1. Essential Skills and the Ontario Skills Passport http://skills. edu
Welcome to this presentation on Essential Skills and the Ontario Skills Passport.

2. Ontario Skills Passport (OSP)
The Ontario Skills Passport (OSP) is a FREE bilingual web-based tool. It offers clear descriptions of Essential Skills as well as work habits that are used in work, learning and life. The OSP has also developed a number of tools and resources that learners and job seekers can use to assess, practice and build their Essential Skills and work habits and transfer them to work, further education and/or training and independent living.

3. This is the homepage of the OSP website
This is the homepage of the OSP website. The goal of this training module is to introduce you to Essential Skills using the tools and resources on the OSP website. There is a separate module that introduces you to work habits.

4. Essential Skills …
are used in virtually all occupations and throughout daily life
are transferable from school to work, job to job and sector to sector
help people adapt to change
provide people with a foundation for learning other skills, like technical skills and job/workplace specific skills.
If you know a little bit about Essential Skills but want to learn more, then this module is for you! During this module, you will get an introduction to Essential Skills and the Ontario Skills Passport (OSP). You will also have an opportunity to take a closer look at Essential Skill levels and see sample tasks for each Essential Skill. This module covers 3 main topics: Essential Skill levels, the notion that Essential Skills are the foundation for learning other skills, like technical skills and why Essential Skills are also called transferable skills.
So, what are Essential Skills? Essential Skills, such as Document Use and Problem Solving, are the generic skills used in nearly all occupations. We also use these skills in everyday life, such as when we are using a bus schedule to identify which bus will get us work on time or when we are figuring out how to deal with a scheduling conflict.
Essential Skills are the foundation for learning other skills, such as technical skills and job/workplace specific skills. They also help us adapt to change. It is no surprise that we say these skills are transferable from school to work, further education and/or training and independent living. As well, these Skills are transferable from job to job and sector to sector.

5. Essential Skills HRSDC & OSP
No.
HRSDC (9 Skills)
OSP (14 Skills) 1
Reading Text 2
Writing 3
Document Use 4
Computer Use 5
Oral Communication 6
Numeracy
Money Math, Data Analysis, Measurement and Calculation, Numerical Estimation and Scheduling, Budgeting or Accounting 7
Thinking Skills
Job Task Planning and Organizing, Decision Making, Problem Solving, Finding Information 8
Working with Others
Team Building is a Work Habit in the OSP 9
Continuous Learning
Continuous Learning is not included in the OSP
Through extensive research, the Government of Canada and other national and international agencies have identified and validated these Essential Skills. You probably expected to see many of the skills that are in this list such as Reading Text, Writing and Document Use.
The OSP lists 14 Essential Skills. It lists the 5 numeracy-related skills separately. This allows for a more precise identification and development of a person’s mathematical literacy and its application in the workplace.
The OSP lists the following "Thinking Skills“ separately: Job Task Planning and Organizing, Decision Making, Problem Solving and Finding Information. Currently, Critical Thinking and Significant Use of Memory are not included.
The OSP includes work habits important for success in the workplace and provides performance indicators for each one. Currently, Working with Others is not included in the OSP, however, “teamwork” is one of the work habits.
The OSP only includes the Essential Skills that have a validated complexity rating scale and occupation-specific workplace tasks for the different skill levels. This allows for a consistent method of assessing these skills and planning/tracking skill development over time. Currently, Continuous Learning is not included in the OSP.

6. Why These Skills Are Essential
Generic skills used in virtually all occupations and throughout daily life in different forms and at different levels of complexity.
They are transferable from school to work, job to job and sector to sector.
They provide the foundation for learning other skills, such as technical skills and job/workplace specific skills.
Enable people to perform tasks required by their jobs as well as adapt to change.
Essential Skills are the skills people need for work, learning and life. They provide the foundation for learning all other skills and are the cornerstone of lifelong learning. These skills are used in virtually all occupations and throughout daily life in different forms and at different levels of complexity.
Essential Skills are the foundation for learning other skills, such as technical skills and job/workplace specific skills. They also help us adapt to change. It is no surprise that we say these skills are transferable from school to work, further education and/or training and independent living.

7. TASKS
List 4 items that are on your WORK “to do” list that you have to attend to today.
Create two columns on a piece of paper. In the left-hand column, list 4 items that are on your Work “To Do” List that you have to attend to today.

8. SKILLS
What skills do you have to use in order to complete each of those tasks?
In the right-hand column, list what skills you will have to use in order to complete each of the tasks.

9. Essential Skills in the OSP
Through extensive research, the Government of Canada and other national and international agencies have identified and validated these 14 Essential Skills. You probably expected to see many of the skills that are in this list such as Reading Text, Writing and Document Use.
The OSP has a work, learning and life database that has sample tasks for each of the Essential Skills listed above. Let’s take a closer look at each skill in this list.

