FOCUS Online Resources

Time Management

2010-02-02T08:30:00.000-08:00

Time management is the prioritization of tasks over a certain time frame. It takes practice, patience and being really honest about your capabilities to get it right. Take, for example, the student who is assigned four essays over the course of one semester (3-4 months). Some people would try to finish one per month – maybe two if the weather is bad and there’s nothing on TV. Other people might wait until the last month, thinking they can write one essay per week. While it may be possible to write one essay per week, the quality may suffer. There’s no time like the present to learn tips on time management.

Photo courtesy of H. Koppdelaney at Flickr.com.

Time Management Video Resource

Video courtesy of AESchwartz08 at YouTube.com

Click here to visit our video archives for more helpful videos on all FOCUS topics.

Study Skills

2010-02-02T08:25:00.000-08:00

Whether you are in taking a class for credit on your own, returning to school after an absence or are currently in school, you will find information in this section to help make your job easier. You can find out how you can improve your concentration skills or how mind mapping can make writing a paper so much easier or how plagiarism has changed in the age of technology.

Photo courtesy of Scubasteveo at Flickr.com.

Study Skills Video Resource

Video courtesy of eHow at YouTube.com

Click here to visit our video archives for more helpful videos on all FOCUS topics.

Stress Management

2010-02-02T08:16:00.000-08:00

WebMd defines stress as “what you feel when you have to handle more than you are used to. When you are stressed, your body responds as though you are in danger. It makes hormones that speed up your heart, make you breathe faster, and give you a burst of energy.” In this section you will learn about recognizing stressors, coping skills, relaxation, preventing burnout and other stress reduction techniques.

Photo courtesy of Brittney Bush at Flickr.com.

Stress Management Video Resource

Video courtesy of Illumistream at YouTube.com

Click here to visit our video archives for more helpful videos on all FOCUS topics.

Self-Esteem

2010-02-02T08:04:00.000-08:00

Self-esteem can be defined many ways: the way you think about yourself; the value you place on your own opinions; believing in yourself. Your self-esteem affects every aspect of your life and can even affect the lives of those around you. This sections aims at enhancing your self-esteem by helping you to really understand yourself, silencing that inner critic, exposing the secret of body language and learning assertive behaviour.

Photo courtesy of Chris Fritz at Flickr.com.

Self-Esteem Video Resource

Video courtesy of 2headedguy at YouTube.com

Click here to visit our video archives for more helpful videos on all FOCUS topics.

Motivation

2010-02-02T07:40:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you need a little push to help you go on with something you already know is working. Other times you need to find a completely new way to move forward. Either way, this section is sure to give you a kick. Enjoy!

Photo courtesy of Stephan Geyer at Flickr.com.

Motivation Video Resource

Video courtesy of pmpowers1 at YouTube.com

Click here to visit our video archives for more helpful videos on all FOCUS topics.

Money Management

2010-02-02T07:27:00.000-08:00

Money management now means much more than being able to balance a cheque book. This section really focuses on the management of your money flow. Determining how and when money comes in, what you are spending your money on, where you might be overspending and how to bring it all into balance.

Photo courtesy of TwoCents at Flickr.com.

Money Management Video Resource

Video courtesy of eHow at YouTube.com

Click here to visit our video archives for more helpful videos on all FOCUS topics.

Memory Skills

2010-02-02T06:56:00.000-08:00

Memory skills are the skills we use to help us learn, remember and act. Memorizing is the act of taking something from the short term memory and cementing it in the long term memory. Learn the specific steps needed to make this happen. Because the good news is memory skills can be strengthened and improved.

Photo courtesy of Swirlspice at Flickr.com.

Memory Skills Video Resource

Video courtesy of Darren Bridger at YouTube.com

Click here to visit our video archives for more helpful videos on all FOCUS topics.

Legal Issues

2010-02-02T06:46:00.000-08:00

If you suddenly find yourself in trouble with the law, you probably won’t think to check this website. However, if you take a look at this section you will find handy advice and tips for navigating the legal system. It includes info on being a witness, questions you cannot be asked in an interview and a directory of youth justice services in Ontario.

Photo courtesy of Werner Vermaak at Flickr.com.

Legal Issues Video Resource

Video courtesy of StevenBenmor at YouTube.com

Click here to visit our video archives for more helpful videos on all FOCUS topics.

Inspiration

2010-02-02T06:39:00.000-08:00

Where does the spark of creativity come from that enables us to make something out of nothing? Or to reinvent ourselves as we take a step toward a new life? Inspiration has many sources. Hopefully, you will find some here.

Photo courtesy of H. Koppdelaney at Flickr.com.

Inspiration Video Resource

Video courtesy of Inspirational Videos at YouTube.com

Click here to visit our video archives for more helpful videos on all FOCUS topics.

