Essential Skills and the Ontario Skills Passport ontario/skillspassport

Essential Skills and the Ontario Skills Passport

www.ontario.ca/skillspassport

Ontario Skills Passport (OSP)

Essential Skills … • are used in virtually all occupations

and in everyday life• transferable from school to work, job to job and further

education or training, including apprenticeship• help people adapt to change• provide people with a foundation for learning other skills,

like technical skills and job/workplace specific skills.

Essential SkillsHRSDC & OSP

No. HRSDC (9 Skills) OSP (14 Skills)

1 Reading Text Reading Text

2 Writing Writing

3 Document Use Document Use

4 Computer Use Computer Use

5 Oral Communication Oral Communication

6 Numeracy Money Math, Data Analysis, Measurement and Calculation, Numerical Estimation and Scheduling or Budgeting and Accounting

7 Thinking Skills Job Task Planning and Organizing, Decision Making, Problem Solving, Finding Information

8 Working with Others Team Building is a Work Habit in the OSP

9 Continuous Learning Continuous Learning is not included in the OSP

Why These Skills Are Essential

• Generic skills used in virtually all occupations and throughout daily life in different forms and at different levels of complexity.

• They are transferable from school to work, job to job and further education or training.

• They provide the foundation for learning other skills, such as technical skills and job/workplace specific skills.

• Enable people to perform tasks required by their jobs as well as adapt to change.

TASKS

List 4 items that are on your WORK “to do” list that you have to attend to today.

SKILLS

What skills do you have to use in order to complete each of those tasks?

Essential Skills in the OSP

Reading Text

• Refers to the comprehension of text consisting of sentences and paragraphs. – Notes– Letters– Memos– Manuals– Books– Etc.

Reading Text

Work Read a short email from a customer asking if a product is available. (1)

Learning Read articles in newspapers, magazines and websites to gain background knowledge on a topic. (3)

Life Read a movie review to decide if you want to go and see it. (2)

Writing

• Means the preparation of written materials for a variety of purposes. – Writing notes– Filling in forms– Writing an e-mail– Creating reports

Writing

Work Write one or two paragraphs to record an incident or to make a suggestion. (2)

Learning Write a short note to remind yourself about homework to complete. (1)

Life Write a cover letter to apply for a job. Address the requirements in the job ad and describe why you are a good candidate for the position. (3)

Document Use

• Refers to tasks that use a variety of information displays– Pictures– Icons– Tables– Graphs– Lists– Blueprints– Maps

Document Use

Work Record availability on a weekly work schedule. (1)

Learning Complete a student information form. (2)

Life Complete a multi-page job application form. (3)

Computer Use

• The use of any type of computerized technology. Applications of Computer Use include varying levels of interaction with:– Computer-controlled equipment– Software programs– Information technology systems

Computer Use

Work Produce brochures using graphics software. (3)

Learning Research a topic using the Internet. (2)

Life Check a company’s website to find travel or weather information. (2)

Oral Communication

• Pertains to the use of speech to give and exchange thoughts and information– Conversations– Seeking or obtaining information– Leading a group– Providing comfort or reassurance

Oral Communication

Work Make presentations to small groups, such as representatives of a potential new client. (3)

Learning Book an appointment with your guidance counsellor. (1)

Life Negotiate with a salesperson over the price and conditions of a major purchase. (3)

Recognize That Essential Skill?

In your groups:

Complete the Task

Decide which Essential Skill is being showcased.

Task 1

Essential Skill Demonstrated:

Document Use (2)

Task 2Answers will vary. Possible answer:

Dear Don,

On behalf of Ontario READ, we would sincerely like to thank you for participating in the Family Literacy Day event on January 27th. Your presence and songs inspired families to join the “Read In” and other activities throughout the day. We really appreciated your talents and support.

Thank you,

[name signed here]

Essential Skill Demonstrated:

Writing (2) Additional Skills: Document Use (2)

Numeracy Skills• Money Math

• Scheduling or Budgeting and Accounting

• Measurement and Calculation

• Data Analysis

• Numerical Estimation

Money Math

• Refers to the use of mathematical skills in making financial transactions– handling cash– preparing bills– making payments

Money Math

Work Total customer purchases, including applicable taxes. (2)

Learning Count out change to pay for lunch. (1)

Life Convert the cost of an item from U.S. currency to Canadian currency to decide whether it is a good value. (2)

Scheduling or Budgeting and Accounting

• Planning for the best use of time and money, as well as monitoring of the use of time and money.

