Samples of EES Learning
Here are some examples of activities that help with teaching and assessing specific EES skills.
Communication
Defining skills include reading, writing, speaking/presenting, listening, and visual literacy.
EES 1 Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken, and visual form that fulfills the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.
Teach students about the logistics of communication
- How to meet the communications guidelines or standards of a particular field
- How to consider audience expectations
- How to adapt a message using register, tone, approach
- How to use the conventions of language, vocabulary, and terminology associated with the field
- How to meet technical requirements for presentation (naming of files, spacing of documents, protocols)
- How to employ strategies for organizing information
- How to address issues of confidentiality, accuracy, documentation
- How to improve clarity and grammatical correctness
Assess students by having them…
- Produce a piece of writing that conforms to guidelines, standards, audience expectations (report, essay, summary, reflection)
- Create business communications (emails, memos, meeting notes, agendas)
- Journal or blog about a work-integrated learning experience
- Create investigative reports, journal articles, annotated bibliographies
- Chart patient data regarding health status and treatment
- Use field-related vocabulary to describe or report on a situation
- Prepare a poster, handout, or social media post to illustrate a concept or concern
- Create an infographic, podcast, or video
- Revise a text, visual, or audio communication to improve clarity, conciseness, and style
EES 2 Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.
Teach students about ways to respond:
- How to read a chapter, article, website, or other text
- How to interpret graphs, charts, and other visual forms of communication
- How to listen attentively
- How to acknowledge a message, confirm details, request clarification
- How to interact with clients/patients/supervisors/co-workers
- How to follow directions
- How to interpret auditory cues
Assess students by having them…
- Create a chapter review
- Conduct an interview
- Answer interview questions
- Respond to a prompt
- Follow a complex procedure
- Summarize information or observations
- Lead a Q & A session after a presentation
- Address a complaint
- Participate in a debate
- Role-play (job interview, client interview, conflict resolution)
- Create a concept map of main ideas in a reading, lecture, podcast, or video
- Discuss the results of data or information derived from a study or report
- Provide feedback on a performance, a product, or a process
- Respond appropriately to signage, safety guidelines, or warning signals
- Translate data into and from graphs and charts
Numeracy
Defining skills include understanding and applying mathematical concepts and reasoning, analyzing and using numerical data, and conceptualizing.
EES 3 Execute mathematical operations accurately.
Teach students about the numeracy skills required in their field and in daily life
- How to calculate
- How to measure
- How to estimate
- How to convert numerical data from one format to another
- How to budget
- How to allocate elements that can be measured
- How to identify significant figures as required in the field
Assess students by having them…
- Create a budget
- Estimate costs, volumes, weight, time, quantities, probabilities
- Take accurate measurements
- Convert fractions to percent or decimals
- Perform financial transactions (making change, paying bills, preparing invoices)
- Calculate dosages
- Determine profit and loss
- Interpret survey results
- Generate information from charts, graphs, spreadsheets, or other representations of numerical data
- Conduct data analytics
- Plan for resource allocation in a specific context
- Prepare invoices
- Scale diagrams, illustrations, or other graphics
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Defining skills include synthesizing, evaluating, decision-making, and creative and innovative thinking.
EES 4 Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.
Teach students to be strategic
- How to use a specific problem-solving model (IDEAL, AIDA)
- How to follow a protocol
- How to break an issue into manageable segments
- How to create or use a decision-making framework
- How to establish criteria
- How to evaluate a set of options
Assess students by having them…
- Evaluate a product, program, or service based on specific criteria
- Examine the impact of research on preliminary assumptions
- Analyze a case study
- Conduct a needs assessment
- Design a focus group
- Troubleshoot a technical problem
- Analyze a performance
- Identify elements of an issue, situation, or problem
EES 5 Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.
Teach students to approach issues creatively and analytically
- How to brainstorm
- How to extrapolate
- How to predict possible outcomes
- How to identify potential barriers
- How to challenge accepted norms
- How to use creative thinking strategies
- How to apply an alternative approach
Assess students by having them…
- Examine industry trends to inform a planning process
- Assess potential impacts of changing a process, procedure, or service
- Predict response to a product or service and suggest adaptations
- Adapt a recipe for different quantities, substitutions, or conditions
- Track demographics to determine future needs
- Plan a menu to accommodate for allergies, sensitivities, or other dietary requirements
- Create a code of conduct
- Identify challenges to implementation of a particular course of action
- Teach a skill
- Invent or modify a device
Information Management
Defining skills include gathering and managing information, selecting and using appropriate tools and technology for a task or project, computer literacy, and Internet skills.
