Interpersonal Skills and Communication
Credit points
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Prerequisites
Co-requisites
(Corequisite units must be studied concurrently with this unit)
Overview
This unit of study aims to develop students' understanding of, and proficiency in, interpersonal and communication skills for application in a range of professional contexts. Students will develop an understanding of communication theories, values and ethics and the importance of cultural sensitivity. Students will have the opportunity through group discussion, experiential workshops and simulation activities to develop their own interpersonal and communication skills. Topics include: self-awareness and personal insight; values; motivation; attitudes; cultural awareness; and introduction to active listening skills and observation skills that are imperative to working with people, particularly in the helping professions.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- Analyse and reflect on skill acquisition and personal development;
- Examine the relevance of values, ethics and cultural sensitivity in developing effective working relationships;
- Employ active listening skills to interpersonal problem-solving tasks; and
- Integrate interpersonal communication theory with critical reflection of students' own and others demonstration of active listening skills.
Assessment
For Melbourne campuses
Assessment type: Journal | Grade: 25%
Reflective Journal (800 words)
Assessment type: Other | Grade: 40%
In-class Practical demonstration of skills (Video demonstration of skills – 8 minutes, in class 20%, participation in skill development – ongoing 20%)
Assessment type: Assignment | Grade: 35%
Reflection on performance of micro-skills (1200 words)
Key information for ABSW Bachelor of Social Work students only:
To gain a pass in this unit social work students must meet the attendance requirements described below, attain a minimum overall grade of 50%, attempt and submit all assessment tasks. Each assessment task covers discrete areas of knowledge and skill required for the successful completion of the social work course.
Attendance requirements
AASW accreditation standards require students to complete a minimum of 140 hours (20 days) face-to-face classroom-based learning, the focus of which is professional practice skills. To meet this standard, attendance in this unit is compulsory. Students attending less than 90% of classes in this unit, will be awarded a fail grade and required to repeat the unit. A minimum attendance requirement of 80% is acceptable in situations where a student has been granted special consideration for class absences.
Required reading
RECOMMENDED TEXTS: Geldard D., Geldard K. & Yin Foo, R. (2017) Basic personal counselling: A training manual for counsellors 8th ed. South Melbourne: Cengage
As part of a course
This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):