10. Reading Text
Refers to the comprehension of text consisting of sentences and paragraphs.
Notes
Letters
Memos
Manuals
Books
Etc.
Reading Text refers to reading materials in the form of sentences or paragraphs such as notes, letters, memos, manuals, specifications, books, reports and journals. Tasks range from skill levels 1 to 5. For instance a Level 1 Task would include such things as reading a short note or memo to find a single piece of information. A Level 5 Task would include such things as synthesizing information from various sources or from very detailed specifications.
Highlight and Right Click on the Reading Text Icon with your mouse. Choose “Open Hyperlink” to show a short video showcasing this Essential Skill.
When you are ready, go to the next slide to see sample work, learning and life tasks for Reading Text.
Note: Each Essential Skills icon has been hyperlinked to the specific video for your ease of use; however, it is recommended that you review these videos to decide which ones would be most appropriate for your audience.

11. Reading Text Work Learning Life
Read a short from a customer asking if a product is available. (1)
Learning
Read articles in newspapers, magazines and websites to gain background knowledge on a topic. (3)
Life
Read a movie review to decide if you want to go and see it. (2)
Sample work, learning and life tasks are available on the Ontario Skills Passport website for each Essential Skill. Each Essential Skill has skill levels. In the chart, you can see the Essential Skills task with the skill level in brackets after each task. This chart shows Reading Text tasks at a range of skill levels.

12. Writing
Means the preparation of written materials for a variety of purposes.
Writing notes
Filling in forms
Writing an
Creating reports
Writing refers to the preparation of written materials for a variety of purposes. Completing such tasks as filling in forms, writing text and using computers to write. Tasks range from skill levels 1 to 5. For instance a Level 1 Task would include such things as preparing short written materials for the purpose of informing, reminding, or organizing (e.g., notes, lists). A Level 5 Task would include such things as creating an original work of fiction.
Click on the Icon to view a short video showcasing this Essential Skill.
When you are ready, go to the next slide to see some sample Writing tasks in work, learning and life.

13. Writing Work Learning Life
Write one or two paragraphs to record an incident or to make a suggestion. (2)
Learning
Write a short note to remind yourself about homework to complete. (1)
Life
Write a cover letter to apply for a job. Address the requirements in the job ad and describe why you are a good candidate for the position. (3)
Here are some sample work, learning and life tasks for Writing.

14. Document Use
Refers to tasks that use a variety of information displays
Pictures
Icons
Tables
Graphs
Lists
Blueprints
Maps
Document Use refers to reading different types of material such as labels, signs, lists, tables, graphs, forms, diagrams, blueprints and other similar material.
Tasks range from skill levels 1 to 5. For instance a Level 1 Task would include such things as using or entering information only in the form in which it is found (e.g., entering it word for word on a list) . A Level 5 Task would include such things as using a very complex document that presents a lot of information , using various criteria to locate many pieces of information, evaluating the information with regard to all aspects of its quality and drawing conclusions from it.
Click on the Icon to view a short video showcasing this Essential Skill.
When you are ready, go to the next slide to see some sample Document Use tasks in work, learning and life.

15. Document Use Work Learning Life
Record availability on a weekly work schedule. (1)
Learning
Complete a student information form. (2)
Life
Complete a multi-page job application form. (3)
Here are some sample work, learning and life tasks for Document Use.

16. Computer Use
The use of any type of computerized technology. Applications of Computer Use include varying levels of interaction with:
Computer-controlled equipment
Software programs
Information technology systems
Computer Use refers to the use of any type of computerized technology. Tasks range from skill levels 1 to 5. For instance a Level 1 Task would include such things as performing tasks that require only basic interaction with computer-controlled machinery or equipment (e.g., entering given codes to unlock equipment or responding to light-emitting diodes [LEDs]). A Level 5 Task would include such things as designing and setting up new computer networks .
Click on the Icon to view a short video showcasing this Essential Skill.
When you are ready, go to the next slide to see some sample Computer Use tasks in work, learning and life.

17. Computer Use Work Learning Life
Produce brochures using graphics software. (3)
Learning
Research a topic using the Internet. (2)
Life
Check a company’s website to find travel or weather information. (2)
Here are some sample work, learning and life tasks for Computer Use.

18. Oral Communication
Pertains to the use of speech to give and exchange thoughts and information
Conversations
Seeking or obtaining information
Leading a group
Providing comfort or reassurance
Oral Communication refers to using verbal skills to exchange ideas and information with others. Tasks range from skill levels 1 to 4. For instance a Level 1 Task would include such things as communicating orally in simple ways (e.g., responding to everyday inquiries, obtaining specific information). A Level 4 Task would include such things as communicating with one or more people at a time in quite unpredictable contexts, adapting a wide range of formats and styles to suit the person or group, and dealing with significant conflicts or differing points of view (e.g., leading negotiations)
Click on the Icon to view a short video showcasing this Essential Skill.
When you are ready, go to the next slide to see some sample Oral Communication tasks in work, learning and life.

19. Oral Communication Work Learning Life
Make presentations to small groups, such as representatives of a potential new client. (3)
Learning
Book an appointment with your guidance counsellor. (1)
Life
Negotiate with a salesperson over the price and conditions of a major purchase. (3)
Here are some sample work, learning and life tasks for Oral Communication.

20. Recognize That Essential Skill?
In your groups:
Complete the Task
Decide which Essential Skill is being showcased.
Hand out a copy of the RECOGNIZE THAT ESSENTIAL SKILL Group Activity Sheet #1. Divide your audience into groups of two or three and have them complete the two tasks and decide which Essential Skill is being showcased. When finished, have each group present their findings. Suggested answers are on the next two slides.
These tasks come from the Facilitated Essential Skills Check-Up Tools Activity Sets located on the OSP Website - These resources are designed to build learner Essential Skills competence through the completion of Real Workplace Activity Sets either working alone, with a peer, in small groups or supported by a teacher, counsellor or other facilitator.

21. Task 1 Essential Skill Demonstrated: Document Use (2) Time
Person Responsible
Location
Activity
1:10 pm
Lorri Sharon
Centre Court
Clock is put on visual (computer and screen)
Here is a suggested answer for Task 1. It showcases the Essential Skill of Document Use.

22. Task 2
Answers will vary. Possible answer: Dear Erick, On behalf of Project Read, we would sincerely like to thank you for participating in the Family Literacy Day event on January 27th. Your presence and songs inspired families to join the “Read In” and other activities throughout the day. We really appreciated your talents and support. Thank you, [name signed here] Essential Skill Demonstrated: Writing (2) Additional Skills: Document Use (2)
Here is a suggested answer for Task 2. It showcases the Essential Skill of Writing and Document Use.

23. Numeracy Skills Money Math Scheduling or Budgeting and Accounting
Measurement and Calculation
Data Analysis
Numerical Estimation
In the next few slides, you will see sample work, learning and life tasks for Numeracy Skills: Money Math, Scheduling or Budgeting and Accounting, Measurement and Calculation, Data Analysis and Numerical Estimation.

24. Money Math
Refers to the use of mathematical skills in making financial transactions
handling cash
preparing bills
making payments
Money Math refers to the use of mathematical skills in making financial transactions, such as handling cash, preparing bills, and making payments. Tasks range from skill levels 1 to 5. For instance a Level 1 Task would include such things as making change. A Level 5 Task would include such things as forecasting stock prices by taking into account various critical factors that must be estimated on the basis of past performance and projections of future trends.
Click on the Icon to view a short video showcasing this Essential Skill.
When you are ready, go to the next slide to see some sample Money Math tasks in work, learning and life.

25. Money Math Work Learning Life
Total customer purchases, including applicable taxes. (2)
Learning
Count out change to pay for lunch. (1)
Life
Convert the cost of an item from U.S. currency to Canadian currency to decide whether it is a good value. (2)
Here are some sample work, learning and life tasks for Money Math.

26. Scheduling or Budgeting and Accounting
Planning for the best use of time and money, as well as monitoring of the use of time and money.
Scheduling or Budgeting and Accounting refers to the planning for the best use of time and money, as well as monitoring of the use of time and money.
Tasks range from skill levels 1 to 5. For instance a Level 1 Task would include such things as monitoring schedules or budgets and reporting shortages or surpluses. A Level 5 Task would include such things as comparing long-term investment alternatives where future rates of return are not known.
Click on the Icon to view a short video showcasing this Essential Skill.
When you are ready, go to the next slide to see some sample Scheduling or Budgeting and Accounting tasks in work, learning and life.

27. Scheduling or Budgeting and Accounting
Work
Schedule customer appointments, identifying an appropriate time and allocating sufficient time for each appointment. (2)
Learning
Calculate the ticket price for a school fundraising event considering the cost of supplies, expected net profit and the number of tickets you expect to sell. (3)
Life
Schedule cleaning, laundry and grocery shopping for the week. (1)
Here are some sample work, learning and life tasks for Scheduling or Budgeting and Accounting.

28. Measurement and Calculation
The measurement and calculation of quantities, areas, volumes, and/or distances.
Measurement and Calculation refers to the measurement and calculation of quantities, areas, volumes, and/or distances. Tasks range from skill levels 1 to 5. For instance a Level 1 Task would include such things as taking measurements in a one-step process and recording results. A Level 5 Task would include such things as devising estimates and making calculations of measurements that cannot be taken directly.
Click on the Icon to view a short video showcasing this Essential Skill.
When you are ready, go to the next slide to see some sample Measurement and Calculation tasks in work, learning and life.

29. Measurement and Calculation
Work
Calculate the square footage of a room to figure out how much carpet to buy for a customer. (2)
Learning
Double or triple the ingredients in a recipe when preparing food for a school event. (2)
Life
Measure the amount of laundry detergent for a load of laundry. (1)
Here are some sample work, learning and life tasks for Measurement and Calculation.

30. Data Analysis The collection and analysis of data in numerical form.
Data Analysis refers to the collection and analysis of data in numerical form. Tasks range from skill levels 1 to 5. For instance a Level 1 Task would include such things as making simple numerical comparisons by identifying the higher of two readings. A Level 5 Task would include such things as making projections using appropriate data like determining rates of return in a pension plan using data on annual contributions.
Click on the Icon to view a short video showcasing this Essential Skill.
When you are ready, go to the next slide to see some sample Data Analysis tasks in work, learning and life.