Health

2010-02-01T13:26:00.000-08:00

Would you know what to do if someone is choking? Could you recognize the signs of a stroke? What is your ideal weight? How much will you have spent on cigarettes if you continue to smoke for the next 20 years? What’s the difference between a cold and the flu? What can you do if your child becomes seriously ill in the middle of the night? These are important questions. If you don’t know the answers to these nutrition and first aid questions, you owe it to yourself to check out this section.

Photo courtesy of Cajie on Flickr.

Health Video Resource

Video courtesy of Howcast at YouTube.com

Click here to visit our video archives for more helpful videos on all FOCUS topics.

Group People Skills

2010-02-01T13:18:00.000-08:00

Dealing with groups of people is a job all on its own; and not just for managers or teachers. It requires excellent communication skills, knowing how to be a team player and loads of patience. This site provides excellent tips and tools.

Photo courtesy of Havovubu at Flickr.com.

Group People Skills Video Resource

Video courtesy of BenchmarkEdu at YouTube.com

Click here to visit our video archives for more helpful videos on all FOCUS topics.

Grooming

2010-02-01T13:12:00.000-08:00

You know that old saying, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression”. Unfortunately, in most cases, it is absolutely true. We are looking at this phrase as it applies to the interview and the workplace. So before you innocently set off to work with dirty fingernails and a stained shirt have a quick look at this section.

Photo courtesy of Wolfman K at Flickr.com.

Grooming Video Resource

Video courtesy of LTUCareers at YouTube.com

Click here to visit our video archives for more helpful videos on all FOCUS topics.

Goal-Setting

2010-02-01T12:10:00.000-08:00

What is it that you want to accomplish? In order to achieve your goals you have to first understand what they are. Are they realistic? Can they be achieved? Where do you even start? In this section you will find quizzes to discover what your goals are, tips on reaching them and fun ways to keep track of the whole process.

Photo courtesy of Lululemon Athletica at Flickr.com.

Goal-Setting Video Resource

Video courtesy of StrategyCoach at YouTube.com

Click here to visit our video archives for more helpful videos on all FOCUS topics.

Decision-Making Skills

2010-02-01T12:02:00.000-08:00

We all like to think that we make all of our decisions from an enlightened, informed place. But, really, is that always the case? Of course not or we would be one a straight pathway from birth to death. The decisions we make represent those interesting little detours we make along the way. This section will help you access resources to help you find your perfect detours.

Photo courtesy of Matt Wilson at Flickr.com.

Decision-Making Skills Video Resource

Video courtesy of TimBrownson at YouTube.com

Click here to visit our video archives for more helpful videos on all FOCUS topics.

Dealing with Change

2010-02-01T11:55:00.000-08:00

Let’s face it. Change can be a truly wonderful and exciting thing. However, sometimes change is the last thing you want. Either way you look at it, change is inevitable. The more resources you have to deal with unpleasant changes, the better for everyone involved.

Photo courtesy of Xcode at Flickr.com.

Dealing with Change Video Resource

Video courtesy of DrSandraParker at YouTube.com

Click here to visit our video archives for more helpful videos on all FOCUS topics.

Conflict Resolution

2010-02-01T11:45:00.000-08:00

Conflict is more than just a disagreement or problem. It’s a disagreement or problem that poses a threat to oneself either at the workplace or in the home environment. Being able to handle such a threat takes know-how and experience.

Photo courtesy of MudKat at Flickr.com.

Conflict Resolution Video Resource

Video courtesy of Kazerone1 at YouTube.com

Click here to visit our video archives for more helpful videos on all FOCUS topics.

Communication

2010-02-01T11:39:00.000-08:00

Do you ever say something and immediately wish you could take it back? Or let someone else get off a zinger that you wish you had a great comeback for? Or find yourself drifting off when someone is talking to you and then have no idea how to respond to what they’ve just said? Maybe you really need to tell a co-worker that their behaviour is negatively affecting your work, but you have no idea how to do it. This section explores the many skills involved in effective communication.

Photo courtesy of Art Rock at Flickr.com.

Communication Video Resource

Video courtesy of eHow at YouTube.com

Click here to visit our video archives for more helpful videos on all FOCUS topics.

Careers

2010-01-28T13:12:00.000-08:00

Some people have always known what they want to be “when they grow up”. But sometimes plans change, circumstances change and suddenly you find yourself all grown up but still facing the same question. The resources listed here can help with all aspects of finding a new career that will perfectly suit you. You’ll find everything from quizzes to determine your abilities and work preferences to how to navigate through the interview process.

Photo courtesy of friendscentralschool at Flickr.com.

