SFS-3.6 – Skills for Success Practitioner Tools & Resources

Bias

Assessment, Communication, Social-Emotional LearningASS-1.1, ASS-2.1, ASS-3.1, ASS-3.3, SFS-3.6, SFS-3.8

Bias is a disproportionate weight in favor of or against an idea, person or thing, usually in a way that is closed-minded, prejudicial or unfair.

Communication and Cognitive Bias

Bias-Free Communication. https://www.canr.msu.edu/od/uploads/files/Civil_Rights/Bias-Free_Communication_2009.pdf
Service, C. S. of P. (2021, February 16). Facilitation Essentials: Unconscious Bias. Government of Canada. https://www.csps-efpc.gc.ca/tools/jobaids/unconscious-bias-eng.aspx
(Mis)Understanding Others: Three Biases that Affect How We Communicate. NeuroLeadership Institute. https://neuroleadership.com/your-brain-at-work/biases-shape-communication/
The 5 Biggest Biases That Affect Decision-Making. NeuroLeadership Institute. https://neuroleadership.com/your-brain-at-work/seeds-model-biases-affect-decision-making/

Assessment Bias

Making Unconscious Bias Conscious. Canadian Evaluation Society. https://evaluationcanada.ca/module-3-making-unconscious-bias-conscious
The Glossary of Education Reform. Test Bias. https://www.edglossary.org/test-bias/

Bloom’s Taxonomy

Adult Learning TheoryASS-1.1, DEL-2.3, DEL-3.2, DES-2.3, SFS-3.6

Bloom’s Taxonomy is a hierarchical framework that encourages participants to work their way up towards more complex thinking and cognitive tasks.

Bloom’s taxonomy. Centre for Teaching Excellence. (2021, November 10). https://uwaterloo.ca/centre-for-teaching-excellence/teaching-resources/teaching-tips/planning-courses-and-assignments/blooms-taxonomy
Using Bloom’s taxonomy: Teaching adults to learn effectively. Gina Abudi. (n.d.). https://www.ginaabudi.com/using-blooms-taxonomy-teaching-adults-to-learn-effectively/

Feedback

Adaptability, Assessment, CommunicationASS-1.3, ASS-3.1, ASS-4.1, ASS-4.3, DEL-3.4, DES-3.2, SFS-2.7, SFS-3.5, SFS-3.6, SFS-3.7, SFS-3.9

Feedback is information given to the participant about their performance relating to learning goals or outcomes. It should aim to improve the participant’s learning.

Feedback and Formative Assessment Tools. https://www.queensu.ca/. (n.d.). https://www.queensu.ca/teachingandlearning/modules/assessments/11_s2_03_feedback_and_formative.html
Feedback. https://tlc.ontariotechu.ca/. (n.d.). https://tlc.ontariotechu.ca/teaching/course-design/assessment-and-evaluation/feedback.php
Giving Effective Feedback in an Intercultural Class. https://www.algonquincollege.com/lts/giving-effective-feedback-in-an-intercultural-class/
Receiving and Giving Effective Feedback. https://uwaterloo.ca/centre-for-teaching-excellence/teaching-resources/teaching-tips/assessing-student-work/grading-and-feedback/receiving-and-giving-effective-feedback
Providing Feedback to Students. https://umanitoba.ca/centre-advancement-teaching-learning/support/providing-feedback

Problem-solving models are guidelines or sets of strategies that practitioners use to direct their instruction of problem-solving. A model provides a framework to help participants learn problem-solving skills.

A Problem-Solving Model for Improving Student Achievement. NASP Center. (n.d.). http://www.naspcenter.org/principals/nassp_probsolve.html

Problem-Solving Teaching and Learning Materials

Problem-solving, Teaching and Learning MaterialsSFS-3.6

Problem solving teaching and learning materials are designed to help enable participants to identify, analyze, propose solutions, and make decisions. Problem solving helps address issues, monitor success, and learn from the experience.

The following links include practical, printable, ready-made resources to use in the delivery of Skills for Success training.

Barkays Life Skills. Problem Solving Lesson (Free Registration Required)
ABC up Skills for Work Workbook. (n.d.). Problem Solving

Project-based

Collaboration, Communication, Creativity and Innovation, Problem-solvingSFS-2.3, SFS-3.4, SFS-3.6

Project-based is a student-centered approach to instruction designed to give participants the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills through engaging, real-world projects.