Scheduling or Budgeting and Accounting

Work Schedule customer appointments, identifying an appropriate time and allocating sufficient time for each appointment. (2)

Learning Calculate the ticket price for a school fundraising event considering the cost of supplies, expected net profit and the number of tickets you expect to sell. (3)

Life Schedule cleaning, laundry and grocery shopping for the week. (1)

Measurement and Calculation

• The measurement and calculation of quantities, areas, volumes, and/or distances.

Measurement and Calculation

Work Calculate the square footage of a room to figure out how much carpet to buy for a customer. (2)

Learning Double or triple the ingredients in a recipe when preparing food for a school event. (2)

Life Measure the amount of laundry detergent for a load of laundry. (1)

Data Analysis

• The collection and analysis of data in numerical form.

Data Analysis

Work Analyze responses to customer service questionnaires to identify patterns. (3)

Learning Compare your mark on two assignments to determine whether your skills are improving. (1)

Life Calculate the average amount of money you spend on groceries per week to figure out how much of each paycheque to budget for food. (2)

Numerical Estimation

• The production of estimates in numerical terms.

Numerical Estimation

Work Estimate the volume of cleaning fluid to add to water. (1)

Learning Estimate rehearsal time requirements to mount a new school play. (3)

Life Estimate the time it will take to get to an appointment. (2)

Recognize That Essential Skill?

In your groups:

Complete the Task

Decide which Essential Skill is being showcased.

Task 1

$8,243.95 savings

Essential Skills Demonstrated:

Measurement and Calculation (3)

Additional Skills: Document Use (2)

One way to get this answer...1. Identify what is required: the cost savings to the client.

2. Find the number of square feet to be tiled.

3. Locate the column “Item or Description” in the Estimate Detail Form.

4. Scan the column for the key word “tile”.

5. Decide that 650 SQ’ is the number of square feet to be tiled.

6. Identify what is required: 10% for waste allowance on materials.

7. Set up the problem to find the total required including waste allowance: (square feet x waste percentage) + square feet = square feet to be tiled including waste allowance.

8. Calculate: (650 x 10%) + 650 = 715 square feet.

9. Identify what is required: the cost for porcelain and ceramic tiles to cover 715 square feet.

10. Set up the problem to find the cost for porcelain tiles: price / sq. ft. Coverage x 715 square feet = cost for porcelain tiles to cover 715 square feet.

11. Calculate: $16.25 x 715 = $11,618.75.

12. Set up problem to find the cost for ceramic tiles: price / sq. ft. Coverage x 715 square feet = cost for ceramic tiles to cover 715 square feet.

13. Calculate: $4.72 sq. ft. x 715 = $3,374.80.

14. Identify what is required: the cost savings to the client by using ceramic tiles.

15. Set up the problem to find the cost difference: Total porcelain price for coverage – Total ceramic price for coverage = cost savings.

16. Calculate: $11,618.75 - $3,374.80 = $8,243.95.

17. Decide the savings to the customer would be $8,243.95.

Task 2

At least 72 golfers are required to meet the target profit.

Essential Skills Demonstrated:

Scheduling or Budgeting and Accounting (2)

One way to get this answer...1. Identify what is required: minimum number of golfers required to

meet the target profit.

2. Scan the task statement for minimum profit required.

3. Locate $2,500.

4. Scan the task statement to find the cost that golfers will pay for the event.

5. Locate $90.

6. Scan the task statement to find the profit earned per golfer for the event.

7. Locate $35.

8. Set up problem: (minimum number of golfers x $35) = $2,500.

9. Calculate: (X x $35) = $2,500. 2,500 / 35 = X. 2,500 / 35 = 71.43.

10. Decide that at least 72 golfers are required to meet the target profit of $2,500.

Thinking Skills• Job Task Planning and Organizing

• Decision Making

• Problem Solving

• Finding Information

Job Task Planning and Organizing

• The planning and organization of one’s own work.

Job Task Planning and Organizing

Work You work on similar tasks from one day to the next. You decide what to work on first, but you need to confirm with your supervisor that your plan is okay. You might need to change your plans after interruptions or to better co-ordinate your tasks with your co-workers. (3)

Learning You typically complete similar tasks from one day to the next. Each day, you attend previously-scheduled classes. Outside of class time, you plan and organize your time to complete homework, work on group assignments and attend extracurricular meetings, practices and events and work part-time. (3)

Life As a parent, each day is different. It is up to you to plan each day, decide which tasks are most important and sequence the tasks to make sure your children and home are taken care of. There are many interruptions, which often force you to revise your plan. (4)

Decision Making

• The making of any type of decision, using appropriate information.

Decision Making

Work You decide to offer a customer a discount or rebate to keep their business. You use your discretion to decide what is appropriate under the circumstances. (2)

Learning You select the materials you will need to complete a monthly book report project. (1)

Life Decide to accept a temporary employment contract which requires moving to another city. You use your experience and judgment to consider whether the new contract and new city will meet your needs. You may need to consider others’ interests in your decision, which may be at odds with your own opinion. (3)

Problem Solving

• The identification and solving of problems.

Problem Solving

Work You wake up too late to get to work on time. Call your supervisor immediately as stated in your work policy. (1)

Learning There is a conflict between group members working on a project worth 30% of your final mark. Identify options that will appease each member so you can effectively complete the assignment. (3)

Life You have scheduled two appointments at the same time. Determine which activity can and should be rescheduled. (2)

Finding Information

• The use of a variety of sources, including written text, people, computerized databases, and information systems.

Finding Information

Work Find invoice or product order status in computer or paper records. (1)

Learning Conduct research for a report by consulting textbooks, conducting Internet searches and talking to experts in the field, as appropriate. (3)

Life Find information on a company before interviewing for a job. Consult a variety of sources, such as industry journals, conduct Internet research and talk to industry contacts. (3)

Choose That Essential Skill... Working in pairs, decide which Essential Skill is

being demonstrated in each of these activities.Description Essential Skill

Likes to keep the team on task during group work.

Likes to track the stats of their favourite sports team.

Can calculate HST on anything!

Loves all kinds of reading materials … magazines, novels, newspapers, anything!

Likes to listen to problems and find appropriate solutions … a regular Dr. Phil!

Likes to talk a lot and enjoys presenting in front of the class.

Weighs all the options before choosing what to do.

Is great at planning a party and keeping on budget.

Is good at filling in forms; likes working with charts.

Likes cooking and measures out all the ingredients.

Writes messages in greeting cards, keeps a journal or likes to write stories or poems.

Choose That Essential Skill... Working in pairs, decide which Essential Skill is

being demonstrated in each of these activities.Description Essential Skill

Likes to keep the team on task during group work. Job Task Planning and Organizing

Likes to track the stats of their favourite sports team. Data Analysis

Can calculate HST on anything! Money Math

Loves all kinds of reading materials … magazines, novels, newspapers, anything!

Reading Text

Likes to listen to problems and find appropriate solutions … a regular Dr. Phil!

Problem Solving

Likes to talk a lot and enjoys presenting in front of the class. Oral Communication

Weighs all the options before choosing what to do. Decision Making

Is great at planning a party and keeping on budget. Scheduling, Budgeting and Accounting

Is good at filling in forms; likes working with charts. Document Use

Likes cooking and measures out all the ingredients. Measurement and Calculation

Writes messages in greeting cards, keeps a journal or likes to write stories or poems.

Writing

Skills

• What skills do you have to use in order to complete each of those tasks?

• For each task, prioritize the skills: MOST important Next important Is there a 3rd important skill?

SKILLS ZONE

Essential Skill Levels

• We use our Essential Skills everyday but we also use them at different levels of complexity or skill levels when performing tasks.

• Skill levels indicate the level of complexity involved in the use of a skill in a particular task.

Complexity Rating Scale

• The Complexity Rating Scale indicates the level of complexity involved in the use of a skill in a particular task.

• The least complex tasks are classified at level 1; the most complex tasks are classified at level 5 or at level 4 if there are only 4 levels for a skill.

Skill levels are associated with workplace tasks and not the worker performing these tasks.

Essential Skill Levels

“Why is this so hard?” card game

Card Game (Part 1)

• Shuffle the deck of cards.

• Find the Ace of Spades.

• Once you are done, think about the process.

Card Game (Part 1)Locating

• In Part 1 of the card game, there was a direct match between the visual of the card (Ace of Spades) and the card you needed to locate in the deck.

• This strategy is known as “locating.”

Card Game (Part 2)

• Shuffle the deck.

• Locate all four aces.

• Once you are done, think about the process.

Card Game (Part 2)Cycling

• In Part 2 of the card game, you had to find the four aces (A♥, A♦, A♣, and A♠).

• This strategy is known as “cycling.”