31. Data Analysis Work Learning Life
Analyze responses to customer service questionnaires to identify patterns. (3)
Learning
Compare your mark on two assignments to determine whether your skills are improving. (1)
Life
Calculate the average amount of money you spend on groceries per week to figure out how much of each paycheque to budget for food. (2)
Here are some sample work, learning and life tasks for Data Analysis.

32. Numerical Estimation The production of estimates in numerical terms.
Numerical Estimation refers to the production of estimates in numerical terms. Tasks range from skill levels 1 to 4. For instance a Level 1 Task would include such things as providing an estimate in a situation in which errors can be easily and quickly corrected with minimal expense. A Level 4 Task would include such things as providing an estimate in a situation in which errors have significant consequences and cannot be corrected or can only be corrected at great expense.
Click on the Icon to view a short video showcasing this Essential Skill.
When you are ready, go to the next slide to see some sample Numerical Estimation tasks in work, learning and life.

33. Numerical Estimation Work Learning Life
Estimate the volume of cleaning fluid to add to water. (1)
Learning
Estimate rehearsal time requirements to mount a new school play. (3)
Life
Estimate the time it will take to get to an appointment. (2)
Here are some sample work, learning and life tasks for Numerical Estimation.

34. Recognize That Essential Skill?
In your groups:
Complete the Task
Decide which Essential Skill is being showcased.
Hand out a copy of the RECOGNIZE THAT ESSENTIAL SKILL Group Activity Sheet #2. Divide your audience into groups of two or three and have them complete the two tasks and decide which Essential Skill is being showcased. When finished, have each group present their findings. Suggested answers with answer steps are on the next four slides.
These tasks come from the Facilitated Essential Skills Check-Up Tools Activity Sets located on the OSP Website - These resources are designed to build learner Essential Skills competence through the completion of Real Workplace Activity Sets either working alone, with a peer, in small groups or supported by a teacher, counsellor or other facilitator.

35. Task 1
$8, savings Essential Skills Demonstrated: Measurement and Calculation (3) Additional Skills: Document Use (2)
Here is the answer for Task 1. It showcases the Essential Skills of Measurement and Calculation and Document Use.

36. One way to get this answer...
1. Identify what is required: the cost savings to the client. 2. Find the number of square feet to be tiled. 3. Locate the column “Item or Description” in the Estimate Detail Form. 4. Scan the column for the key word “tile”. 5. Decide that 650 SQ’ is the number of square feet to be tiled. 6. Identify what is required: 10% for waste allowance on materials. 7. Set up the problem to find the total required including waste allowance: (square feet x waste percentage) + square feet = square feet to be tiled including waste allowance. 8. Calculate: (650 x 10%) = 715 square feet. 9. Identify what is required: the cost for porcelain and ceramic tiles to cover 715 square feet. 10. Set up the problem to find the cost for porcelain tiles: price / sq. ft. Coverage x 715 square feet = cost for porcelain tiles to cover 715 square feet. 11. Calculate: $16.25 x 715 = $11, Set up problem to find the cost for ceramic tiles: price / sq. ft. Coverage x 715 square feet = cost for ceramic tiles to cover 715 square feet. 13. Calculate: $4.72 sq. ft. x 715 = $3, Identify what is required: the cost savings to the client by using ceramic tiles. 15. Set up the problem to find the cost difference: Total porcelain price for coverage – Total ceramic price for coverage = cost savings. 16. Calculate: $11, $3, = $8, Decide the savings to the customer would be $8,
For each of the Tasks in the Facilitated Essential Skills Check-Up Tool both the Answer to the Task and a set of Answer Steps are provided. The Answer Steps show one way to get the correct answer for the task. The steps are presented as a numbered list of instructions and each instruction begins with a verb. Learners may repeat steps and strategies in the process of completing a single task. For example, learners may “locate” or “read” more than one piece of information to complete a single Task. This helps learners develop learning and/or problem solving strategies that are transferable to other problems or contexts.

37. Task 2 At least 72 golfers are required to meet the target profit.
Essential Skills Demonstrated:
Scheduling or Budgeting and Accounting (2)
Here is a suggested answer for Task 2. It showcases the Essential Skill of Scheduling or Budgeting and Accounting.

38. One way to get this answer...
1. Identify what is required: minimum number of golfers required to meet the target profit. 2. Scan the task statement for minimum profit required. 3. Locate $2, Scan the task statement to find the cost that golfers will pay for the event. 5. Locate $ Scan the task statement to find the profit earned per golfer for the event. 7. Locate $ Set up problem: (minimum number of golfers x $35) = $2, Calculate: (X x $35) = $2,500. 2,500 / 35 = X. 2,500 / 35 = Decide that at least 72 golfers are required to meet the target profit of $2,500.
Here are the answer steps for this task.
The OSP Check-Up Tools include over 90 Activity Sets for learners to build and practice their Essential Skills. For more examples, please check out the website at:

39. Thinking Skills Job Task Planning and Organizing Decision Making
Problem Solving
Finding Information
In the next few slides, you will see sample work, learning and life tasks for the Thinking Skills listed in the OSP: Job Task Planning and Organizing, Decision Making, Problem Solving and Finding Information.

