Reading Text refers to reading material
that is in the form of sentences or paragraphs.
Reading Text generally involves reading
notes, letters, memos, manuals, specifications, regulations,
books, reports or journals.
Reading Text includes:
- forms and labels if they contain at least
one paragraph
- print and non-print media (for example,
texts on computer screens and microfiche)
- paragraph-length text in charts, tables
and graphs
Document Use refers to tasks that involve
a variety of information in which words, numbers, icons and
other visual characteristics (e.g., line, colour, and shape)
are given meaning by their spatial arrangement. For example,
graphs, lists, tables, blueprints, schematics, drawings,
signs and labels are documents used in the world of work.
Numeracy refers to the workers' use of
numbers and their being required to think in quantitative
terms.
Writing includes:
- writing texts and writing in documents
(for example, filling in forms)
- non-paper-based writing (for example,
typing on a computer)
Oral Communication pertains primarily
to the use of speech to give and exchange thoughts and information
by workers in an occupational group.
Working with Others examines the extent
to which employees work with others to carry out their tasks.
Do they have to work co-operatively with others' Do they
have to have the self-discipline to meet work targets while
working alone'.
Continuous Learning examines the requirement
for workers in an occupational group to participate in an
ongoing process of acquiring skills and knowledge.
Continuous Learning tests the hypothesis
that more and more jobs require continuous upgrading, and
that all workers must continue learning in order to keep
or to grow with their jobs. If this is true, then the following
will become essential skills:
- knowing how to learn;
- understanding one's own learning style;
and
- knowing how to gain access to a variety
of materials, resources and learning opportunities.
Thinking Skills differentiates between
five different types of cognitive functions. However, these
functions are interconnected.
Problem solving involves problems that
require solutions. For example, a mechanic solves problems,
e.g., the car shakes when driven over 80 km./hr., by
eliminating probable causes until the correct one is
identified and remedied. Most problems concern mechanical
challenges, people or situations.
Decision making refers to making a choice
among options. Decision making occurs during problem
solving, but not all decision making is part of problem
solving. It is, therefore, presented as a separate
thinking skill. For example, buyers for retail outlets
regularly make decisions about which suppliers to buy
from, i.e., they select among the options for particular
types of merchandise. This is not problem solving.
Critical Thinking refers to the process
of making judgments. It includes the process of evaluating
ideas or information using a rational, logical thought
process and referring to objective criteria to reach
a rational judgment about value or to identify strengths
and weakness.
Job Task Planning and Organizing refers
to the extent to which the workers plan and organize
their own tasks. It does not refer to involvement in
the planning function for the organization in which
they work.
Significant Use of Memory includes any
significant or unusual use of memory for workers in
the occupational group. It does not include normal
memory use that is a requirement for every occupation.
Finding Information involves using any
of a variety of sources including text, people, computerized
databases or information systems.
Computer Use indicates the variety and
complexity of computer use within the occupational group.
