What Characteristics Make a Good Employee? Do You Demonstrate Them?
About the Project:
For this project I wanted to demonstrate a different way to create and present a project. Typically PBL projects are posters, slideshows, and videos, and rely solely on one person speaking and presenting information. In this project, it isn't me doing the speaking, in fact, it is primarily the students or participants doing so. I am just the facilitator and add to the conversation when necessary.
It will begin with students writing down three characteristics or traits that they feel are necessary for someone to be a "good employee." Then we will form a circle and each person will share one characteristic and explain what it is why it is important. For instance, I could share the term "problem solving." I will explain that it is necessary for a good employee to be a problem-solver because your boss is not always around, and you can't run and ask a question every time you have one. Once everyone has shared their term and explanation then we will move on to Vocabulary Pictionary/Charades.
In Vocabulary Pictionary/Charades, I will give a student a term that was discussed in the circle. They will then act out/draw for the group. The group will try to guess the term. This will require students to focus, communicate, and use critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Once the game is over, I will then ask students to "reflect" and determine at least three skills they utilized during the activity. Terms used will vary on the class but optional words could include: creativity, perseverance, diligence, adaptability, problem-solving, and communication.
Project Reflection:
What I learned: Being a good employee isn't just about knowledge of the job. While content knowledge is important, it can also be taught; whereas, having a positive attitude, taking initiative, and being flexible isn't something that can be easily taught. They are traits and skills that are demonstrated and exhibited. I believe that the students will come to the same conclusion and that PBL is the perfect environment in which they will put these skills into practice and have a real-world application and experiences to share once they leave high school.
Employability Skills: I feel that this project demonstrated creativity, flexibility, and time management. The skill of creativity was demonstrated by the fact that I created a project that is non-traditional from the typical project presentation in order for students to experience a different means of delivery for a project as well as have some fun as a class. The next skill I that will be utilized is flexibility. I will have to think of terms, questions, and answers as we go. No two classes will be the same, because the terms drawn will be determined by the what terms the students write at the beginning of the presentation.The last skill I utilized was time management. When I started the project it was the final week of the first semester. I was in presentations nearly every hour, had to enter and finalize grades, as well as attend professional development courses and other prep for the beginning of the second semester.
Strengths: I believe I demonstrated several strengths throughout this project. My passion for PBL and the ability for students to actually apply real-world skills and characteristics that will ultimately allow them to become successful was evident throughout my entire project. While I didn't necessarily have to conduct in-depth research for this project, I still will have to think quickly on my feet to provide terms and examples of situations in order to allow the students a better comprehension of the terms as well as input on areas in which we will focus on throughout the semester in PBL.
Weaknesses: My main weakness for this project was my ability to draw and provide sufficient support to those needing help during the pictionary/charades. I am a much better participant than I am the one doing the drawing. Pictionary is a fun game, but is a challenge for me, as I do not possess many artistic abilities. However, after the end of the day, I'm sure I will have improved my skills and will continue to do so by attempting things that are a challenge for me.
Most Used Terms: Time Management Communication Respectful Responsible Focus On-Task Reliable