Organization and Classification Advisor Learning Curriculum

A Training/Learning Competency Profile for Organization and Classification Advisors was developed which contains seven core competencies across three levels of activities with behavioural indicators. From this competency, using a content analysis methodology, eight training/learning domains were identified which enabled the development of behavioural objectives for each three modules of the new training/learning curriculum. These training/learning domains are:

Critical Thinking Applied to OC
Management of an OC Program
OC Program Tools and Methods
Organizational Knowledge and Leadership
Client Services
Conflict Resolution
Principles and Design of OC Training Programs
Communication

These objectives were further analyzed against four training/learning approaches which included traditional classroom, self paced, on-the-job training and coaching/tutoring. Here is a description of each approach:

Traditional classroom (TC) instruction which includes: short term training such as workshops and seminars as well as longer type of courses which span up to one to ten days or a semester.

Self paced (SP) refers to a variety of training methods where the learner directs his or her own learning path. Common forms of this training approach used in this identification of training learning approaches are: e-learning, computer based training, and action learning.

On-the-job (OJT) training refers to the important method of using real workplace environment as a teaching classroom. This approach is often accompanied by job performance aids such as manuals, selected readings or technical reports as well as structured feedback.

Coaching and tutoring (T) refers to a supervisor, co-worker, peer or outside consultant working with an employee to provide guidance, feedback, and directions to assure the successful learning of the new task.

The analysis provided twenty-two recommendations which give the best match between training objectives and training approach. In terms of the curriculum as a whole, level 1 favours traditional classroom and tutorial approaches. For level 2, the traditional classroom, self-paced learning and on-the-job training approaches are good matches. Level 3 Organization and Classification Advisers would benefit from traditional classroom, self-paced and coaching approaches.

The Organization and Classification Sector will take in consideration the recommendations of the analysis to produce the new training/learning curriculum in the next phase of the project.

Training/Learning Curriculum Summary

MODULE I Components 1 – 5	MODULE II Components 1 – 6
Entrance level – Includes advisors who are starting to work in OC and benefit from the advice or direction of a supervisor or tutor.	Second level – Consists of advisors who implement an OC Program, having the necessary authority to make independent decisions and/or to give advice within the structure of delegated authority.
1) OC Program Tools and Methods – Part I A What is organization and classification Rules and regulations How to evaluate a position Writing a work description Critiquing a work description Organizational design	1) OC Program Tools and Methods – Part II Chairing classification committees Identify and explain impact of decisions relating to classification grievances and staff relations grievances Determine and explain corrective measures Organizational design principles
2) OC Program Tools and Methods – Part I B Classification rationale On-site Relativity study Evaluation committee Grievance committee	2) Coordination of an OC Program OC Program and government issues, organizational context and client needs Implementing an OC Program Evaluating an OC Program
3) Client Service and Communication – Part I Quality of service and client satisfaction Communication – written, verbal Managing client requests and maintaining relationship Negotiation	3) Client Service and Communication – Part II Personal approach to dealing with clients Service delivery in the OC reality
4) Training Principles Applied to OC How adults learn Effective learning Coaching	4) Organizational Knowledge and Leadership Strategic organizational knowledge Organizational leadership
5) OC Self-Managed Training Exercises – Part I On-the-job Assisted by coach	5) Coaching and Tutoring in OC Principles and practices Instructional techniques Self-paced exercises
MODULE III – Third level Comprise employees who are responsible for managing an OC Program.	6) OC Self-Managed Training Exercises – Part II On-the-job Assisted by coach

ACCREDITATION RECOMMENDATION: Until further notice, the following courses should still be considered as mandatory for trainees currently working towards their accreditation: O&C -Tools and Methods: Part 1A ( P911), O&C -Tools and Methods: Part 1B (P912) and O&C -Tools and Methods: Part 2 (P916).

(See Information Bulletin April 21, 2010 - Training/Learning Curriculum in Organization and Classification)