Work-Based Learning:Creating a plan

Laura FidlerInstructional Manager, NAF

laura@naf.org

Laura Fidler, Instructional Managerlaura@naf.org

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Today’s Objectives:

Participants will gain an understanding of:

what constitutes a work-based learning plan

why it matters for your students

how to create a work-based learning plan for your academy

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What I LearnedWhat I Want to Know:

What I Want to Know: What I Know:What I Know:

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What is work-based learning?

Term Category Characteristics

Work-based learning

is a continuum of educational strategies

That ….

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NAF Definition

Work-based learning refers to a continuum of activities, both in and outside the

classroom, that provide opportunities for students to connect what they are learning

in the classroom to the world of work; to learn about careers and the education and

training requirements for occupations within and across industries; to identify career interests and aptitudes, and to use the

workplace for both learning and applying college- and career-readiness skills and

knowledge.

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Reasons to Create a Work-Based Learning Plan

1. Gain State CTE Program Approval

2. Help ‘make the case’ for work-based learning as an effective instructional strategy

3. Market your academy program to prospective students, business partners and colleges

4. Give your students an edge in a tough economy

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Core academic content knowledge (e.g. English, mathematics, science, history, arts) - Post-secondary context knowledge (admissions requirements, affording college, and different college types)

Core career content knowledge (e.g. knowledge specific to profession) - Career context knowledge (e.g., pathway requirements and qualifications)

Awareness of one’s own abilities and performance - Self-directed; takes initiative; resourcefulness

Collaboration and teamwork - Ethical behavior - Ability to work with diverse individuals

-Critical and systemic thinking and problem solving - Information literacy; Creativity and Innovation ; Organizational/technology skills - Time management; Flexibility and adaptability - Communication (oral and written, listening and observation)

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Core Academics and Career Knowledge

Core Academics

Core academic content knowledge

Post-secondary context knowledge

Career Knowledge

Core career content knowledge

Career context knowledge

Provide an example of a work-based learning experience that can support the

development of any of these skills

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Foundational Skills for Post-Secondary and Career Success

Critical and systemic thinking and problem solving

Information literacy Creativity and Innovation Organizational/technology

skills Time management Flexibility and adaptability Communication (oral and

written, listening and observation)

Provide an example of a work-based

learning experience that can support the development of any

of these skills

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Interpersonal Skills and Self Management Abilities

Interpersonal Skills Collaboration and

teamwork Ethical behavior Ability to work with

diverse individuals

Self Management Awareness of one’s

own abilities and performance

Self-directed; takes initiative; resourcefulnessProvide an example of a work-based learning

experience that can support the development of any of these skills

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Why Gen Y Needs SupportEdWeek 2013

• Lack skills for dealing with difficult people or conflict – Little understanding of the hidden curriculum or soft skills:

Eye contact, social etiquette & appropriate personal interactions

– Professionalism, especially if perceived as compromising “self”

– The idea of “paying one’s dues”

• Inability to cope with failure, loss, or disappointment – Impatience and impulsivity: Want to see results and rewards

quickly – Tend to give up in the absence of immediate results

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Work-Based Learning continuum….huh?

Career Awareness + skills

Career Exploration + skills

Career Preparation + skills

•Prepare students for the workplace•Prepare employers to work with high school students•Make the connection between academic learning and the workplace•Teacher externships

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WBL activities

 

College and career readiness skills and attributes

 build anawareness of the variety of careers available and begin to identify areas of interest

Comprehends verbal, written, and visual information and instructions; listens effectively

 Understands how school relates to the world of work

Grasp a deeper understanding of the workplace

Observes non-verbal communication; articulates and presents ideas and information clearly and effectively both verbally and in written form

 Connect students’ existing interests and strengths, helping them refine their areas of interest and explore careers and interests more deeply

Demonstrates the following critical-thinking and problem-solving skills:

 

Acquire the basic foundational skills needed for college and career readiness.

Manages time effectively; is punctual; takes responsibility; prioritizes tasks; brings tasks and projects to completion;

Example: Students will be able to…..what?

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AB / BP Opportunities for InvolvementOpportunity Role(s)

HS Academy Open Houses• Participate/provide representatives• Provide materials and/or funding

Classroom Speakers • Serve as/provide speaker(s)

Academy Career Fairs• Participate/provide representatives• Provide funding

Resume & Interview Workshops

• Participate• Provide guidance on content

Job Shadowing • Host students

Field Trips• Host students• Provide funding

Project-based Learning• Provide real world project ideas• Potentially visit class to pre- or post-

project

Internships• Hire interns• Fund pool to supplement intern

compensation

Career Symposiums• Participate/provide representatives• Provide materials and/or funding

Curriculum Development • Provide guidance on curriculum

Supplemental Resources • Provide materials and/or funding

Professional Development • Provide training opportunities for teachers

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Let’s try….

• Draft your work-based learning plans

• Groups share out their work

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www.naf.org/wblguide

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What I LearnedWhat I Want to Know

What I Want to Know

What I Know:What I Know: