ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS RESOURCES

WELCOME TO THE REAL WORLD

Planning Points

Approximate Time Needed: 5-7 days (block schedule)
Correlation to English I SCS 1.01, 6.01, 6.02
Correlation to NC High School Exit Exam Competencies: C-1, PI-13

Lesson Objectives:

Students will gain an understanding of workplace communication and the process of finding a job. Specific attention will be given to the use of appropriate language.

Materials Needed:

Classified ads section of local newspaper; computer with word processing; generic job application form

Description:

• Teacher will lead students in a class discussion of the job application process. Business letter format, appropriate language, etc. should be reviewed as needed.
• Students will choose a job listing from the classified ads section of the newspaper.
• Students will create a job description based upon the ad.
• Students will then exchange their ads and job descriptions with other students.
• Students will type their resumes and cover letters using an acceptable format.
• Students will complete a generic job application.
• Students will write an essay discussing the job description they have read and explaining how their experience qualifies them to do the job for which they are applying.
• Students will return their newspaper ads, job descriptions, resumes, cover letters, and applications to the student who gave them the ad.
• That student will then peer edit the resume, cover letter, application, and essay of his partner.
• Once the work has been edited and corrected, the teacher will use it to conduct a mock interview with each student.
• Other students will watch the interview process and provide written feedback to the student being interviewed. The feedback will specifically address the student's spoken language and conduct during the interview.
• Each student will then write a journal entry telling what he/she learned from the interview process.

Assessment:

Student participation should be assessed informally throughout the process. Cover letters, resumes, and applications should be assessed formally. Journal entries and student feedback should be assessed informally. Feedback on all assessments should be provided in an individual conference with each student.

Additional Notes:

This activity works well for all students as they are applying for summer or after school jobs. The activity may also be adapted to the college and scholarship application process for those students who are college bound. A guest speaker from the local job readiness office or the school guidance department might also contribute positively to the lesson.

Teacher's Notes:

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