HCA 103 Interpersonal Communications

School of Health and Human Services

HCA 103 Interpersonal Communication focuses on the development of self-awareness, increased understanding of others, and development of effective interpersonal communication skills that can be used in a variety of caregiving contexts. Students will be encouraged to become more aware of the impact of their own communication choices and patterns. They will have opportunities to develop and use communication techniques that demonstrate personal awareness, respect, and active listening skills.

Notes:

Learning Outcomes with Indicators:

  1. Identify the characteristics and qualities of effective interpersonal communications:
    • 1.1 Discuss the basic elements of any interpersonal communication processes — sender, receiver, message, feedback.
    • 1.2 Describe common barriers to communication.
    • 1.3 Describe the characteristics of effective communication.
    • 1.4 Discuss characteristics of culturally sensitive communication.
    • 1.5 Differentiate between caring and non-caring communications in a variety of job-related situations.
  2. Discuss the interrelationship between self-awareness, self-esteem, and perception as these relate to communication choices and patterns:
    • 2.1 Discuss the interrelationship between self-concept, self-esteem, and interpersonal communications.
    • 2.2 Describe how perception influences one’s reality and experience of situations.
  3. Demonstrate effective, caring interpersonal communications with clients, colleagues, and others:
    • 3.1 Use effective non-verbal communication, including non-verbal listening skills.
    • 3.2 Describe the characteristics of effective use of touch.
    • 3.3 Display an ability to be attuned to the non-verbal communications of clients and others.
    • 3.4 Use open-ended questions.
    • 3.5 Use active listening responses including paraphrasing and perception checking.
    • 3.6 Display an ability to listen and respond empathically.
    • 3.7 Use listening and responding skills to defuse anger and conflict.
    • 3.8 Use assertive communications appropriately.
    • 3.9 Determine when a situation is unsafe, and when it is important to leave.
  4. Apply self-reflection and self-appraisal processes in order to increase own effectiveness in interpersonal contexts:
    • 4.1 Reflect on how one’s personal beliefs and values influence perceptions, self-concept, and behaviours.
    • 4.2 Use self-reflection to determine one’s choices and patterns of communication.
    • 4.3 Reflect on interpersonal interactions in order to increase own effectiveness.
    • 4.4 Invite feedback and suggestions from others in order to increase own effectiveness.

Prerequisites: Admission to HCA Program

Accessibility Services Notice

Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.

Transfer Agreements

Course to Course transfer – NoBlock Transfer – Nobctransferguide.ca
Course Details
Total number of weeks3
Total Credits
Total Hours50
Typical hours per week breakdown
Lecture17~

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

  1. Identify the characteristics and qualities of effective interpersonal communications
  2. Discuss the interrelationship between self-awareness, self-esteem, and perception as these relate to communication choices and patterns
  3. Demonstrate effective, caring interpersonal communications with clients, colleagues, and others
  4. Apply self-reflection and self-appraisal processes in order to increase own effectiveness in interpersonal contexts

Teaching and Learning Approach

All of the courses in the Health Care Assistant (HCA) Program focus on promoting the independence and autonomy of students. This approach supports the development of the soft skills required of a Health Care Assistant in the workplace and for students to successfully meet the Program Outcomes.

Instructors approach the delivery of course content as facilitators of learning, working with students to develop their strengths and recognize opportunities for growth. Peer support and feedback is supported and encouraged.

Students will be introduced to and supported through the self-reflection process, reflective learning and peer/self- evaluation. Interdisciplinary teams and team dynamics, experiential learning and application of knowledge are other concepts and strategies used. Some examples of these are group projects, case studies, quizzes, games, written and video discussion forums, simulation, hands on lab practice, and experiences in work settings.

The use of technology throughout the HCA Program supports skills needed in the workplace. Learn (Moodle) is the Learning Management System used to deliver and submit all course material. Zoom conferencing software is used for class discussions, meetings, group work and other activities.

Time management, prioritization and organization are foundational skills that are key to the successful navigation of the HCA Program. The calendar within Learn (Moodle) assists and guides students with these skills. Instructors are available to support individual student learning needs through virtual office hours, 1:1 meeting, email, and Zoom sessions.

Learning Resources

Required: Sorrentino, S.A., Remmert, L.N., & Wilk, M.J. (2021). Sorrentino's Canadian Textbook for the Support Worker (5th Ed.). Toronto, ON: Elsevier Canada.

Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered

1. 1. Week 1: 20 hours - 6 hrs synchronous/ 14 hrs asynchronous Introduction to Interpersonal Communications • Elements of interpersonal communication processes — sender, receiver, message, feedback. • Barriers to communication. • Characteristics of effective communication: open, supportive, positive, understanding. • Importance of common courtesies. • Warmth, respect, empathy. • Appropriate use of humour. • Appreciating diversity of backgrounds. • Culturally sensitive communication. • Communicating with people who speak a different language from yours. • What a caring response looks like. • Differentiating between caring and non-caring communications in a variety of job-related situations. • Recognize how different health care settings or health concerns may impact communication with the client (e.g., complex care, community care, or acute care settings). Knowledge of Self • Interrelationship between self-concept, self-esteem, and interpersonal communications. • Recognizing how perception influences one’s reality and experience of situations. • Societal, cultural, and experiential influences on perceptions and self-concept. • Using self-reflection to determine one’s choices and patterns of communication.

2. 2. Week 2: 15 hours - 4 hrs synchronous/ 11 hrs asynchronous Non-Verbal Communication • Gestures, postures, facial expressions. • Use of space. • Use of objects. • Positioning of self in relation to the other person. • Tone and volume of speech. • Non-language sounds. • Personal choices and what these communicate. • Appropriate and caring use of touch. • Reflecting on one’s own non-verbal communications. • Being attuned to the non-verbal communications of clients and others. Responding to Others • Non-verbal listening skills. • Using open-ended questions. • Using paraphrasing and perception checking. • Listening and responding empathically. • Respond non-defensively to feedback, even when provided in a critical or confrontational manner.

3. 3. Week 3: 10 hours - 2 hrs synchronous/ 8 hrs asynchronous Conflict Management and Resolution • Value of conflict in interpersonal relations. • Conflict management strategies. • Applying skills (e.g., listening and responding skills) to defuse anger and conflict. • Assertive communications: assertive vs. aggressive responses. • How and when to say "no." • Factors that signal it’s time to remove self from a situation. Electronic Communication • Appropriate email communication, online etiquette (netiquette). • Appropriate use of mobile devices in the workplace.

4. 4. Week 4: 5 hours - 2 hrs synchronous/ 3 hrs asynchronous Summative Assessment Q&A Summative Assessment

Assessment

Title Learning Outcomes Value
Communication Assignment: Getting to know someone 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 30%
Palliative Activity 1, 2, 3, 5 10%
Quizzes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 20%
Summative Assessment 1,2,3,4,5 40%
Total 100%

Grading Table

Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table

Percentage Letter Grade GPA
90-100 A+ 4.33
85-89 A 4.00
80-84 A- 3.67
76-79 B+ 3.33
72-75 B 3.00
68-71 B- 2.67
64-67 C+ 2.33
60-63 C 2.00
55-59 C- 1.67
50-54 P 1.00
0-49 F 0.00
DNW 0.00

See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.

Disclaimer

Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.