Careers Video Resource

Video courtesy of Howcast at YouTube.com

Click here to visit our video archives for more helpful videos on all FOCUS topics.

Assertiveness

2010-01-28T08:27:00.000-08:00

Do you go with the flow even when you think you really shouldn’t? Do you speak up when someone tells a joke that you know is offensive? Do you let others take credit for work you know you did all by yourself?

Everyone does these things every once in a while. However if this sort of thing happens consistently, it’s time to find out about assertiveness.

Photo courtesy of Roujo at Flickr.com.

Assertiveness Video Resource

Video courtesy of Speakfirst at YouTube.com

Click here to visit our video archives for more helpful videos on all FOCUS topics.

FOCUS Topics

2009-11-06T04:12:00.000-08:00

In the following weeks, we will be making separate posts for the following topics. Each post have an introductory comment about the topic. Today, you can click on the topic and you will be taken to an annotated list of resources. Have fun exploring. Please remember to come back to this FOCUS site.

Anger Management

Assertiveness

Careers

Communication

Conflict Resolution

Dealing With Change

Decision-Making Skills

Goal-Setting

Grooming

Group People Skills

Health

Inspiration

Legal Issues

Memory Skills

Money Management

Motivation

Self-Esteem

Stress Management

Study Skills

Time Management

Disclaimer

2009-11-06T03:32:00.000-08:00

The FOCUS Online Resources Website is for educational and informational purposes only. Information contained in this website can and will change without notice. The Owen Sound & North Grey Union Public Library (OSNGUPL) shall not be liable for any special, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from the use of this website.
Every effort is made to assure that the most accurate and current information is posted on this site. However, inadvertent errors in information may occur. The OSNGUPL does not guarantee this website is free from typographical errors or inaccurate information.
OSNGUPL makes no representations or warranties regarding the condition or functionality of this Web site, its suitability for use, or that this Web Service will be uninterrupted or error-free.
The OSNGUPL makes no warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied, for the website and Internet links it is providing. Links to third party sites are provided on the FOCUS website for the convenience of the site visitor and do not imply any affiliation or endorsement of the other site owner nor a guarantee accuracy of the information contained at that site. Copyright, trademark and other applicable federal and provincial laws pertaining to these third party links remain enforceable by law should a violation occur. Visitors to third party sites assume sole responsibility for use of those links.
We will gladly remove any link if requested by the original website.

Contact

2009-11-06T03:23:00.000-08:00

Adult Learning Centres: Grey Bruce Georgian is the name of the Owen Sound & North Grey Union Public Library's Adult Learning Services.

learning@e-owensound.com

Owen Sound & North Grey Union Public Library
824 First Avenue West
Owen Sound, ON N4K 4K4

Phone: (519) 376-6623 ext 300
Fax: (519) 376-7170

Helpful Blogs

2009-11-06T03:09:00.000-08:00

Last year, LifeHack has a list of over sixty productivity blogs which could support our self management / self direction goals. We weeded the first half of the list down to ten blogs and then chose our favourites. The following five sites were ranked the highest by our staff.

http://lifelearningtoday.com/

http://www.livsimpl.com/ (This site is not active now, but there are great posts to review.)

http://www.lifeoptimizer.org/

http://www.dumblittleman.com/

http://www.diyplanner.com/

We will be posting up our choices of ten from the second half of the list and holding a poll so that you can rate these productivity (SM-SD) blogs too!

About ALC:GBG and FOCUS

2009-11-06T02:55:00.000-08:00

The Adult Learning Centres have been delivering local literacy and upgrading services in Bruce and Grey Counties since 1983. There are Adult Learning Centres in Wiarton, Brockton, Saugeen Shores, Owen Sound and Collingwood. The Centres are merged community-based programs that are overseen by the Owen Sound & North Grey Union Public Library.

FOCUS was developed by staff at the Adult Learning Centres. Maria Bertrand, Stacey Bumba, Roger Hannon, Shirley Hollingshead, Tim Nicholls-Harrison and Stella Ostick participated in the design and delivery of the workshops with additional input, materials and advice from Ontario Works and Job Connect staff. For more information about FOCUS please read FOCUS

Special thanks to Ande Ritchie, editor extraordinaire, for helping us transition from other media to the internet. Her research skills are truly appreciated! Special thanks to Miranda Miller for her web savvy support of this project. Her web design and development skills are amazing!

Anger Management

2009-11-05T19:46:00.000-08:00

We all know what anger is. We all know what it feels like to get angry and we know what kinds of things we usually do when we are angry. But for some people anger can be quite unpredictable. For some people anger comes on like a tornado out of nowhere. It feels uncontrollable and scary. Living with this kind of fury can lead to problems in personal and work relationships so it’s important to understand how to cope with this powerful emotion.

