MRD Proposed Lists of Skills

1. Dr. Ferrazzi Recommended Skills List:

In the Skills Module of the Rural Community Development (intro survey) course, a proposed skills outcome list for the MRD program was articulated:

"The MRD program currently is developing a set of learning outcomes for the program as a whole; all participants will be expected to demonstrate competency in these areas (my proposal, based on a draft discussed in the department in the Fall of 2000):

a. Attitudes/Professional Behaviour

• 1. Empathises with the disadvantaged in concrete ways, e.g. through volunteer roles
• 2. Is imbued with desire to continue the learning process; has an open mind
• 3. Ethical in extracting and sharing information and in communications with stakeholders
• 4. Respectful of social and cultural differences in attitudes and beliefs

b. Research

• 1. Able to analyse data using basic statistical packages, including regression analysis
• 2. Able to conduct primary research through survey instruments (structured and semi-structured)
• 3. Able to conduct face to face interviews of all type
• 4. Able to conduct secondary research through a variety of means, including the library system and the Web
• 5. Able to develop and write a rigorous research proposal

c. Communication

• 1. Able to use basic computer packages for word-processing, spreadsheets, database management and graphical/multimedia presentations
• 2. Able to prepare and deliver effective multimedia and team presentations
• 3. Able to disseminate knowledge quickly and appropriately

d. Knowledge Related & Analytical

• 1. Exercises critical judgement
• 2. Engages in creative thinking
• 3. Is adept at problem solving
• 4. Understands the objective definitions and socially constructed representations of the “rural”
• 5. Can identify major issues of rural policy in Manitoba, Canada, and the world
• 6. Understands theory of community development, CED, and sustainability, and approaches to community development interventions
• 7. Understands group dynamics

e. Organizational/Planning

• 1. Able to prepare an effective grant writing proposal
• 2. Knowledge of governmental and philanthropic resources for rural community development
• 3. Understanding of partnership strategies for obtaining and leveraging resources
• 4. Able to provide leadership to neighbourhood, community or regional development efforts in a contingency style of leadership
• 5. Effective networking to gather support or disseminate views and information
• 6. Able to manage or coordinate community development efforts
• 7. Able to conduct strategic planning/visioning exercises
• 8. Able to form effective groups, delegate effectively and monitor progress
• 9. Able to undertake procurement through formal bids or sole source contracts

f. Practical facilitation skills

• 1. Able to recognize and manage conflict
• 2. Able to work well in a group situation
• 3. Able to run an effective meeting
• 4. Able to generate participation in a variety of settings

Additional or more refined learning outcomes will apply to specific courses, but the above would be a core set that will be common to all MRD graduates; our stamp on all graduates. This set is of course still provisional, but needs to be firmed up soon. You are invited to comment on this set." (Farrazzi,2001)

2. MRD Skills Course Proposed List

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