EES 6 Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.
Teach students about managing information
- How to use online research tools
- How to use a database
- How to access information in a library or academic repository
- How to find industry-specific or field-related information
- How to organize information according to purpose
- How to acknowledge the work of others
- How to document a source
- How to track resources according to specific criteria
Assess students by having them…
- Conduct primary or secondary research
- Create an e-portfolio
- Use spreadsheet applications to prepare financial documents
- Maintain the privacy and security of digital information
- Create an online professional profile
- Design or use a project management application
- Prepare a plan of care
- Devise a public service announcement
- Participate in a press conference
- Curate resources for a particular purpose
EES 7 Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.
Teach students about research:
- How to gather relevant factual data
- How to distinguish between fact and opinion
- How to assess the credibility of a source
- How to ensure balance, fairness, and diversity of information
- How to recognize bias and limitations
- How to use editorial or opinion-based content
Assess students by having them…
- Integrate research into a study, paper, report, or presentation
- Prepare a cost-benefit analysis for a product, service, or venue
- Identify trends or changes to a business, industry, or field
- Prepare an annotated bibliography
- Compile a list of resources to meet specific criteria
- Create a marketing plan to target a particular group or demographic
- Propose an amendment or modification to an existing product or service
Interpersonal
Defining skills include teamwork, relationship management, conflict resolution, leadership, and networking.
EES 8 Show respect for the diverse opinions, values, belief systems and contributions of others.
Teach students about the value of diversity
- How to recognize imbalance and inequity
- How to seek out and listen to varied perspectives
- How to consider cultural responses to an issue, a practice, or an idea
- How to demonstrate respect in a particular situation
- How to interact online
- How to safeguard the rights and dignity of others
Assess students by having them…
- Present issues from multiple perspectives
- Interview someone whose circumstances or culture differ from the mainstream
- Express personal beliefs and values without denigrating others
- Evaluate the impact of stereotyping or exclusive language
- Demonstrate international etiquette
- Role play situations involving diversity, disability, or marginalization
- Provide peer feedback
- Report on a panel or discussion forum
- Discuss a case study
- Debate a contentious issue
EES 9 Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.
Teach students about being team players
- How to take on specific roles in a team
- How teams form and develop
- How to deal with adversity within a group
- How to disagree respectfully
- How to motivate others
- How to delegate tasks
- How to keep a group on task
Assess students by having them…
- Accomplish a goal in a team setting
- Provide a service as part of a group
- Keep logs and records of team interactions and activities
- Report on the functioning of a group
- Reflect on personal contributions to a team endeavor
- Provide constructive peer feedback
Personal
Defining skills include managing self, managing change by being flexible and adaptable, engaging in reflective practices, and demonstrating personal responsibility.
EES 10 Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.
Teach students personal management strategies
- How to break a complex task into manageable segments
- How to use a planner or agenda
- How to use online tools to assist with organization
- How to plan a study strategy
Assess students by having them…
- Create and follow a project schedule
- Prepare a Gantt chart or other graphic organizer
- Categorize tasks by order of completion, skill, and complexity
- Delegate tasks among group members
- Generate an inventory of resources
- Assess project progress and adjust as necessary to meet due dates
- Plan an event with a set budget, timeline, or other parameters
EES 11 Take responsibility for one’s own actions, decisions, and consequences.
Teach students to own their actions
- How to answer job interview questions
- How to describe their experiences accurately
- How to identify personal strengths and challenges
- How to set goals
- How to recognize and predict barriers to personal achievement
- How to find resources for personal support
Assess students by having them…
- Contribute to online discussion boards
- Set and pursue personal and professional goals
- Self-evaluate group or individual performance
- Select study strategies that accommodate personal learning preferences
- Access supports to regulate life stressors
- Use protective equipment and clothing to ensure personal safety
- Reflect on personal strengths, weaknesses, and coping strategies