leadership skills certificate of achievement program€¦ · the leadership skills – certificate...

Leadership Skills

Certificate of

Achievement Program

PLAR Candidate Guide

Prior Learning Assessment and

Recognition (PLAR)

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition Leadership Skills

Copyright

Saskatchewan Polytechnic No part of the work(s) contained herein may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means – graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping of information and retrieval systems – without written consent of Saskatchewan Polytechnic. The Leadership Skills – Certificate of Achievement program is committed to assessing and awarding credit for students’ existing knowledge and skills that closely match the learning outcomes of one or more of our courses. Fair, valid, and flexible assessment methods can be applied to award credit for prior learning acquired through post-secondary education, workplace training, and informal learning.

Developed by program March 2019

Revised

Web ready – PLAR

office March 2019

Revised template by

RPL program


Table of Contents

Advance Credit options at Saskatchewan Polytechnic ............................................................ 4

Introduction to PLAR .......................................................................................................... 5

Self-rate your general knowledge of PLAR at Saskatchewan Polytechnic ................................. 5

What is in this guide? ......................................................................................................... 6

How to navigate this document ........................................................................................... 6

Specific PLAR information for the Leadership Skills program .................................................. 6

Courses available for PLAR in this program ....................................................................... 7

Dates when PLAR assessment is available for this program ................................................ 8

PLAR challenge options and eligibility criteria .................................................................... 8

Option A: Individual course challenge........................................................................... 8

Fees for PLAR Challenges ................................................................................................ 8

Directions to arrange a PLAR Consultation for this Program ................................................ 8

PLAR Consultant for this Program ..................................................................................... 9

Self-rating checklists, assessment methods, and resources for courses in this program ...........10

Steps to complete a self-rating checklist ..........................................................................10

Self-audit guide(s) .........................................................................................................11

LEAD 115 – Leadership Principles ................................................................................11

LEAD 116 – Coaching and Teambuilding for Leaders .....................................................13

MGMT 115 – Management Principles ............................................................................15

MGMT 116 – Business Management .............................................................................17

MGMT 189 – Managerial Skills .....................................................................................19

SUPR 115 – Supervisory Skills ......................................................................................21


Advance Credit options at Saskatchewan Polytechnic

There are three ways to get advance credit for what you already know. You can combine

them for credit in the same program, but not for the same course.

1. Transfer credit for courses taken from another college or university. See our online

webpage for more information about transfer credit.

Transfer credit is an option if…

One or two courses you took before closely match one or two of our courses.

The school you attended is a recognized or authorized post-secondary institution.

You provide an acceptable transcript before you start a full-time program. Or before

you register or start an extension course as a part-time student.

You submit a Transfer Credit Request form (no fee).

For example, if you took a university chemistry course, you may get transfer credit for

a similar chemistry course at Sask Polytech.

2. Equivalency credit for one or more Sask Polytech courses you took before. You may have

taken it from one of our campuses, at a regional college, or for dual credit in high school.

See our webpage for more information about dual credit.

Equivalency Credit is an option if…

The course is the same or equal to a course in your current program.

You passed the course within the last 5 years. Ask for an exception if you have been

using and/or updating the knowledge since taking the course.

You submit a Program Adjustment form when registering for courses in a full-time

program on the first day of classes. This isn’t required for part-time students.

For examples, if you took COMM 291 in our Youth Care Worker program, it is

equivalent to BCOM 103 in our Office Administration program.

If you took our DRFT 390 course while in high school, you may get credit for it in our

CAD/CAM Engineering Technology program.

3. PLAR credit for proving what you know that matches one or more of our courses. It does

not matter where you learned it (school, on the job, or on your own). First apply for all

possible transfer and/or equivalency credit because PLAR is more work and cost.

PLAR is an option if…

You cannot get transfer or equivalency credit for the same course(s).

What you already know matches one or more courses in your program.

You are willing and able to prove what you know.

Your program head approves a PLAR challenge.

You submit the PLAR Application form and pay the PLAR assessment fee.