• Increased time was required to complete the task.

Card Game (Part 3)

• Put all the cards back in the deck and shuffle.

• Find all the diamonds and place the cards in order from A (low) to K (high).

• Once you are done, think about the process.

Card Game (Part 3)Integrating

• In Part 3 of the card game, you were asked to find all the diamonds and place the cards in order from A (low) to K (high).

• This task involves multiple “locates” but this time you also had to manipulate, or process, the cards by sequencing them.

• This strategy is known as “integrate.”

Card Game (Part 4)

• Put all the cards back in the deck and shuffle.

• Identify the highest-scoring hand for each of the three most popular card games in North America.

• Once you are done, think about the process.

Card Game (Part 4)Generating

• In Part 4 of the card game, you were asked to identify the highest-scoring hand for each of the three most popular card games in North America.

• This task was the most challenging because it depended on using your prior knowledge to complete the task.

• You had to “generate” the answer in your own head.

Card Game (Review)

• The card game illustrates the strategies of locating, cycling, integrating and generating.

• This demonstrates the kinds of analysis that went into determining the Essential Skills complexity levels.

• Tasks that require only locating are considered easier than tasks that require cycling, integrating or generating.

Task ComplexityTask Complexity

What makes tasks more or less difficult?

The difficulty level of a task depends on how easy or hard it is to find the answer.

Task Complexity

Straightforward tasks (Level 1, 2)

Learner finds key words in the question and matches those words with the exact same words in the workplace document.

Learner does not need to have a strong understanding of the document format to find the answer.

Task ComplexityTask Complexity

Examples:1. What is the patient’s name?

Tim Aalto2. What is the nutrition diet?

Minced Diabetic

Task ComplexityTask Complexity

More difficult tasksLearner must

locate multiple pieces of information compare information from different areas of the same

document integrate information from different areas of the same

document generate information

Learner needs to understand the document type or format.

Task ComplexityTask Complexity

Level 1, 2 :

Locating multiple pieces of information

Example:

Which floor coverings can be installed 16 to 24 hours after application?

carpet, vinyl sheet goods…

Task ComplexityTask Complexity

Level 2: Comparing information from different areas of the same documentMaking inferences

Example:What salads were ordered?

house caesarhouse greens

Task ComplexityTask Complexity

Level 2, 3:

Integrating information from different areas of the same document or two documents

Example:

Greg Raymond is a driver who has lost his CVOR Certificate. His RIN is 349 445 234. He is paying for a replacement using his credit card. Complete the application.

Task ComplexityTask Complexity

Exercise

Put the tasks in order of complexity from 1 to 5.

• Read a short email to find out what time a meeting is• Read and critique technical reports, research papers and

journal articles written by co-workers and colleagues.• Proofread and edit a friend’s résumé and cover letter for

correct grammar and content.• Read an article in a newsletter to learn about upcoming

or past events.• Read consumer product reviews from various websites

and magazines to make purchasing decisions.

Essential Skills Profiles

• Essential Skills Profiles describe how each skill is used in an occupation.

• Researchers asked workers:

- What do you do in your job?

- Why do you do it?

- How do you do it?

- What resources and materials do you use?

• There are approximately 400 profiles on the OSP Website.

OSP Occupational Profiles

Each OSP Occupational Profile includes:• Sample job tasks in over 400 occupational profiles.• Links to the HRSDC Essential Skill Profile and the

National Occupational Classification (NOC) website.• Information on career planning, education and training,

and employment and volunteer opportunities.

Skills Pyramid

Registered Nurse

Job/Workplace Specific Skills Follow the specific emergency procedures in the clinic if the patient had a reaction to the injection.

Technical Skills Give an injection.

Essential Skills DOCUMENT USE Read labels on the medication to verify the patient’s name and dosage. (1)

ORAL COMMUNICATION Communicate with the patient and respond to questions or concerns relating to their health status or treatment interventions. (3)

MEASUREMENT AND CALCULATION Measure the correct quantity of the substance to be injected. (1)

Essential Skills are transferable

Essential Skills are called transferable skills because you can transfer them (or take them with you) from school to work, further education or training, and to your everyday life; they are also transferable from job to job.

Review

1. There are 14 Essential Skills in the OSP.

2. Essential Skills have skill levels.

3. Essential Skills Profiles.

4. Essential Skills are the foundation for learning other skills, like technical skills and job/workplace specific skills.

5. Essential Skills are also called transferable skills.