Learning Links
Applications / Interviews / Planning / Continuing Education / Multimedia Research / Networking / Mentoring / International Markets / Future Trends / Supply/Demand
Related Concepts
GoalSetting / Networking / Mentoring / Marketing Self / Critical Thinking / Communication Skills / Problem Solving / Decision Making
Demonstrators should be read from bottom to top, but need not be demonstrated sequentially.
Elementary Demonstrators
• Assume responsibility for completing chores.
• Create ways to depict personal strengths.
• Develop and implement a personal short-term goal based on self-assessment.
• Examine the concept of mentoring.
• Develop a transition plan from elementary to middle school.
Middle School Demonstrators
• Develop and use strategies to highlight personal strengths.
• Act as a mentor.
• Examine the concept of networking.
• Evaluate personal presentation skills.
• Develop intermediate and short-term goals.
• Develop a transition plan from middle to high school.
High School Demonstrators
• Develop short-term, intermediate, and long-term goals for searching post-secondary opportunities, include mentoring and networking. Justify plan.
• Evaluate post-secondary programs and/or work opportunities.
• Design and implement a self-marketing package (e.g., resume, application, portfolio).
Sample Teaching/Assessment Strategies
Collaborative Process
Cooperative Learning / Community-Based Instruction: Mentoring/Apprenticeship/Co-op, Shadowing / Continuous Progress Assessment: Self-assessment, Observation, Performance Events/Exhibitions / Problem Solving: Inquiry, Case Studies, Creative Projects, Interviews / Technology/Tools: Calculators, Computers, Interactive Video, Telecommunications, Video/Videotaping / Whole Language Approach / Writing Process
These sample strategies offer ideas and are not meant to limit teacher resourcefulness. More strategies are found in the resource section.
Ideas for Incorporating Community Resources
• Invite an employment service representative to discuss the value of networking in the employment search process.
• Invite personnel and admissions directors to critique student applications.
• Invite a panel of individuals and their mentors to illustrate the effectiveness of mentoring systems.
• Invite a personnel director to conduct mock interviews.
Core Concept - Post-Secondary Opportunities Search
Sample Elementary Activities
• Brainstorm and discuss changes that might occur when someone enters middle school. Project strategies for a smooth transition. Design and implement a transition plan. PE, P
• Set short-term personal goals; monitor and record your progress. P
• Appraise personal skill(s) to identify those in which you are particularly proficient; select an older partner and complete a product with his or her support. PE, OE, P
• Analyze chores in home or school to determine which ones you are qualified to complete, Convince a family member or teacher to let you assume responsibility for one or more choices. PE, OE
Applications Across the Curriculum
Language Arts
· Read a story about an individual who set a personal goal; organize and display the steps taken to reach the goal. OE
Science
· Identify persons within the school with whom you may network to complete a science project. PE
Mathematics
· Use a scale of 1 to 10 to graph your personal strengths; write a persuasive letter to an individual or group presenting your qualifications to provide a specific service. OE
Social Studies
· Invite a law enforcement officer to assist the class in setting goals for becoming better citizens. PE, OE
· Host a "Dress-Like Day" where students wear apparel from characters in history. Determine the occupation of each character. PE
Arts and Humanities
· Create a television show, "Jobs I Can Do," by illustrating jobs at home, classroom, and school. PE, P
Practical Living
· Establish a mentoring relationship with an adult to develop a plan that deals with one aspect of wellness (e.g., nutrition, exercise). OE, P
Sample Middle School Activities
• Select an elementary student to mentor. Develop and implement a plan to assist the student in making the transition into middle school. PE, P
• Videotape and critique a mock interview. PE, P
• Create and present a marketing strategy for selling a service you have to offer (e.g., lawn cars, baby-sitting). Investigate requirements of the service and produce a visual tool to use in marketing your service. PE, P
• Develop goals and plans for getting a summer job; have classmates critique your plan. Create a network of individuals who might help you make connections for obtaining a summer job. Make contacts. PE, OE
• Network with others to complete a task/project. PE
Applications Across the Curriculum
Language Arts
· Develop a personal job resume for a position (e.g., baby-sitting, pet care, lawn care). PE
· Write a letter to accept/reject a story submitted to a publishing company. OE
· Conduct a panel discussion about being in middle school for elementary school students. PE, OE
Science
· Form a network of science professionals to assist the class in planning an out-of-state, science-related trip (e.g., space center in Alabama). PE
Mathematics
· Tutor a younger student in mathematical applications. PE, OE
· Set goals to improve mathematical skills; write a self-assessment of mathematical progress at the end of each grading period. PE, OE
Social Studies
· Develop immediate and long-term goals to help a candidate seeking a public office. PE, OE
· Interview a local politician about the use of networking in political careers. PE
Arts and Humanities
· Create a video self-portrait. P
Practical Living
· Assist an inactive adult in setting intermediate goals for a healthy, active lifestyle. PE, OE
Sample High School Activities
• Develop a network to enhance the implementation of your career plan. P
• Assess availability of mentoring opportunities within a chosen career. Participate in a mentoring program. Share what has been learned in an oral presentation, report, brochure, or video. PE, OE, P
• Request and examine catalogues from various post-secondary institutions. Evaluate them as they relate to career goals and personal resources. OE, P
• Survey community businesses and post-secondary institutions to determine the most valuable elements of a self-marketing package. Develop a prototype package. OE, P
• Visit a post-secondary institution which offers programs that relate to a career choice. Chart and present strengths and weaknesses of the institution. PE, OE
• Develop goals and plans for an opportunities search leading to a mock interview with a business, industry, or school person. Videotape the interview for evaluation. OE, PE, P
Applications Across the Curriculum
Variations on a theme: Goal implementation
Language Arts
· Present a proposal to the school board requesting a day from the school year to use for a career exploration opportunity, such as shadowing. PE, OE
Science
· Shadow a local citizen who is involved in a science-related career. Summarize the experience. PE, OE
Mathematics
· Research statistics on the number of men and women represented in mathematic-related fields and the kinds of careers pursued by each. Examine current trends to determine a change in career goals. PE, OE
Social Studies
· Interview community leaders and recent graduates about the importance of goal implementation when conducting a search for the "right" college, university, technical school, or satisfying job. PE, OE
Arts and Humanities
· Research the importance of second language skills in post-secondary opportunities. Visit a middle or elementary school to assist students in setting goals for becoming proficient in a second language. PE, OE
Practical Living
· Investigate and present the impact of goal implementation on the mental wellness of an individual. OE