For example, if you learned computer skills at work, you may be approved for a PLAR

challenge for one of our computer skills courses.

http://saskpolytech.ca/admissions/resources/transfer-credit.aspx

https://www.cicic.ca/868/Search-the-Directory-of-Educational-Institutions-in-Canada/index.canada

http://saskpolytech.ca/admissions/resources/high-school-and-post-secondary-transcripts.aspx

http://saskpolytech.ca/admissions/resources/documents/Transfer-Credit-Request-Form.pdf

http://saskpolytech.ca/admissions/resources/dual-credit.aspx

http://saskpolytech.ca/admissions/resources/documents/Program-Adjustment-Form.pdf

http://saskpolytech.ca/admissions/resources/documents/plar-application-form.pdf

https://webprod.siast.sk.ca:8000/ceroneprod/szpkplar.P_PLARInformation


Introduction to PLAR

Before reading this guide, be sure you are familiar with the PLAR 8-step process and FAQs for

Saskatchewan Polytechnic. You will need both general information about PLAR and specific

information for this program to successfully navigate the PLAR process.

It is your responsibility to be fully informed before you contact a program’s designated PLAR

consultant. Use the self-rating checklist below to check whether you understand the PLAR

basics before you review details for this program. This is an example of self-rating checklists

found in this guide to assess your level of knowledge for courses in this program.

Self-rate your general knowledge of PLAR at Saskatchewan Polytechnic

Use this checklist to rate your knowledge for each of the following learning outcomes

General PLAR Knowledge

Competent: I know this well enough to explain it to someone else. Learning: I am somewhat familiar with this but need more review. None: I have no knowledge related to this outcome.

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1. Identify the common steps involved in a PLAR challenge

2. Describe the kinds of learning that can be assessed by PLAR

3. Describe methods that are used to assess learning for PLAR

4. Discuss the differences between PLAR and transfer credit

5. Identify potential benefits of doing a PLAR challenge

6. Identify potential risks of doing a PLAR challenge

7. Describe how to request disability accommodations for assessment

8. Identify strategies to improve success for PLAR challenges

9. Identify who should consider PLAR

10. Discuss who should be cautious about PLAR and why

11. Describe common eligibility criteria for PLAR

12. Explain how PLAR fees are determined

13. Discuss factors that affect the time required for PLAR

14. Identify sources to contact for more information about PLAR

If you rated yourself as “learning” or “none” for any of the above learning outcomes, review the

related information again in the PLAR 8-step process and FAQs for Saskatchewan Polytechnic.

http://saskpolytech.ca/admissions/resources/prior-learning-process.aspx

http://saskpolytech.ca/admissions/resources/prior-learning-questions.aspx




What is in this guide?

This guide contains information, eligibility criteria, and self-rating tools to help you decide

whether to consider a PLAR challenge for the Leadership Skills program. It also provides specific

contact information and directions to follow if you decide to proceed with PLAR.

There are two main sections in this guide:

Section 1—Specific PLAR information for the Leadership Skills program

This section contains specific PLAR eligibility criteria, directions, and contact information for

the Leadership Skills Certificate program.

Section 2—Tools for choosing courses to challenge with PLAR

This section contains self-rating checklists, assessment methods, and recommended

resources (if any) for each course in this program that is PLAR-ready. This section will help

you identify courses to consider challenging for PLAR credit.

How to navigate this document

This document contains links to different sections and other documents. To return to where you

were before you followed a link, press the ALT key and left arrow key at the same time.

Section 1— Specific PLAR information for the Leadership Skills program

This section contains the following detailed information about PLAR for the Leadership Skills

program:

(a) Courses available for PLAR in this program,

(b) Dates when PLAR assessment is available for this program,

(c) Eligibility criteria for this program’s PLAR challenge options,

(d) PLAR fees for this program,

(e) Directions to arrange a PLAR consultation for this program, and

(f) Contact information for this program’s PLAR consultant.


Courses available for PLAR in this program

L e a d e r s h i p S k i l l s C e r t i f i c a t e o f A c h i e v e m e n t

P r o g r a m P r o f i l e

COURSE

CODE COURSE NAME

PLAR Challenge(s) available

through program

PLAR Challenge(s) not

available

Core Required Courses

LEAD_115 Leadership Principles

LEAD 116 Coaching and Teambuilding for Leaders

MGMT 115 Management Principles

MGMT 116 Business Management

MGMT 189 Managerial Skills

SUPR 115 Supervisory Skills


Dates when PLAR Assessment is available for this program

PLAR challenges for this program are currently being offered at any time during the year.

