This document includes information for Horticulture and Arboriculture students who are studying communication techniques at Otago Polytechnic.

1. New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (Level 3)
(Amenity)
New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (Level 3)
(Landscape Construction)
New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (Level 3)
(Arboriculture)
Communication HJ320101
Course Outline
2018

2. Table of Contents
Teaching team 3
Online help 3
Introduction 4
Learning outcomes 4
Assessments for this course 4
Attendance and participation 5
Timetable 5
Assessment Timetable 5
Textbooks and readings 6
Course evaluation 6
2

3. Teaching team
Name Lisa Burton
Office 03 479 3839
Phone 021 735 209
Email lisa.burton@op.ac.nz
Name Lisa Short
Office 03 470 4315
Phone 021 735 583
Email lisa.short@op.ac.nz
Name Kim Thomas
Office 03 479 6058
Phone 021 735 498
Email kim.thomas@op.ac.nz
Name Bud Law
Office 03 972 7434
Phone 027 464 9805
Email bud.law@op.ac.nz
Name Ben Fentiman
Office 03 470 3981
Phone 021 735 575
Email ben.fentiman@op.ac.nz
Name Alvar del Castillo
Office 03 972 7003
Phone 021 982 278
Email alvar.castillo@op.ac.nz
Online help
For assistance with online components of this course, there are three ways to obtain
assistance:
Email helpdesk@op.ac.nz and clearly describe the issue.
Phone the helpdesk at 0800 762 786 ext 8039.
Check Student Support Services through the OP website.
3

4. Introduction
Haere mai, welcome to Communication.
The aim of this course is to enable learners to work as effective team members in the
horticulture sector.
Learning outcomes
At the successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Cooperate and participate within a horticulture team.
2. Communicate effectively using a range of techniques.
3. Listen and respond appropriately to team members and colleagues.
Indicative Content
● Active Listening and following instructions
● Effective, respectful communication techniques
● Team roles and responsibilities
● Cooperative strategies for working in teams
● Written, verbal and non-verbal communication strategies
● Giving and receiving constructive feedback in a team
Assessments for this course
To pass this course you are required to achieve the course completion requirements set out
below.
Assessments for this course
Assessment
Title
Assessment
Activity
Weighting Learning
Outcomes
Assessment
Grading
Scheme
Completion
Requirements
Communication
Skills
Observation 50 1, 2 Percentage Cumulative
Pass 50%
Reflection
Assignment
Written reflection 50 2, 3 Percentage
Total 100%
4

5. Attendance and participation
This course runs semester one. It blends face to face sessions, online learning, and authentic
work experiences.
Attendance during all practical classes is compulsory, as assessment is taking place.
In order to make the best use of learning opportunities, you are expected to attend all face to
face learning opportunities and participate in all learning activities – lecturer or student
managed. Failure to participate in all learning opportunities may compromise your learning.
Feel free to contact the course coordinator if you need help with any of the learning material
and/or activities.
Timetable
See your timetable for class details.
Assessment Timetable
Horticulture Students
Assessment Title Assessment Completion Dates
Communication Skills Sign off by 2 July
Reflection assignment Due date 22 June
Arboriculture Students
Assessment Title Assessment Completion Dates
Communication Skills Sign off by 21 June
Reflection assignment Due date 21 June
Assessment deadlines are subject to change due to adverse weather conditions impacting on
the timetable. All changes to assessment deadlines will be clearly communicated by your
lecturer.
5

6. Textbooks and readings
There are no specified texts for this course. We do recommend that you read a wide range of
horticulture books.
Recommended Reading
Readings are suggested to assist you to progress through this course in an informed way.
These are provided to guide your independent study and are not an exclusive list.
See your Programme Outline for further details.
Course evaluation
This course will be evaluated by students and by the teaching team.
Students will be asked to evaluate the course via an online survey towards the end of the
course. This can be completed any time after the halfway point of the course. This survey will
be analysed through the central institutional survey section of the polytechnic, and course
coordinators will prepare a combined report that summarises the findings of the survey and the
reflections of the teaching team on the course as well as any changes they propose. This report
will be made available to students online so they can see planned actions as a result of
previous student feedback.
This report will also be considered by the teaching team when planning for the following year
and any recommended changes will be implemented.
Student feedback on courses is very important and helps us to ensure that courses meet
students’ needs. Please help us by completing the online survey.
6