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ENVS*2010 Decision Making and Communication Skills Kim Bolton and Stew Hilts Department of Land Resource Science. Core course for Environmental Science students One hour lecture per week Three hour tutorial per week Evaluation: Assignments and Final Exam. Learning Objectives.
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ENVS*2010Decision Making and Communication SkillsKim Bolton and Stew HiltsDepartment of Land Resource Science • Core course for Environmental Science students • One hour lecture per week • Three hour tutorial per week • Evaluation: Assignments and Final Exam
Learning Objectives • Develop problem solving and creative thinking skills. • Learn how to write an effective and professional research proposal. • Develop and practice writing skills. • Develop and practice good oral presentation skills. • Develop and practice facilitation and communication skills in a group setting and focus on the values of listening, tolerance and fairness.
The Lectures • Concepts of problem-solving, the scientific method and proposal writing • Guest lecturers/films • Risk Communication • Creativity in Science • Values and Decision-making • Corporate Influence in Science • Environmental Advocacy
The Tutorials • Facilitated by highly skilled graduate students • Tutorial activities • Self-assessment • Brainstorming • Dotmocracy • SWOT analysis • Environmental advocacy • Oral presentations • Student facilitated workshops
Proposal Assignment • Brainstorm topics and list of tasks (methodology) • Develop RFP and Goals and Objectives • Example Topics: • Economic Analysis of the Wild Turkey Reintroduction Program in Ontario • Proposal to Develop an Ecotourism Facility in Algonquin Park • Proposal to Design a Designated Substance Audit for Industry • An Environmental Impact Assessment of a Proposed Outdoor Nature Facility
Student Feedback • “I found that the assignments were helpful and will be helpful in a career setting” • “The labs were a great learning experience” • “this course was a useful tool for someone in Env. Sci. It had huge amounts of useful and practical knowledge” • “Course is very helpful for the future. Highly recommended course”