PLAR Challenge Options and Eligibility Criteria

Option A: Individual course challenge

All Leadership Skills program courses may be completed by PLAR.

If you have a minimum of two years work experience in a supervisory or leadership position and have learned the skills and knowledge for one or more of this program’s courses, you may apply to be assessed for each applicable course.

Fees for PLAR Challenges

Fees for PLAR challenges are set to cover our costs for consultation, assessment, and related administrative tasks. Fees therefore vary for different courses, levels of PLAR, and assessment methods.

For a listing of PLAR fees for this program, please check the online, searchable PLAR fee database. If the course(s) you are looking for is not listed, call or email the Learner Pathways office for PLAR fees at (306-765-1652) or [email protected]

Directions to Arrange a PLAR Consultation for this Program

1. Review: Thoroughly review the PLAR process and FAQs on our website and then the content of this guide for the Leadership Skills program. You need both general and specific information to successfully navigate the PLAR process.

2. Self-rate: Complete the self-rating checklists in the next section to estimate your level of mastery for the learning outcomes of each course.

3. Print or save the application form: If PLAR for one or more courses appears to be a reasonable option for you, print or electronically save the PLAR Application Form and completed self-rating checklists for those courses.

4. Contact: Call or email the PLAR consultant for this program.

5. Prepare: Ask the consultant what to bring with you or submit prior to a meeting. The following items are commonly requested:

A recent resume with dates and employers or organizations listed for any paid or volunteer work related to this program,

Copies of transcripts, certificates or workshop descriptions from any previous education and training related to this program,



mailto:[email protected]?subject=Additional%20Information%20Request



http://saskpolytech.ca/admissions/resources/documents/plar-application-form.pdf


A printed or electronic PLAR Application Form with at least your personal information filled in, and

Completed, printed (or electronically saved) self-rating checklists for each course you may want to PLAR.

PLAR Consultant for this Program

Please do not contact the PLAR consultant for this program until you have…

thoroughly reviewed (a) PLAR process and FAQs and (b) program-specific PLAR information in this guide and

self-rated your competence level for the learning outcomes of each course you may want to PLAR (see the next section of this guide).

If PLAR appears to be a reasonable option for you, please contact the PLAR consultant for this program to arrange an in-person or phone meeting:

Dalton Mervold, Program Head Leadership Skills Program Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Saskatoon Campus Email: [email protected] Phone: 306-659-4077

https://saskpolytech.ca/admissions/resources/documents/plar-application-form.pdf



mailto:[email protected]


Section 2—Self-rating checklists, assessment methods, and resources for courses in

this Program

This section of the guide contains tools and information for each PLAR-able course in this

program to help you choose which courses you might successfully challenge with PLAR.

Information provided for each course includes the following:

A checklist of the learning outcomes for each course so you can estimate your level of

mastery for that course.

A brief or detailed description of the potential assessment methods that may be used for

a PLAR challenge.

A list of resources you may want to review prior to PLAR assessment or a reminder to

ask the PLAR consultant for a list of recommended resources.

Steps to complete a self-rating checklist

1. Read through these three levels of competence listed for each course checklist.

Competent: I can work independently without supervision to apply the learning outcome. Learning: I am still learning this and need some direction or supervision to do it well.

None: I have no knowledge or experience related to this outcome.

2. Read through the following self-rating checklists of learning outcomes for each course you are interested in for a PLAR challenge.

3. Check off your estimated competence level for all of the learning outcomes for each course. Your self-rating will help you decide whether to proceed with a PLAR consultation.

4. To be successful in a PLAR assessment, your abilities should be at the competent level for the majority of learning outcomes. Some things to consider when rating your level of competence are:

How do I currently use this outcome?

What previous training have I had in this outcome: workshops, courses, on-the-job?

What personal development or volunteer experience do I have in this area?

Be prepared to explain why you chose this level if asked by the program’s PLAR consultant.

