Integrating Essential Skills into Training - National Adult Literacy ...

• thinking skills
◊ problem solving
◊ decision making
◊ critical thinking
◊ job task planning and organizing
◊ significant use of memory
◊ finding information
• working with others
• computer use
• continuous learning
WORKPLACE ESSENTIAL SKILLS (AN OVERVIEW)
Reading Text
Reading text refers to reading prose that is longer than a single sentence. Text can be read on
paper, a whiteboard or a screen. In the workplace, you:
◊ scan (read to locate specific information - involves glancing over the text to locate key
words and phrases)
◊ skim (read rapidly to get the gist or general idea – involves glancing through the text
for its main features including headings, subheadings, highlighted words, etc.)
◊ read the whole text to understand and to learn – involves carefully reading the text in
its entirety to learn the details of the subject matter in order to respond to a wide
variety of needs
◊ read critically to evaluate, edit or critique – involves reading the whole text with a
critical eye in order to exercise judgement
In the workplace, you read text in the form of:
• notes • technical manuals • instructions
• memos • safety manuals • emails
• letters • specifications • contracts
• regulations • journals • reports
• logbooks • catalogue descriptions • training materials
• detailed work orders • labels and circulars • pamphlets/brochures
• forms – reading a form can be considered reading text if there is more than one
sentence to read (e.g.) a purchase order with a product description, a detailed work
order, an evaluation form that cites examples, an accident report, an MSDS, etc.
• labels – reading a label can be considered reading text if there is more than one
sentence to read (e.g.) directions on hair dye, hazardous goods labels, medicine labels,
caution labels, etc.