Core CurriCulum
Lesson Plans for Instructors
Basic Communication
Skills
00107-15
Module Seven
00107-15 Basic Communication Skills Module Seven i
Lesson Plans for Module 00107–15
Basic communication skills
Module Seven (00107-15) provides trainees with the information and skills needed to communicate effectively
and clearly. Developing good communications skills enables the construction professional to become a confi–
dent, reliable asset to their craft.
Teaching Time: 7.5 hours
(Three 2.5–Hour Classroom Sessions)
Session time may be adjusted to accommodate your class size, schedule, and teaching style.
Prerequisites
Core Curriculum Module 00101-15; Module 00102-15; Module 00103–15; Module 00104–15; and Module 00105–15.
Before You Begin
As you prepare for each session, allow sufficient time to review the course objectives, content, visual aids
Objectives
Learning Objective 1
• Describe the communication, listening, and
speaking processes and their relationship to
job performance.
a. Describe the communication process and the
Learning Objective 2
• Describe good reading and writing skills and
their relationship to job performance.
a. Describe the importance of good reading
and writing skills.
Performance Tasks
Performance Task 1
(Learning Objective 1)
• Perform a given task after listening to oral
instructions.
Performance Task 2
(Learning Objectives 1 and 2)
• Read and interpret a set of instructions for
properly donning a safety harness and then
orally instruct another person on how to don
the harness.
ii NCCER – Core Curriculum 0 0107-15
Classroom Equipment
and Materials
Whiteboard/chalkboard
Markers/chalk
Pencils and paper
Core Curriculum PowerPoint®
Safety Considerations
During the course of this module, trainees may be in the vicinity of electrical energy sources and potentially
hazardous tools, equipment, and materials. In those instances, trainees should be carefully observed to
ensure that they wear the proper PPE, follow safe practices, and give due respect to the hazards associated
with the energy sources, tools, equipment, and materials.
Additional Resources
This module presents thorough resources for task training. The following resource material is suggested for
further study.
How to Win Friends and Influence People, Dale Carnegie. 2013. New York, NY: Simon and Shuster.
Listen Up: How to Improve Relationships, Reduce Stress, and Be More Productive by Using the Power of
Listening, Larry Barker; Kittie Watson. 2000. New York, NY: St. Martin’s Press.
Copies of Figure 3:
Are You A Good Listener?
Copies of Figure 4:
Are You A Good Speaker?
One or more fall-arrest harnesses
One or more copies of the
manufacturer’s donning instructions
for the harness in use
Equipment and Materials for Laboratories and
Performance Testing
00107-15 Basic Communication Skills Module Seven iii
The Lesson Plan for this module is divided into three 2.5–hour sessions.
This time includes 10 minutes for administrative tasks and a 10-minute break per session.
SeSSion one
Session One describes the communication,
listening, and speaking processes and their
relationship to job performance. This session
also includes Performance Task 1 in which
trainees demonstrate their listening skills.
1. Show the Session One PowerPoint®
presentation.
SeSSion Two
Session Two reviews good reading and writing
skills and their relationship to job performance.
This session also includes Performance Task 2
in which trainees practice their writing skills.
1. Show the Session Two PowerPoint®
presentation.
SeSSion Three
Session Three is primarily a review and testing
session. Trainees will also complete the final
Performance Task.
1. Note that there is no PowerPoint®
presentation associated with this session.
2. Have trainees practice and/or complete the
tasks associated with Performance Task 3.
Basic communication skills
Session Outline for 00107–15
iv NCCER – Core Curriculum 0 0107-15
Materials Checklist for Module 00107-15, Basic Communication Skills
Equipment and Materials
Personal protective equipment: Copies of Figure 3:
Are You A Good Listener?
None
Whiteboard/chalkboard Copies of Figure 4:
Are You A Good Speaker?
Markers/chalk
00107-15 Basic Communication Skills Module Seven 1
listening and speaking
Classroom Session 1 for 00107–15
Safety Considerations
The following safety consideration should be emphasized when introducing trainees to the
construction environment:
Safety Equipment
The use of specific safety equipment is not anticipated for this session.
