Teri Donat Las Positas College Job Relevance: Education that Prepares Students for the Workforce

Introduction Who’s Teri Donat? Consultant – Ez 4 U Computer –Develop custom training programs for businesses –Corporate trainer Community College Instructor –Computer Information Systems and Retail Management M.S. Education – Instructional Technology Project Director – Job Development Incentive Training Fund Grant

Overview Where does your class fit into industry needs Industry issues and opportunities Career pathways Workplace skills Student retention and success Campus and industry resources

Where does your class fit into industry needs? Do you teach: Basic skills Entry level Upgrade training and education

Basic Skills Training Course work for those with little in the way of skills and/or work experience, i.e. career and educational opportunities, basic literacy, numeracy and computer skills.

Entry-level Training Course work for those ready to enter into high-wage, high-demand career pathways.

Upgrade Training and Education Course work targeted to workers (students) with demonstrated skills and work experience, provides additional skills and education needed to advance on a career pathway.

Industry Issues and Opportunities Individuals need some form of post- secondary education and training in order to become financially self- sufficient for the long-term The nation’s community colleges are in a position to help provide disadvantaged individuals with the skills and education they need to get out of poverty.

Industry Issues and Opportunities A workforce development system can help individuals move from unemployment by becoming the skilled workers that employers demand David Gruber and Brandon Roberts. Workforce Development: Issues and Opportunities. James Irvine Foundation. San Francisco, CA July /11/20159

Career Pathways To successfully advance individuals, a pathway should include: An introduction to career opportunities in a region’s high-wage, high-demand employment sectors The basic skills needed to succeed in postsecondary education and training A transition to entry-level skills training Internships and employment Continuing upgrade training Social supports throughout as necessary

Career Pathways Does your class fit into a career pathway? Does your class/program fit into more than one industry sector? Where along the pathway is your class? overview specific job skills

Workplace Skills Employers report that close to 50% of their entry level worker lack basic communication and critical thinking skills. Also they do not have the work ethic skills needed to be successful.

Workplace Skills Research has identified specific competencies necessary for a person to become a valued and skilled employee. Social Competence Cognitive Development Psychological Development

Social Competence Skill set needed to interact with others successfully Crafting effective written communication Work with diverse groups Resolve conflicts Working together on a team

Cognitive Development Employers administer their own job- specific skills and competencies to identify dependable workers Specific trade certificates Previous internship or work experience Quality of internship and work experience Ability to use technology Critical thinking/problem solving skills

Psychological Development Personal qualities related to psychological development Positive self-esteem Optimism and planfulness Coping skills, resilience and flexibility Good judgment Self-management (motivation, autonomy, initiative, responsibility, time management) Moral development (strong work ethic, reliability, honesty, integrity and professionalism)

Teaching Workplace Skills Social Competence –Group activities –Effective communication Cognitive Development –Critical thinking/problem solving assignments Psychological Development –Self-management –Ethical academic behavior –Coping with classroom changes

Student Retention and Success Incorporate a variety of activities – students can practices skills through discussion groups, practice by doing, teaching others

Factors that Impact Retention Good Practice Encourages Student-Instructor Contact Encourages Cooperation Among Students Encourages Active Learning Gives Prompt Feedback Emphasizes Time on Task Communicates High Expectations Respects Diverse Talents and Ways of Learning

Factors that Impact Success Financial need – are they working, do they have money for basic needs? Family influences – do they support the students academic goals? Demographic influences – is education a priority for their race, age, gender? Ethics – do they feel entitled? Are the over or under achievers?

What Builds or Breaks Student Interest, Interaction and Enthusiasm in the Classroom?

Interest Builders Current, real-world examples Teaching to all learning styles & modalities Ability to track grade/progress in class at any time Students participating in teaching activities Breakers Class structure is unknown or chaotic Too much information Broken, dead and outdated links Class materials not challenging enough

Interaction Builders Graded discussions (set expectations) Group activities Help discussions (student mentoring) Timely responses and frequent communication from teacher Breakers Fear of asking dumb questions Confusion about technology Student can’t find class materials

Enthusiasm Builders Positive Feedback Some control over assignments (choice, scope of difficulty) Appropriate time, real-world deadlines Building Blocks/Reviews of learning materials Breakers No response from students or instructor Tasks are unclear (over communicate!)

Classroom Resources Real world examples Applying knowledge Assess fluency (accuracy and speed) Go out and do it assignments Virtual mentoring Service learning – Reality, Reflection, Reciprocity, and Responsibility Online Videos – coursework out of the classroom

Campus Resources For Students Assessments Center Tutoring Library/Resource Center Math, Writing and Computer Labs Support Classes Financial Aid Counseling Health Center

Campus Resources For Teachers Work with Teachers from Other Disciplines – Contextual materials Work with Tutoring Center Staff Distance Learning Staff

Industry Resources Community Partnerships and Regional Partnerships are critical to moving students into and through a career pathway. Community-based organization – recruit individuals isolated from post- secondary education and career opportunities. Provide social support services needed for student success

Industry Resources Adult Basic Education provides can offer preparatory services and a bridge to community college programs Workforce and Social Service agencies – direct resources toward community colleges to provide financial and operational, support in a city or region Local employers – help define needed worker skills and provide internships and work sites to develop upgrade training

Summary Incorporate learning activities that help students learn important work skills Evaluate curriculum and programs – how they fit into a career pathway Work with community to build partnerships and resources