Work-Based Experience B
Course Description
Earn high school credits while you work outside of school. Work-Based Experience is your gateway to acquiring vital skills—both technical and interpersonal—for success in any arena. As you log your work hours, you'll learn to solve challenges, exhibit integrity, and strive for promotions. Gain deep insights into what sets a valuable employee apart in the competitive job market. Elevate your employability and your future!
Creative Problem Solving
Learn this: I will develop my creative problem-solving skills because they are crucial in the workplace.
How do you find and define a problem at work, and why is it important to do so?
What are some ways to come up with potential solutions to a problem, and how do you choose the best one?
How do you implement a chosen solution to a problem, and what can you do if it doesn't work?
Why is it important to communicate well when solving problems at work, and how can you effectively share your ideas and solutions with others?
Do this: Create a project that demonstrates what you have learned and includes the following information:
Clearly explain what the problem is that needs to be solved, and why it's important to solve it.
Show different ways you tried to solve the problem using creative problem solving techniques.
Pick the best solution and explain why you chose it based on things like cost, practicality, and impact.
Explain how you actually made the solution happen and how you made sure it worked.
Think about what you did and identify things you could do better next time.
Grow from: I will respond to teacher feedback.
Here are some submission ideas:
A report or presentation on a case study of a company or organization that used creative problem solving to overcome a challenge or innovate.
A portfolio of projects or assignments that demonstrate their ability to think creatively and come up with innovative solutions.
A group project where they worked with classmates to solve a real-world problem using creative problem solving techniques.
A mock interview or role-playing activity where they demonstrate their problem solving skills in a job-related scenario.
Strengthening Personal or "Soft" Skills
Learn this: I will prioritize developing my soft skills because they are vital in the workplace, enabling me to communicate and collaborate effectively with others. Some examples of soft skills include:
Communication skills
Teamwork and collaboration
Adaptability and flexibility
Problem solving and critical thinking
Time management and organization
Leadership and influence
Emotional intelligence and empathy
Having strong soft skills can make a person more effective in their role, help them to build better relationships with colleagues and clients, and increase their overall job satisfaction. Employers often value soft skills just as highly as technical skills, because they know that employees with strong soft skills are more likely to succeed in their roles and contribute to the success of the organization.
Do this: Create a project that demonstrates what you have learned and includes the following information:
Identify specific soft skills and explaining why they are important in the workplace.
Provide concrete examples of how you have applied these skills in your work or extracurricular activities.
Reflect on the impact of these skills on your own job performance, as well as on your relationships with colleagues and clients.
Identify areas where you need to improve your soft skills and creating a plan to develop these skills further.
Grow from: I will respond to teacher feedback.
Developing Character
Learn this: I will build good character at work to succeed and positively impact my career.
Leadership: Leverage the strengths of others to achieve common outcomes or goals, and use interpersonal skills to encourage others. The individual is able to assess their emotions; use empathetic skills to guide and motivate; and organize, prioritize, and delegate work.
Citizenship /Civic Responsibility: Think critically about complex issues and evaluate information about issues of public consequence. Demonstrate knowledge of institutions and processes of government and political systems. Possess behaviors, attitudes, and understanding needed to be a knowledgeable, active and engaged member of a community.
Teamwork and Collaboration: Build collaborative relationships, work effectively within a team structure, and negotiate and manage conflict.
Do this: Create a project that demonstrates what you have learned and includes the following information:
Demonstrate a deep understanding of the chosen character trait and its importance in the workplace through the use of real-world examples and experiences from your job.
Develop a comprehensive plan for further developing and enhancing your character trait, including specific actions, goals, and timelines.
Analyze the potential impact of your character trait on your future career goals and aspirations, and identifying ways to leverage it for success.
Present your findings and plan in a professional and compelling manner.
Grow from: I will respond to teacher feedback.
Showing Integrity
Learn this: I will develop my creative problem-solving skills because they are crucial in the workplace. These are some guiding questions for your learning:
What is integrity, and why is it important in the workplace?
How can you show integrity in your work?
What are some challenges to maintaining integrity, and how can you respond to them?
Why is it important to follow ethical guidelines or company policies in the workplace?
Do this: Create a project that demonstrates what you have learned about integrity, how these areas apply, and how you are learning and growing in several of the following areas including:
Honesty: Always tell the truth about work hours, tasks, and issues faced.
Responsibility: Take ownership of mistakes and learn from them.
Fairness: Treat everyone at work with respect and fairness.
Guidance: Seek guidance from a supervisor or mentor when needed.
Rules: Follow the rules and policies at work.
Worklog: Keep a detailed worklog (70 hours minimum) that accurately reflects work hours and completed tasks.
Grow from: I will respond to teacher feedback.