40. Job Task Planning and Organizing
The planning and organization of one’s own work.
Job Task Planning and Organizing refers to the planning and organization of one’s own work. Tasks range from skill levels 1 to 4. For instance a Level 1 Task would include such things as:
Performing tasks that are done in an established order
Performing tasks that are rarely disrupted
Performing tasks that do not require coordination with the work of others
A Level 4 Task would include such things as:
Planning and organizing their work with complete authority
Establishing the order in which tasks are completed
Frequently making adjustments to the order of tasks, rescheduling tasks or people, or setting new priorities
Creating and maintaining links with the work of others
Click on the Icon to view a short video showcasing this Essential Skill.
When you are ready, go to the next slide to see some sample Job Task Planning and Organizing tasks in work, learning and life.

41. Job Task Planning and Organizing
Work
You work on similar tasks from one day to the next. You decide what to work on first, but you need to confirm with your supervisor that your plan is okay. You might need to change your plans after interruptions or to better co-ordinate your tasks with your co-workers. (3)
Learning
You typically complete similar tasks from one day to the next. Each day, you attend previously- scheduled classes. Outside of class time, you plan and organize your time to complete homework, work on group assignments and attend extra curricular meetings, practices and events and work part-time. (3)
Life
As a parent, each day is different. It is up to you to plan each day, decide which tasks are most important and sequence the tasks to make sure your children and home are taken care of. There are many interruptions, which often force you to revise your plan. (4)
Here are some sample work, learning and life tasks for Job Task Planning and Organizing.

42. Decision Making
The making of any type of decision, using appropriate information.
Decision Making refers to making a choice among options using appropriate information. Tasks range from skill levels 1 to 4. For instance a Level 1 Task would include such things as making a decision in a situation in which all relevant information is known; in which limited judgment is needed; and in which decisions can be easily reversed. A Level 4 Task would include such things as making a decision in a situation in which important information is not known; in which excellent judgment is needed; in which errors have significant consequences and either cannot be corrected or can only be corrected at great cost; and in which the decision cannot be reversed or can only be reversed with great difficulty and/or at great expense.
Click on the Icon to view a short video showcasing this Essential Skill.
When you are ready, go to the next slide to see some sample Decision Making tasks in work, learning and life.

43. Decision Making Work Learning Life
You decide to offer a customer a discount or rebate to keep their business. You use your discretion to decide what is appropriate under the circumstances. (2)
Learning
You select the materials you will need to complete a monthly book report project. (1)
Life
Decide to accept a temporary employment contract which requires moving to another city. You use your experience and judgment to consider whether the new contract and new city will meet your needs. You may need to consider others’ interests in your decision, which may be at odds with your own opinion. (3)
Here are some sample work, learning and life tasks for Decision Making.

44. Problem Solving The identification and solving of problems.
Problem Solving refers to the identification and solving of problems. Tasks range from skill levels 1 to 4. For instance a Level 1 Task would include such things as:
Dealing with simple problems that are easily identified and have a limited number of factors
Selecting the prescribed solution for a problem
Checking that the problem has been solved
A Level 4 Task would include such things as:
Dealing with very difficult problems that have a broad range of factors, some of which are unpredictable or conflict with other factors
Designing the procedure for identifying the problem, and providing an original solution
Identifying criteria for determining whether the solution was successful, and assessing the solution in relation to these criteria
Click on the Icon to view a short video showcasing this Essential Skill.
When you are ready, go to the next slide to see some sample Problem Solving tasks in work, learning and life.

45. Problem Solving Work Learning Life
You wake up too late to get to work on time. Call your supervisor immediately as stated in your work policy. (1)
Learning
There is a conflict between group members working on a project worth 30% of your final mark. Identify options that will appease each member so you can effectively complete the assignment. (3)
Life
You have scheduled two appointments at the same time. Determine which activity can and should be rescheduled. (2)
Here are some sample work, learning and life tasks for Problem Solving.

46. Finding Information
The use of a variety of sources, including written text, people, computerized databases, and information systems.
Finding Information refers to the use of a variety of sources, including written text, people, computerized databases, and information systems. Tasks range from skill levels 1 to 4. For instance a Level 1 Task would include such things as consulting established sources such as a telephone book, airline flight schedule, software manual or hotline that are provided for the worker. A Level 4 Task would include such things as gathering information from several different sources (for example, technical manuals, maps, government regulations) OR doing original research (e.g., developing a new vaccine).
Click on the Icon to view a short video showcasing this Essential Skill.
When you are ready, go to the next slide to see some sample Finding Information tasks in work, learning and life.

47. Finding Information Work Learning Life
Find invoice or product order status in computer or paper records. (1)
Learning
Conduct research for a report by consulting textbooks, conducting Internet searches and talking to experts in the field, as appropriate. (3)
Life
Find information on a company before interviewing for a job. Consult a variety of sources, such as industry journals, conduct Internet research and talk to industry contacts. (3)
Here are some sample work, learning and life tasks for Finding Information.