What is PBL? PBLWorks. (n.d.). https://www.pblworks.org/what-is-pbl

Research Methods

Adult Learning Theory, ResearchDES-1.2, DES-1.3, SFS-3.6

Research methods refer to the way of collecting and analyzing data as well as the tools that are used when researching. These can be either qualitative (experiences, emotions, behaviours) or quantitative (numerical data, measurements, statistical analysis).

Federighi, Paolo. (2019). Research Methodology in Adult Learning and Education. Journal of Educational Sciences. 39. 58-73. 10.35923/JES.2019.1.05.

Research on Teaching Problem-Solving

Problem-solving, ResearchSFS-3.6

Problem solving enable participants to identify, analyze, propose solutions, and make decisions. Problem solving helps address issues, monitor success, and learn from the experience.

The following links include research data and evidence to support the instruction of problem solving.

Csapo, B., & Funke, J. (2017). The Nature of Problem Solving: Using Research to Inspire 21st Century Learning. OECD Publishing. https://read.oecd-ilibrary.org/education/the-nature-of-problem-solving_9789264273955-en
Dochy, F., Segers, M., Van den Bossche, P., & Gijbels, D. (2003). Effects of problem-based learning: A meta-analysis. Learning and Instruction, 13(5), 533-568. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0959-4752(02)00025-7 (login required).
Evans, S., & Swan, M. (2014). Developing students’ strategies for problem solving in mathematics: The role of pre-designed “Sample Student Work.” Educational Designer, 2(7).
Friesen, S., & Scott, D. (2013). Inquiry-Based Learning: A Review of the Research Literature. Prepared for the Alberta Ministry of Education.
Government of Ontario. (2020). High-Impact Instructional Practices in Mathematics.
Gyarmati, D., Leckie, N., Dowie, M., Palameta, B., Shek-wai Hui |, T., Dunn, E., & Hébert, S. (2014). UPSKILL: A Credible Test of Workplace Literacy and Essential Skills Training [Technical Report]. Social Research and Demonstration Corporation.
Jozwiak, J. (2004). Teaching Problem-Solving Skills to Adults. Journal of Adult Education, 33(1), 19-34.
Kirschner, P. A., Sweller, J., & Clark, R. E. (2006). Why Minimal Guidance During Instruction Does Not Work: An Analysis of the Failure of Constructivist, Discovery, Problem-Based, Experiential, and Inquiry-Based Teaching. Educational Psychologist, 41(2), 75-86. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15326985ep4102_1 (login required).
Lai, E. R. (2011). Critical thinking: A literature review. Pearson. https://images.pearsonassessments.com/images/tmrs/CriticalThinkingReviewFINAL.pdf
McCormick, N. J., Clark, L. M., & Raines, J. M. (2015). Engaging Students in Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: A Brief Review of the Literature. Journal of Studies in Education, 5(4). https://doi.org/10.5296/jse.v5i4.8249 (login required).
OECD. (2019). How much time do adults spend on the PIAAC assessment and why does it matter? | READ online. https://read.oecd-ilibrary.org/education/how-much-time-do-adults-spend-on-the-piaac-assessment-and-why-does-it-matter_11a4be1d-en
PISA 2015 Results (Volume V): Collaborative Problem Solving | en | OECD. (n.d.). Retrieved April 27, 2021, from https://www.oecd.org/publications/pisa-2015-results-volume-v-9789264285521-en.htm
Program for the International Assessment for Adult Competencies (PIAAC)?XProblem Solving in Technology-Rich Environments Domain. (n.d.). National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved April 27, 2021, from https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/piaac/problem-solving.asp
Snyder, L. G., & Snyder, M. J. (2008). Teaching Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Skills. The Delta Pi Epsilon Journal, L(2).
Social Research and Demonstration Corporation. (2021). Research Report to Support the Launch of Skills for Success: Structure, Evidence and Recommendations. Final draft report.
Tiruneh, D. T., Verburgh, A., & Elen, J. (2014). Effectiveness of critical thinking instruction in higher education: A systematic review of intervention studies. Higher Education Studies, 4(1), 1-17. https://doi.org/10.5539/hes.v4n1p1 (login required).
University of Texas Arlington. (2021). How Inquiry-Based Learning Can Work in a Math Classroom. UTA Online. https://academicpartnerships.uta.edu/articles/education/inquiry-based-learning-math-classroom.aspx
Walker, A., & Leary, H. (2009). A Problem Based Learning Meta Analysis: Differences Across Problem Types, Implementation Types, Disciplines, and Assessment Levels. Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning, 3(1), 6-28.