5. Print and bring the completed self-audit checklists to a consultation with the Program Head. Or select/copy checklist(s) into a file and email attached file(s) to the Program Head prior to a consultation meeting. (step 5 in the 8-step PLAR process).

https://saskpolytech.ca/admissions/resources/prior-learning-process.aspx


Self-audit guide(s)

LEAD 115 – Leadership Principles

You will focus on the goals, functions and roles of leadership. You will learn what leadership is and what it takes to become a successful leader. You will examine different types of leaders, the ways that they are effective, and consider situations where one leadership style may be better than another. Credit unit(s): 2

Prerequisite(s): None Equivalent course(s): None

LEAD 115 – Leadership Principles

Competent: I can work independently without supervision to apply the outcome. Learning: I need some supervision or direction to apply the outcome.

None: I have no knowledge or experience related to this outcome.

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1. Discuss leadership principles.

Discuss what leadership is Discuss the importance of leaders

Compare a historical leader with a modern leader

2. Compare leaders and managers.

Compare leadership and management concepts Discuss characteristics of a manager

Discuss characteristics of a leader

3. Identify qualities of leaders.

Identify leader and follower characteristics

Identify what a leader is Review examples of Leaders

4. Examine leadership traits.

Identify leadership traits

Discuss leadership traits Examine leadership in your life.

5. Examine leadership behaviours.

Identify leadership behaviours

Examine behaviours of different leaders

6. Examine leadership styles.

Examine leadership styles Examine overview of different leadership styles

Discuss leadership style perspectives

7. Examine strategic leadership.

Discuss strategic leadership Examine the value of strategic leadership


PLAR Assessment Methods

If you qualify for PLAR, you may be asked to demonstrate your learning in one or more of the following ways. Be prepared to clarify expectations with the Program Head during a PLAR consultation. 1. Evidence file

Provide hard copy or electronic files of the following items. If you register for PLAR for multiple courses at one time, please submit only one evidence file. Be sure to clearly indicate evidence that applies to a specific course.

A recent resume with dates and employers or organizations listed for any paid or volunteer work related to this course or the program in general. Where applicable, list your duties and achievements that are particularly relevant for this and any other program courses you are challenging with PLAR.

Copies of transcripts, certificates or workshop descriptions from any previous education or training related to this particular course or the program in general. Some courses or training, especially from Canadian Armed Forces, may be eligible for transfer credit.

Any other evidence that demonstrates your learning for this course or as requested by the Program Head.

2. Structured Interview

Once your evidence file is submitted and reviewed, you will participate in a structured interview to review your evidence and demonstrate your learning related to this course.

3. Assignments

Additional assignment(s) may be required if there are gaps in your demonstrated learning. Directions will be provided by the Program Head.

Resources

Ask the PLAR Consultant/Program Head to recommend any resources that may be useful to

prepare for assessment. The following textbook used for online instruction of this program is

not required for PLAR registration but may be useful to review prior to assessment. It may be

available at your local library.

Williams, C., Champion, T., & Hall, I., MGMT, latest Canadian edition. Toronto, Ontario: Nelson

Education, Ltd.


LEAD 116 – Coaching and Teambuilding for Leaders

You will examine what a team is and how to become part of a functioning team and even a high performing team at times. Credit unit(s): 2 Prerequisite(s): None

Equivalent course(s): None

LEAD 116 – Coaching and Teambuilding for Leaders

Competent: I can work independently without supervision to apply the outcome. Learning: I need some supervision or direction to apply the outcome. None: I have no knowledge or experience related to this outcome.

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1. Describe training methods.

Describe training methods

Describe traditional training Describe applied training

Describe computer based training

Discuss blended learning

2. Explain the use of coaching.

Explain coaching

Describe how coaching works

Apply examples of using coaching

3. Describe basic coaching skills.

Describe the elements of coaching

Describe the three phases of coaching

4. Discuss teambuilding.

Discuss definitions of a team

Discuss high performing team characteristics

5. Explain use of teamwork in the workplace.

Explain using teamwork in the workplace

Explain the use of coaching with a team Discuss application of team coaching

6. Demonstrate coaching and teambuilding to improve performance in the workplace.

Explain using coaching to improve performance

Demonstrate improving a team’s performance



If you qualify for PLAR, you may be asked to demonstrate your learning in one or more of the following ways. Be prepared to clarify expectations with the PLAR Consultant/Assessor. 1. Evidence file







3. Assignments


Resources






Education, Ltd.