48. Choose That Essential Skill...
Working in pairs, decide which Essential Skill is being demonstrated in each of these activities.
Description
Essential Skill
Likes to keep the team on task during group work.
Likes to track the stats of their favourite sports team.
Can calculate HST on anything!
Loves all kinds of reading materials … magazines, novels, newspapers, anything!
Likes to listen to problems and find appropriate solutions … a regular Dr. Phil!
Likes to talk a lot and enjoys presenting in front of the class.
Weighs all the options before choosing what to do.
Is great at planning a party and keeping on budget.
Is good at filling in forms; likes working with charts.
Likes cooking and measures out all the ingredients.
Writes messages in greeting cards, keeps a journal or likes to write stories or poems.
Let’s see how well you know your Essential Skills... Working in pairs, decide which Essential Skill is being demonstrated in each of these activities.

49. Choose That Essential Skill...
Working in pairs, decide which Essential Skill is being demonstrated in each of these activities.
Description
Essential Skill
Likes to keep the team on task during group work.
Job Task Planning and Organizing
Likes to track the stats of their favourite sports team.
Data Analysis
Can calculate HST on anything!
Money Math
Loves all kinds of reading materials … magazines, novels, newspapers, anything!
Reading Text
Likes to listen to problems and find appropriate solutions … a regular Dr. Phil!
Problem Solving
Likes to talk a lot and enjoys presenting in front of the class.
Oral Communication
Weighs all the options before choosing what to do.
Decision Making
Is great at planning a party and keeping on budget.
Scheduling, Budgeting and Accounting
Is good at filling in forms; likes working with charts.
Document Use
Likes cooking and measures out all the ingredients.
Measurement and Calculation
Writes messages in greeting cards, keeps a journal or likes to write stories or poems.
Writing
So, how well did you do???

50. Skills
What skills do you have to use in order to complete each of those tasks?
For each task, prioritize the skills:
MOST important
Next important
Is there a 3rd critical skill?
Go back to your “To Do” List that you completed at the beginning of this workshop. Now that you know more about the Essential Skills, determine all of the skills you will have to use in order to complete each of those tasks. For those tasks requiring more than one Essential Skill, prioritize the skills from Most Important to Least Important.
Have audience members share their lists.

51. Practice Your Understanding At SKILLS ZONE
For more practice, check out the interactive activities in the Skills Zone Section of the OSP.

52. Essential Skill Levels
We use our Essential Skills everyday but we also use them at different levels of complexity or skill levels when performing tasks.
Skill levels indicate the level of complexity involved in the use of a skill in a particular task.
Each Essential Skill has skill levels. Some skills have five levels, others have four. These skill levels indicate the level of complexity involved in the use of a skill in a particular task.
In the next few slides, you will get a chance to play a card game which will help you experience complexity levels.

53. Complexity Rating Scale
The Complexity Rating Scale indicates the level of complexity involved in the use of a skill in a particular task.
The least complex tasks are classified at level 1; the most complex tasks are classified at level 5 or at level 4 if there are only 4 levels for a skill.
Skill levels are associated with workplace tasks and not the worker performing these tasks.
Task complexity or skill levels is a key concept to understand. Each Essential Skill has an associated skill level rating scale that describes the features of tasks that make some tasks easier than others. The skill levels illustrate sample tasks performed by experienced workers and not individuals preparing for or entering this occupation for the first time.
Complexity Levels:
Provides performance-based indicators for skills and skill levels that are authentic, measurable and endorsed by workers, employers and industry.
Provides a skills assessment framework that allows for the tracking of skills development over time.

54. Essential Skill Levels
“Why is this so hard?” card game
The “Why is this so hard?” game was created by Michael Hardt of Performance by Design, Inc. to simplify the “type of match” dimension of complexity in tasks. If you have a deck of cards handy, you can do the card game as you go through the next few slides.

55. Card Game (Part 1) Shuffle the deck of cards. Find the Ace of Spades.
Once you are done, think about the process.
Shuffle your deck of cards and find the Ace of Spades. Once you are done, think about the process!

56. Card Game (Part 1) Locating
In Part 1 of the card game, there was a direct match between the visual of the card (Ace of Spades) and the card you needed to locate in the deck.
This strategy is known as “locating.”
In the previous slide, you were shown the card you needed to locate (Ace of Spades) and then asked to locate that exact card in the deck. There was a direct match between the visual of the card and the card in the deck. This illustrates the strategy of locating. Tasks that require only locating are considered easier than tasks that require cycling, which you will have a chance to experience in Part 2 of the card game.

57. Card Game (Part 2) Shuffle the deck. Locate all four aces.
Once you are done, think about the process.
Put the card back into the deck and shuffle the cards. This time, locate all four aces. Once you are done, think about the process!

