Explain Ways to Embed Elements of Functional Skills in Your Specialist Area. (Recommended Word Count: 200-300 Words) Essay Example
Date: 19/1/2011
Subject: Theory Assignment 5. Explain ways to embed elements of Functional Skills in your specialist area. (Recommended word count: 200-300 words)
What are functional skills?
The best description of functional skills I have come across is from the DCSF policy statement;
Functional skills are the essential elements of English, mathematics and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) that provide people with the skills they need to operate confidently, effectively and independently in learning, life and work. Better functional skills will help to raise standards across the curriculum, improve learners’ employment prospects, and support their progression to further study. (Department of Children, Schools and Families).
In this assignment, I will be explaining ways to embed the elements of the qualifications above in my specialist area, which is the Health and Social Care Sector.
English (Speaking, Listening & Communication, Reading and Writing)
Speaking and Listening elements can be completed in team meetings, supervisions, messages taken (written and verbal), questionnaires and feedback sessions with service users.
Items like care planning, observations and supporting documents such as policies, procedures and mission statements of care homes. This can be embedded through interpretations of the documentation, care planning notes and more recently reflective practices such as the carer’s written logs.
Maths
Embedding mathematics includes dosage of medication, fluid intake and output documentation.
Methods can also include activities with service users such as domestic duties, cooking (measurements), cleaning (measurements and areas). Hours worked on timesheets and additional hours paid at overtime rates can support maths. Maths skills in time is important in activities with service users and for higher levels (support workers) this may additionally include mileage forms and working out personal expenses
Subject: Theory Assignment 5. Explain ways to embed elements of Functional Skills in your specialist area. (Recommended word count: 200-300 words)
What are functional skills?
The best description of functional skills I have come across is from the DCSF policy statement;
Functional skills are the essential elements of English, mathematics and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) that provide people with the skills they need to operate confidently, effectively and independently in learning, life and work. Better functional skills will help to raise standards across the curriculum, improve learners’ employment prospects, and support their progression to further study. (Department of Children, Schools and Families).
In this assignment, I will be explaining ways to embed the elements of the qualifications above in my specialist area, which is the Health and Social Care Sector.
English (Speaking, Listening & Communication, Reading and Writing)
Speaking and Listening elements can be completed in team meetings, supervisions, messages taken (written and verbal), questionnaires and feedback sessions with service users.
Items like care planning, observations and supporting documents such as policies, procedures and mission statements of care homes. This can be embedded through interpretations of the documentation, care planning notes and more recently reflective practices such as the carer’s written logs.
Maths
Embedding mathematics includes dosage of medication, fluid intake and output documentation.
Methods can also include activities with service users such as domestic duties, cooking (measurements), cleaning (measurements and areas). Hours worked on timesheets and additional hours paid at overtime rates can support maths. Maths skills in time is important in activities with service users and for higher levels (support workers) this may additionally include mileage forms and working out personal expenses