Contextualizing Your Class Trey Daniel Career Pathways and Transition Specialist Gulf Coast Workforce Board Education Service Center Region 6

Introductions 17 years in Public Education 1 year History Teacher/Coach 12 years Agriculture Science Teacher 4 years Campus Principal (MS and HS) 4 years Drill Site Manager with Chevron in Bakersfield, California

What is Contextualization? Contextualization relating to Integrated Education and Training (IET) is simply making the lesson relative to the identified industry.

What is Contextualization? A Contextualized Curriculum is Focused on: Basic skills and knowledge Explicit instruction in strategies for reading, writing, and math using industry related content Active application of those skills and that knowledge in a context Real-world activities.

Easy Methods to Contextualize Most of us know what methods worked in making learning relative for us. For instance, if you were in a Career and Technical Education class in high school, your classes were built around a variety of industries/careers. The course content was specific to the career.

Easy Methods to Contextualize Creating lessons which relate to the identified IET enable students to become engaged without fear of embarrassment. Even though our students are adults, feeling inadequate is still an issue. So, what can we do?

Easy Methods to Contextualize Work with students to build confidence through contextualizing learning. Allow students to share previous life/job experiences relative to the course. Encourage building a network among the students. Share labor market data for the IET industry. Develop Lessons immersed with industry specific content.

Easy Methods to Contextualize Research industry specific websites (examples include) General Vocabulary Good For ELL http://www.manythings.org/vocabulary/lists/e/ Free Resume Builders https://www.resume.com/builder

Easy Methods to Contextualize Carpentry Math http://www.mycarpentry.com/carpentry-math.html Electrical Technician Vocabulary http://www.electricianapprenticehq.com/electrical-terms-definitions/

Job Searches, Applications, and Interview Practice THE JOB SEARCH Where did we find job openings? Where do/will our students find job openings? Most would think these questions will have very similar answers, and most would be… WRONG!!!!

Job Searches, Applications, and Interview Practice Attaining employment is the main goal but can the student effectively complete an application What are some possible obstacles for the student? CAN YOU HELP??? YES YOU CAN!!!

Job Searches, Applications, and Interview Practice In your class, work with students completing applications. Not only will this build their confidence, it also aids them in their RLA understanding. In doing so, this makes learning relative to their goal.

Job Searches, Applications, and Interview Practice How can YOU: Develop Student interview skills? PRACTICE!!!

Job Searches, Applications, and Interview Practice Diversity Perseverance Appreciation Pride in Work Adaptability Integrity What are soft skills? Leadership Dedication Work Ethic Creativity Initiative Honesty

Job Searches, Applications, and Interview Practice What are employability skills? Customer service Professionalism Ability to organize Decision making Detail oriented Conflict management Technology/tool usage Communication Critical thinking Teamwork Problem solving Leadership Following directions Time management Multi-tasking

Job Searches, Applications, and Interview Practice Help students develop effective soft skills? PRACTICE!!! Help students develop effective employability skills?

Job Searches, Applications, and Interview Practice How can YOU develop these skills in the classroom? BE THE MODEL

Job Searches, Applications, and Interview Practice Eye Contact Always maintain EYE CONTACT when speaking directly to a student. This provides a positive example for students.

Job Searches, Applications, and Interview Practice The Handshake When students arrive to your classroom, make the effort to shake their hand. The handshake will make them feel welcome and teach them how to properly greet someone in the interview setting. FIRM not FORCEFUL.

Job Searches, Applications, and Interview Practice Using Questioning Skills in the classroom Asking questions, both written and verbal, will not only help with proper language but ease the students anxiety for the interview.

tdaniel@esc6.net Questions? If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact me at: tdaniel@esc6.net