58. Card Game (Part 2) Cycling
In Part 2 of the card game, you had to find the four aces (A♥, A♦, A♣, and A♠).
This strategy is known as “cycling.”
Increased time was required to complete the task.
In Part 2 of the card game, you were asked to make a direct match between the cards you were asked to find and the cards in the deck, but you had to locate a card four times to find the four aces (A♥, A♦, A♣, and A♠). This strategy is known as “cycling”. Increased time was required to complete the task.

59. Card Game (Part 3) Put all the cards back in the deck and shuffle.
Find all the diamonds and place the cards in order from A (low) to K (high).
Once you are done, think about the process.
Put the cards back into the deck and shuffle. Find all the diamonds (♦s) and place the cards in order from A (low) to K (high). Once you are done, think about the process.

60. Card Game (Part 3) Integrating
In Part 3 of the card game, you were asked to find all the diamonds and place the cards in order from A (low) to K (high).
This task involves multiple “locates” but this time you also had to manipulate, or process, the cards by sequencing them.
This strategy is known as “integrate.”
The third part of the card game involves multiple “locates”, but this time you had to manipulate, or process, the cards by sequencing them. This strategy is known as “integrate”.

61. Card Game (Part 4) Put all the cards back in the deck and shuffle.
Identify the highest-scoring hand for each of the three most popular card games in North America.
Once you are done, think about the process.
Put all the cards back in the deck and shuffle. Now, identify the highest-scoring hard for each of the three most popular card games in North America. Once you are done, think about the process.
The three most popular games are: Poker, Blackjack and Bridge.

62. Card Game (Part 4) Generating
In Part 4 of the card game, you were asked to identify the highest-scoring hand for each of the three most popular card games in North America.
This task was the most challenging because it depended on using your prior knowledge to complete the task.
You had to “generate” the answer in your own head.
This task was the most challenging because it depended on using your prior knowledge to complete the task. You had to “generate” the
answer from your own head. This process is known as “generating.”

63. Card Game (Review)
The card game illustrates the strategies of locating, cycling, integrating and generating.
This demonstrates the kinds of analysis that went into determining the Essential Skills complexity levels.
Tasks that require only locating are considered easier than tasks that require cycling, integrating or generating.
The card game illustrates the strategies of locating, cycling, integrating, and generating. It demonstrates the kinds of analysis that went into determining the Essential Skills complexity levels. In particular, tasks that require only locating are considered easier than tasks that require cycling, integrating, or generating.

64. Task Complexity What makes tasks more or less difficult?
The difficulty level of a task depends on how easy or hard it is to find the answer.

65. Task Complexity Task Complexity Straightforward tasks (Level 1, 2)
Learner finds key words in the question and matches those words with the exact same words in the workplace document.
Learner does not need to have a strong understanding of the document format to find the answer.

66. Task Complexity Examples: What is the patient’s name? Tim Aalto
What is the nutrition diet? Minced Diabetic

67. Task Complexity More difficult tasks Learner must
locate multiple pieces of information
compare information from different areas of the same document
integrate information from different areas of the same document
generate information
Learner needs to understand the document type or format.

68. Task Complexity Level 1, 2 : Locating multiple pieces of information
Example:
Which floor coverings can be installed 16 to 24 hours after application?
carpet, vinyl sheet goods…

69. Task Complexity Level 2:
Comparing information from different areas of the same document
Making inferences
Example:
What salads were ordered?
house caesar
house greens

70. Task Complexity
Level 2, 3:
Integrating information from different areas of the same document or two documents
Example:
Greg Raymond is a driver who has lost his CVOR Certificate. His RIN is He is paying for a replacement using his credit card. Complete the application.

71. Exercise Put the tasks in order of complexity from 1 to 5.
Read a short to find out what time a meeting is
Read and critique technical reports, research papers and journal articles written by co-workers and colleagues.
Proofread and edit a friend’s résumé and cover letter for correct grammar and content.
Read an article in a newsletter to learn about upcoming or past events.
Read consumer product reviews from various websites and magazines to make purchasing decisions.
Have your participants complete this on their own and then share with a partner. Take up as a group.
Answer is:
1. Read a short to find out what time a meeting is (1)
2. Read an article in a newsletter to learn about upcoming or past events. (2)
3. Read consumer product reviews from various websites and magazines to make purchasing decisions. (3)
4. Proofread and edit a friend’s résumé and cover letter for correct grammar and content. (4)
5. Read and critique technical reports, research papers and journal articles written by co-workers and colleagues. (5)

72. Essential Skills Profiles
Essential Skills Profiles describe how each skill is used in an occupation.
Researchers asked workers:
- What do you do in your job?
- Why do you do it?
- How do you do it?
- What resources and materials do you use?
There are presently 385 profiles on the OSP Website.
Essential Skills Profiles describe how each skill is used in an occupation. The Government of Canada conducted research examining the skills people use at work. Workers were interviewed who were deemed by their employers as doing their jobs competently (i.e. not the stars and not those workers who are unable to do the job). A sufficient number of workers in an occupation – at least 9 – are interviewed to provide a sample representing different industries, occupational specializations, business sizes and geographic locations.
Profilers asked workers:
What do you do in your job? Show me….
Why do you do it?
How do you do it?
What resources and materials do you use?
Researchers then analyse the data to identify common tasks and rate their complexity. The range of data collected and the number of independent quality control reviews ensure that example tasks accurately reflect workplace skill requirements. While in the workplace, researchers also gather Authentic Workplace materials to provide real life examples of how workers use Essential Skills. Each Profile includes sample tasks completed by experienced workers – not individuals preparing for or entering the occupation for the first time.

73. Components of an Essential Skills Profile
Brief description of the occupation
List of the most important Essential Skills
Typical tasks grouped by skill and skill level
Physical aspects of performing the job and the attitudes that workers feel are needed to do the job well
Future trends affecting Essential Skill requirements for the occupation
Links to sites with information on this occupation, such as the National Occupational Classification Matrix (NOC) and Job Futures
Importance of ES Profiles:
Clear pathways require transparent entrance requirements for destinations.
Entrance requirements are well established for university, college and apprenticeship, but not for the workplace.
The Essential Skill Profiles clarify the skill requirements for different occupations, including entry-level work.
The Essential Skill Profiles can help us better prepare students for entry-level work directly after high school.

74. Small Group Exercise Review the OSP Occupational Profile
What are the 3 most important Essential Skills for this occupation?
What three components are common throughout the profile in describing each of the Essential Skills?
What is the range of skill level required?
What measuring instruments would they use?
What computer skills would they need?
What attitudes are required?
Print out a number of different OSP Occupational Profiles (Go to: to get a list of the Occupational Profiles. Click on the Icon under the Sample Workplace Tasks column to get the Occupational Profile). Also, print out the corresponding Essential Skills Profile by clicking on “View the entire Essential Skills Profile” so groups can answer the final three questions on this slide.
Have group divided into groups of 3 or 4. You will need to print out different profiles to provide each group with materials.

75. Skills Pyramid
Now that you have had a chance to see tasks for each Essential Skills at different skill levels, we will now take a look at another important feature of Essential Skills: the notion that Essential Skills are the foundation for learning other skills, such as technical skills and job/workplace specific skills.
Highlight and Right Click on the Skills Pyramid Icon with your mouse. Choose “Open Hyperlink” to show a short video showcasing this concept.
In the next slide, we’ll take a look at this example in more detail.

76. Registered Nurse Job/Workplace Specific Skills Technical Skills
Follow the specific emergency procedures in the clinic if the patient had a reaction to the injection.
Technical Skills
Give an injection.
Essential Skills
DOCUMENT USE
Read labels on the medication to verify the patient’s name and dosage. (1)
ORAL COMMUNICATION
Communicate with the patient and respond to questions or concerns relating to their health status or treatment interventions. (3)
MEASUREMENT AND CALCULATION
Measure the correct quantity of the substance to be injected. (1)
Here is an example of how a Registered Nurse (NOC 3152) uses Essential Skills, Technical Skills and Job/Workplace Specific Skills to give an injection. Let’s start with the Essential Skills. The nurse uses Document Use skills to read the labels on the medication to verify the patient’s name and dosage. This is a Document Use task at Essential Skill level 1. The nurse uses Oral Communication skills to communicate with the patient and respond to any questions or concerns. This is a Oral Communication task at Essential Skill level 3. When the nurse measures the correct quantity of the substance to be injected, the nurse is using Measurement and Calculation skills at Essential Skill level 1.
When the nurse gives the injection, she/he is using a technical skill.
If the patient had a reaction to the injection, then the nurse would use Job/Workplace Specific Skills to follow the specific emergency procedures in the clinic.

77. Essential Skills are transferable
Essential Skills are called transferable skills because you can transfer them (or take them with you) from school to work, further education or training, and to your everyday life; they are also transferable from job to job.
So far we looked at Essential Skill levels with sample tasks. We also explored the notion that Essential Skills provide the foundation for learning other skills, like technical skills and job/workplace specific skills. Essential Skills also have another important feature: they are transferable. They are called transferable skills because you can transfer them (or take them with you) from school to work, further education or training, and to your everyday life; they are also transferable from job to job.
When you make a change in your life, like starting a new school or a new job, your Essential Skills go with you and help you adapt to your new situation.

78. Review There are 14 Essential Skills in the OSP.
Essential Skills have skill levels.
Essential Skills Profiles.
Essential Skills are the foundation for learning other skills, like technical skills and job/workplace specific skills.
Essential Skills are also called transferable skills.
You have now completed this module! During this module, you had the opportunity to explore Essential Skills in more detail. Four main topics were covered in this module. First, we took a looked at a description and sample tasks for each of the 14 Essential Skills. Next, we focused on the Complexity Levels of the Essential Skills. We then looked at the Essential Skills Profiles. We then used the Skills Pyramid to illustrate that Essential Skills are the foundation for learning other skills, like technical skills and job/workplace specific skills. Finally, we looked at why Essential Skills are also called transferable skills.
If you would like more information on Essential Skills, please go to the Ontario Skills Passport website at You can also go to the next module to learn more about work habits.