MGMT 115 – Management Principles

You will focus on the goals, functions and roles of management. You will learn what leadership is what it takes to become a successful manager. You will examine different types of managers, the ways that there are effective, and consider situations where one management style may be better than another. Credit unit(s): 2 Prerequisite(s): None


MGMT 115 – Management Principles


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1. Define management.

Introduction to management

Define management terms Discuss management definitions

2. Examine the history of management.

Discuss the history of management Examine management communications

Examine historical theories of management

3. Discuss the functions of management.

Discuss the four functions of management

Discuss the planning phase

Discuss the organizing phase Discuss the leading phase

Discuss the controlling phase

4. Examine the different types of managers.

Examine High Level Managers

Examine Middle Level Managers Examine Front Line Managers

Examine Team Leaders

5. Compare management styles.

Identify management styles Compare a variety of management styles



1. Evidence file







3. Assignments


Resources






Education, Ltd.


MGMT 116 – Business Management

You will focus on business structure and financial management. You will focus on ownership types, financing, and liabilities of a business. You will identify the financial and business structure that will enable success in the workplace. Credit unit(s): 2


MGMT 116 – Business Management


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1. Identify the types of business ownership structures.

Identify forms of business

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the different forms. Identify factors for business structures

Identify types of business ownership

2. Discuss financing sources available.

Discuss financing sources Compare types of financing available

3. Describe key factors in a business’ status.

Describe basic accounting principles Describe the purpose of financial statements

Describe common financial ratios

Discuss financial condition of a business based on the ratios.

4. Examine business financial documents.

Describe the purpose of financial statements

Discuss the different types of statements Examine the use of financial statements within a business

5. Examine taxes that apply to businesses.

Discuss types of taxes Examine the purpose and tracking of taxes

Explain the process for filing taxes

Discuss tax implications for a business










3. Assignments


Resources






Education, Ltd.


MGMT 189 – Managerial Skills

You will focus on the goals, functions and roles of management. You will focus on team building, leadership, and management principles. You will identify essential and employability skills that will enable success in the workplace. Credit unit(s): 2


MGMT 189 – Management Skills


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1. Identify the roles and function of management.

Identify the definition of management

Describe functions that managers perform Identify kinds of managers and their duties

Examine managers’ roles Explain what companies look for in managers

2. Describe principles of leadership.

Identify principles of leadership

Describe leadership activities Discuss leadership principles

Discuss qualities of a leader

3. Discuss team building for work groups.

Identify different types of groups

Describe functions of teams Examine managing a team

Discuss team building

4. Identify time and resource management skills.

Identify time/resource management skills

Describe planning/scheduling factors Determine team requirements and timelines

Create a schedule for a workplace

Discuss problem solving skills

5. Describe essential and employability skills.

Identify essential and employability skills Describe the use of essential/employability skills Examine the

communications process Demonstrate communications skills


6. Examine change management.

Identify the goals of change management Examine technological innovation and change

Discuss change management and team building









3. Assignments


Resources






Education, Ltd.


SUPR 115 – Supervisory Skills

You will examine the fundamentals of supervision. It will cover the role of a supervisor, managing change, communication, working with groups and other supervisory skills. Credit unit(s): 2 Prerequisite(s): None


SUPR 115 – Supervisory Skills


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1. Describe the role of a supervisor.

Identify the role of the Supervisor Describe the Supervisor’s role in the organizational structure

Describe the movement from employee to supervisor

Describe supervisor’s role as part of a team

2. Explain organizational structure.

Discuss organizational structure

Examine the levels of management Explain how supervisors fit into the organizational structure

Explain relationships between employees and supervisors

3. Examine supervisory tools.

Discuss role of supervisor in planning Examine the planning tools available

Examining methods to control the supervisory process

4. Describe recruiting and training of employees.

Discuss employee recruitment Describe selection and recruitment tools

Describe working with Human resources departments

5. Describe workplace issues and dealing with staff.

Discuss workplace stress

Describe diversity and how it relates to supervisory positions

Describe health and safety concerns

Discuss conflict resolution and management

6. Discuss how to develop your skills as a supervisor.

Discuss developing supervisory skills Discuss supervisory inventory

Discuss supervision and motivation










3. Assignments


Resources






Education, Ltd.

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