Photo courtesy of Deiby at Flickr.com

Welcome to the FOCUS website

2009-04-13T15:36:00.001-07:00

This website is currently under construction, but please come in and utilize the resources so far.

F.O.C.U.S. - Finding, Organising, Challenging & Understanding Self

All of us would like to make improvements in our lives, if we have the chance to do it on our own terms in a safe and encouraging environment.

We’ve all heard of focus groups. They are typically a group of 6-10 people who have come together to discuss and or test new information or ideas.

“Focus” can also be defined as: a central point of attention or activity; the point where something starts; the meeting spot; to adjust, to make clear.

In 2001, a new focal point was created. Three organizations came together to design a program that offered their clients the training they needed to move forward in their lives in a respectful and supportive environment.

The FOCUS program was offered through the Adult Learning Centres (ALC) of Bruce and Grey Counties. Since 1983 these community-based centres had been delivering local literacy and upgrading, mainly funded through the Literacy and Basic Skills Program of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

FOCUS was developed in partnership with Ontario Works (formerly Welfare) and Job Connect. The partnership became a win-win-win-win situation: Ontario Works ensured that its clients got the training they needed to better move to employment; Adult Learning Centres met their mandated contact hours and delivery requirements; Job Connect gained referrals and clients energized for placements; and FOCUS participants just plain won. Drawing on their individual resources and knowledge and with additional support from the session facilitators, the participants developed and improved many lifelong learning attitudes, values and skills.

F.O.C.U.S. - Finding Organising Challenging Understanding Self
The program was originally delivered over a 5 week period in a small group format. Each client was assessed at the start of the session. This initial assessment included background, academic achievements, current literary competencies and level, transferable skills and knowledge, types of support required, learning strengths and challenges and finally short and long term goals.

Going forward, an individual learning/training plan was developed for each client based on the FOCUS concept. This process worked so well that the ALC made the whole program available on disc form so that other agencies could benefit from the module.

As technology continues to advance, new opportunities arise. We are pleased to share FOCUS on the internet so that even more people will be able to benefit from it.

Video Archives

2007-02-04T08:29:00.000-08:00

The Best Motivation Video - Fired

Video courtesy of Kyani Hawaii at YouTube.com

The How of Happiness

Video courtesy of Kurt Schwengel at YouTube.com

How Fun Can Change People's Decisions

Video courtesy of Benfolds11 at YouTube.com

Research and Writing Tips: How to Study Effectively

Video courtesy of eHow at YouTube.com

How to Remember What You Read

Video courtesy of Howdini at YouTube.com

Time Management: Worth Every Second

Video courtesy of AESchwartz08 at YouTube.com

Time Management Skills

Video courtesy of 9StepsCoaching at YouTube.com

Conflict Resolution with Psychiatrist Michele Iaia

Video courtesy of Kazerone1 at YouTube.com

Resume and Job Interview Tips: How to Communicate Better in Business

Video courtesy of eHow at YouTube.com

How to Choose the Right Career

Video courtesy of Howcast at YouTube.com

Assertiveness: Tips for Being Assertive and Saying "No"

Video courtesy of Speakfirst at YouTube.com

Dr. Sandra Parker: Making Change That Lasts

Video courtesy of DrSandraParker at YouTube.com

How to Make Better Decisions

Video courtesy of TimBrownson at YouTube.com

Goal Setting Tips - Inspired Goals Workshop

Video courtesy of StrategyCoach at YouTube.com

Grooming and Manners Matter

Video courtesy of LTUCareers at YouTube.com

Improving Your Communication Skills

Video courtesy of BenchmarkEdu at YouTube.com

How to Feed Your Family Healthy Meals on a Tight Budget

Video courtesy of Howcast at YouTube.com

The Don't Quit Poem

Video courtesy of Inspirational Videos at YouTube.com

Improve Your Memory: The Basics

Video courtesy of DarrenBridger at YouTube.com

How to Create a Personal Budget: Excel Tips

Video courtesy of ExpertVillage at YouTube.com

Lawyer FAQ: Where Can I Get Free Legal Advice? (Ontario)

Video courtesy of StevenBenmor at YouTube.com

Legal Information: How to Find Free Legal Advice

Video courtesy of ExpertVillage at YouTube.com

Choices: Inspiration and Motivation

Video courtesy of pmpowers1 at YouTube.com

Self Esteem Quotes and Quotations

Video courtesy of 2HeadedGuy at YouTube.com

Self Esteem: Dove Evolution

Video courtesy of tpiper at YouTube.com

7 Simple Stress Reducers

Video courtesy of Illumistream at YouTube.com

Top 10 Stress Busters

Video courtesy of Illumistream at YouTube.com