Explain Ways to Embed Elements of Functional Skills in Your Specialist Area
Functional skills are important as they essential elements of everyday life, by embedding functional skills i.e. English, maths and ICT it will give the learner with the skills and knowledge to work effectively and independently. In addition, Gould and Francis (2009:226) defined functional skills as:
“the core elements of English, Maths and ICT that provide an individual with essential knowledge, skills and understanding that will enable them to operate confidently, effectively and independently in life and at work”
These skills are often termed ‘transferable skills’ as they can be applied (or transferred) to different situations/contexts (Gravells, 2008).
Furthermore, functional skills provide individuals with the skills and abilities they need to operate confidently, effectively and independently in life, their communities and work. Individuals possessing these skills are able to progress in education, training and employment and make a positive contribution to the communities in which they live and work. It is expected that teachers of adult education courses will embed functional skills in their courses.
The process of making use of naturally occurring activities to help learners develop functional skills is referred to as embedding functional skills, in other words, “they are there but attention is not necessary drawn to them” (Gould and Francis (2009:164).
Delivering employability training within Community Task Programme allows for many opportunities to embed the skills into regular sessions. Examples of how I could achieve this in my area would be:
Maths
Adding up working hours on timesheets
Planning one’s budget
Benefits of becoming self employed
Talking about savings
English
Taking part in group discussions/
Filling in job application forms
Skimming and scanning local newspaper when looking for a job
Completing Weekly Journal
ITC
Looking for jobs online during job search sessions
Filling in online application
“the core elements of English, Maths and ICT that provide an individual with essential knowledge, skills and understanding that will enable them to operate confidently, effectively and independently in life and at work”
These skills are often termed ‘transferable skills’ as they can be applied (or transferred) to different situations/contexts (Gravells, 2008).
Furthermore, functional skills provide individuals with the skills and abilities they need to operate confidently, effectively and independently in life, their communities and work. Individuals possessing these skills are able to progress in education, training and employment and make a positive contribution to the communities in which they live and work. It is expected that teachers of adult education courses will embed functional skills in their courses.
The process of making use of naturally occurring activities to help learners develop functional skills is referred to as embedding functional skills, in other words, “they are there but attention is not necessary drawn to them” (Gould and Francis (2009:164).
Delivering employability training within Community Task Programme allows for many opportunities to embed the skills into regular sessions. Examples of how I could achieve this in my area would be:
Maths
Adding up working hours on timesheets
Planning one’s budget
Benefits of becoming self employed
Talking about savings
English
Taking part in group discussions/
Filling in job application forms
Skimming and scanning local newspaper when looking for a job
Completing Weekly Journal
ITC
Looking for jobs online during job search sessions
Filling in online application
References: Gould, J., Francis, M. 2009. Achieving your PTLLS Award: A Practical Guide to Successful Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector. SAGE Publications Ltd: London. Gravells, A. 2008. Preparing to Teach in the lifelong Learning Sector. Learning matters: Exeter.