Classroom and/or Lab Equipment
Copies of Figure 3: Are You A Good Listener? (Two for each trainee)
Copies of Figure 4: Are You A Good Speaker? (Two for each trainee)
Several prepared scripts of instructions to be read by one trainee and executed by another
Resources
No specific resources are required for this session.
Kickoff Activity
Hand out two copies of Figure 3 and two copies of Figure 4 to each trainee. The survey in Figure 3 is
related to listening skills; the survey in Figure 4 is related to speaking skills. Have the trainees complete
the two surveys for themselves. Once they have completed these, assign a partner to each trainee and
have them complete the two surveys for their partner. If there are an odd number of trainees, have one
trainee complete the two surveys rating your listening and speaking skills.
When all surveys are complete, have each trainee score all four surveys in hand. The following infor-
mation can be written on the whiteboard:
Each “Always” check box marked is worth three points.
Each “Sometimes” check box marked is worth two points.
Each “Rarely” check box marked is worth one point.
Have the trainees total the score at the bottom of each survey. Then offer the following assessments
based on the scores:
2 NCCER – Core Curriculum 0 0107-15
listening and speaking
Classroom Session 1 for 00107–15
Session Objective
When trainees have completed this session, they should be able to do the following:
1. Describe the communication, listening, and speaking processes and their relationship to job
performance.
a. Describe the communication process and the importance of listening and speaking skills.
Session Performance Requirements
By the end of this session, trainees should have completed, or be able to complete, the following
Performance Task under the supervision of the instructor:
Perform a given task after listening to oral instructions.
Instructors are reminded that trainee performance during practice and laboratory sessions can be used
for verification of Performance Task completion.
Instructional Outline
Research has shown that varying instructional methods periodically throughout class sessions helps to
Classroom: Sections 1.0.0–1.1.0
Explain how communication skills can be considered important tools for the workplace. Point out that,
as they enter a new craft, trainees are also learning the language of the trade. Identify the four primary
Teaching Tip
Ask the trainees what communication noise they may have experienced. Have one or more trainees
share their experience(s) with the class.
Classroom: Section 1.1.1
Define non-verbal communication. Open a discussion about non-verbal actions that have given trainees
Classroom: Section 1.1.2
00107-15 Basic Communication Skills Module Seven 3
listening and speaking
Classroom Session 1 for 00107–15
Classroom: Section 1.2.0
Discuss active listening and how it is accomplished. Describe the consequences of not listening actively.
Review the methods that help improve listening skills and how some distractions can be eliminated.
Classroom: Section 1.2.1
Explain that there are personal barriers to active listening. Review the bulleted list of possible barriers
and the tips to overcome them.
Classroom: Section 1.3.0
Explain how effective listening and speaking are related. Discuss the example provided and ask
Classroom: Sections 1.3.1–1.3.2
Discuss when to place calls and how doing so at other times can pose a safety hazard. Review the list
of factors to consider in telephone use. Emphasize the concern many companies have in protecting
intellectual property and maintaining a secure environment. Review the tips for making calls and
leaving voice messages.
Review the list of tips related to receiving telephone calls.
Laboratory/Performance Task
Prepare several sets of task instructions that will be read by one trainee and executed by another. Have
Wrap Up
Return the listening and speaking surveys completed during the Kickoff Activity. Each trainee should
Homework
Have trainees read Section 2.0.0 to prepare for the next session. Trainees should also complete the 1.0.0
and 2.0.0 Section Reviews.
00107-15 Basic Communication Skills Module Seven 5
Reading and WRiting
Classroom Session 2 for 00107–15
Safety Considerations
The following safety consideration should be emphasized when introducing trainees to the
construction environment:
Remind trainees that some forms of PPE may be required any time they are in the shop or on a job site.
Safety Equipment
Classroom and/or Lab Equipment
The use of specific items is not anticipated for this session.
Resources
No specific resources are required for this session.
Session Objective
When trainees have completed this session, they should be able to do the following:
2. Describe good reading and writing skills and their relationship to job performance.
Session Performance Requirements
By the end of this session, trainees should have completed, or be able to complete, the following
Performance Task under the supervision of the instructor:
Instructional Outline
Research has shown that varying instructional methods periodically throughout class sessions helps to
Review
Review the answers to the 1.0.0 and 2.0.0 Section Reviews.
6 NCCER – Core Curriculum 0 0107-15
Reading and WRiting
Classroom Session 2 for 00107–15
Classroom: Sections 2.0.0–2.1.0
Discuss the implications of a world without writing of any kind. Present the ways that written
materials may be used on the job. Review the use and importance of textbooks and code books.
Classroom: Section 2.2.0
Explain why reading comprehension is essential in order to properly perform a task. Review the
examples of items that construction industry workers need to read. Discuss why it is helpful to have
a purpose in mind when reading a document. Review the list of elements found in many non-fiction
Classroom: Section 2.3.0
Point out that writing skills become more critical with career advancement. Discuss the purpose of
prewriting to begin a writing task. Review the creation of an outline, the research process, and the
rough draft. Discuss the revision process and the need to proofread all documents. Explain how a
review by another reader can uncover errors. Review the bulleted list of tips for effective writing.
Classroom: Section 2.3.1
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of email. Stress that emails must be considered permanent
Classroom: Section 2.3.2
Discuss the differences between email and texting. Talk about the best uses of texting and when it may
Laboratory/Performance Task
Have trainees write a cover letter for a resume to a company where they hope to gain employment. Ask
them to use what they have learned to create a well-written letter. Alternatively, provide a form related
to the workplace that requires essay-style answers. This activity corresponds to Performance Task 2.
Wrap Up
00107-15 Basic Communication Skills Module Seven 7
Classroom Session 3 for 00107–15
laBoRatoRy / peRfoRmance tasks; RevieW and testing
This session is reserved for a brief review of the module, administering the module
examination, and any incomplete performance testing.
Safety Considerations
The following safety consideration should be emphasized when introducing trainees to the
construction environment:
Remind trainees that some forms of PPE may be required any time they are in the shop or on a job site.
Safety Equipment
The use of specific safety equipment is not anticipated during this session.
Classroom and/or Lab Equipment
One or more fall-arrest harnesses
Resources
No specific resources are required for this session.
Instructional Outline
This laboratory is devoted to the practice and completion of Performance Tasks required for this
module. As a result, no PowerPoint® slides have been developed for this session. Throughout these
activities, ensure that trainees wear the proper PPE and exhibit safe working habits.
Laboratory/Performance Task
Provide a set of manufacturer’s instructions on how to don the available fall-arrest safety harnesses. It
is suggested that only one set of instructions be used at a time to prevent trainees from being able to
Review
Ask the trainees if they wish to review any particular information from the module. Have the trainees
complete the Module Review and Trade Terms Quiz. Alternatively, if the Module Review and Trade
8 NCCER – Core Curriculum 0 0107-15
laBoRatoRy / peRfoRmance tasks; RevieW and testing
Classroom Session 3 for 00107–15
Examination and Performance Task Verification
Administer the Module Exam. As they begin, remind trainees that they must answer at least 70 percent
of the questions correctly to pass the module exam.
Wrap Up
Homework
Assign the reading of the next module in the teaching sequence.
Instructor
00107-15 Basic Communication Skills Module Seven 9
ansWeR keys
Module Seven (00107–15)
SECTION REVIEW ANSWER KEY
SECTION 1.0.0
Answer Section Reference Objective
1. b 1.1.1 1a
SECTION 2.0.0
Answer Section Reference Objective
1. b 2.1.0 2a
10 NCCER – Core Curriculum 0 0107-15
ANSWERS TO REVIEW QUESTIONS
Answer Section Reference
1. a 1.0.0
9. b 2.1.0
Module Seven (00107–15)
ansWeR keys
00107-15 Basic Communication Skills Module Seven 11
ANSWERS TO TRADE TERMS QUIZ
1. Appendix
2. Bullet
Module Seven (00107–15)
ansWeR keys
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