfolio of Coursework Weighting: 10% of total marks for module Title: Communications Technology

GUIDELINES

A. You are required to produce an essay (typed) of between 300 – 350 words on the “Impact of Technology on your Personal Life”. When writing your essay, bear in mind the influences that technology has had on your personal, social and/or vocational life.

B. To illustrate your understanding of an application of technology, you are required to submit a copy of any of the following: Fax, e-mail, ATM slip or any other evidence that may be deemed appropriate.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA MAX MARK Marks will be awarded as follows:  Extensive summary of aspects of communications technology 5  Clear understanding of impact on private and public life 5  Evidence of critical thinking applied to subject matter 5  Well-presented essay 3  Evidence of use of technology 2 20

I confirm that this is my own original work.

Signed:______Date:______Communications Level 4 G10001

DOCUMENT CHECKLIST

STUDENT:

UNIT 1: LEARING TO LEARN

1. Learning Journal – to include brief account of selected activities and the student’s personal reflection on their experience. 2. Student’s evaluation of their presentation (see Unit 3).

UNIT 2: NON-VERBAL & VISUAL COMMUNICATION

1. Visual aids (e.g. wallchart, signs, symbols, overheads, photos). 2. Tutor verification of mimed non-verbal message.

UNIT 3: PERSONAL INTERACTION

1. Recorded presentation on subject of interest to the student. 2. Listening exercise with answer sheet. 3. Tutor verification of informal conversation.

UNIT 4: READING

1. Written assignment on newspaper article (see Unit 6). 2. Irish Times Magazine article with answer sheet. 3. “The Rescue” taken from Michael Smith’s biography of Tom Crean. 4. Story from the Reader’s Digest with answer sheet. 5. “The Confessional” by Sean O’Faolain with answer sheet. 6. Poem with answer sheet. 7. Research for student’s short report (see Unit 5). 8. Book review to include synopsis and comment. UNIT 5: WRITING

1. Two letters – formal and handwritten. 2. Short report (2 - 3 pages) on subject of interest to student. 3. Creative writing (200-300 words), e.g. story, speech, opinion, series of poems, autobiography. 4. One page Curriculum Vitae – typed. 5. Two completed forms, e.g. driving licence / passport application. 6. Agenda. (Evidence of drafting, proof-reading and editing should be provided.)

UNIT 6: MEDIA AWARENESS

1. Assignment which could include a debate, production of a newspaper article, newsletter, poster, essay, advertisement, etc.

UNIT 7: COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY

1. Assignment (300 – 350 words approximately), typed, on impact of technology on personal life. 2. Evidence of use of technology, e.g. fax, ATM slip, email.

All of the work contained in this portfolio has been completed by the above named student.

TUTOR:

DATE: GROUP DISCUSSION ON THE MEDIA

This was a very interesting discussion on “How stories are portrayed by the media”. The discussion was opened by and the other group members were and . Each student had quite specific views on the manner in which many newspaper articles are investigated and reported.

This discussion was recorded and this recording has been presented as evidence.

Tutor:

Date: TUTOR VERIFICATION

INFORMAL CONVERSATION

Student Name:

This group has worked very well together during the course of preparing their portfolios of work. They have been very supportive to each other and there is always great interaction with one another during the class. Each student speaks clearly and with confidence.

Tutor:

Date: TUTOR VERIFICATION

NON-VERBAL MESSAGE

Student Name:

This student has fully demonstrated an awareness of the various methods of non-verbal communication that may be used by us all from time to time. Along with interpreting and evaluating visual images as displayed in his/her folder, a message was also conveyed to the rest of the group using non-verbal communication.

Tutor:

Date: TUTOR VERIFICATION

PERSONAL EFFECTIVENESS

Student Name:

In class we had a discussion in relation to health and safety at work.

We also discussed issues of hygiene in the work place.

We discussed health, safety and hygiene in particular in relation to working in the following workplaces:

 Canteen/kitchen  Office  Hospital ward  Building site

Next we discussed the prevention of accidents in the workplace.

Each group member contributed to the discussion and included their own personal experiences from their places of work. It was an interesting discussion and the class members also benefited from the comments and experiences of others.

Tutor:

Date: TUTOR VERIFICATION

WORKING TOGETHER WITHIN A TEAM

Student Name:

This student has worked very hard within his/her group while completing his/her Level 3 Personal Effectiveness folder and Level 4 Communications folder. All students within the group have supported each other in all of their assignments and projects that they have undertaken. The group would not have achieved such good results without each other’s support.

Tutor:

Date: