Brianna Bowman

We already utilize many of these experiences and supports for our students. One thing that I picked out from this though was focusing on an industry issue through a partnership with a business. By doing this, it presents a unique challenge for students to work through. This creates a more realistic experience as well and helps the student to problem solve alongside the industry partner. 

This module taught me how virtual coaching is so different than when face to face with a student. It is important to know how to communicate virtually in a way that is going to show that you are attentive to the issues or concerns going on, and then how to respond effectively too. 

Through this module, I learned how to effectively answer questions for students. It is about guiding them to brainstorm and arrive at how they might solve a problem or a question instead of just giving them a response. This balance benefits both the teacher and student. 

I learned that communication is so very important in career coaching. The way we give feedback, respond to students, and discuss topics with our students helps to create a positive relationship between career coach and student. This positive relationship then feeds into the success of the overall program in itself. Overall, communication is key! 

By taking this course I saw the importance of building relationships with your students as you coach them and work with them through this process. As a golf coach, I found many similarities in how I approach working with students. Students need to know that you care for them, want to help support them, and that you are a safe place for them to voice their joys, as well as any concerns they might have. 

One of the important things that I learned was the importance of making sure that the placement is the correct fit. Schools should not partner with a business and then expect all students to work with that partner. It may not be the right fit for that student. Each place of business should be evaluated by the WBL coordinator and the student so that the experience is successful. 

I have learned about many important pieces and documentation that need to be added to our WBL program in order to ensure that our students, employers, and teachers, are all working together safely and supporting the student and his/her goals. 

The WBL Coordinator has many responsibilities that are all important to consider and all help to build a successful program. One of these responsibilities includes evaluating the program using multiple points of data. This is not just student enrollment, but other pieces of data that help to make the program effective. 

This module reinforced the importance of using the people around you and in your community to build a strong program. In a small community such as ours, we are limited often by the resources around us, but I learned how parents, community members, school board members, those in our advisory committee, and so many others.

I learned about the various phases of workplace learning. It is interesting to see the focuses of each phase and know how it helps students overall as they dive into career exploration. I think it is important to recognize what each phase should be focused on so we as teacher can help to guide students and provide them with meaningful experiences.