Esther Troyer

I like the comprehensive orientation and setting the foundation with a focus on building the program for the long-term success.  I appreciated the comments above too regarding valuing the time of the employer/supervisor when creating orientations.

Communication and assessments are key in making sure all parties are on the same page and that the program shows it's relevance to student growth and employability - I really liked the idea of formative assessments as well as summative so students can see progress and address gaps.

Relevance in education is so often left out of the core subject classroom - many times assumed that students understand it's importance.  We know that students learn better with hands on experineces and school is one of the best places to develop those needed soft skills.  When stakeholders work together to provide these career development experiences for students, education becomes much more relevant and engaging.

A few things that stood out to me were finding your WBL champion and doing your research.  I can see where both pieces work to make a more successful program...along with considering your stakeholders of course!

I really like the different models that were presented and the resources - very helpful for evaluating our developing program.  

I'm wondering about information given in the section on discrimiation in the workplace where it talked about an employee's boss who didn't assign an account tocause the client was known to be extremely conservative in nature.  It seems to me that it is in the best interests of the company to do that if they want to continue to serve that client and that it also provides protection for the LGBTQ employee. Couldn't the employee be given an equally important account with someone who wasn't so extreme?  In small companies this might not be possible and a business could always… >>>

Researching the work policies and environment, making use of websites/resources around LGBTQ friendly ocmpanies and evaluating resume for wording are all good to do when deciding when making employment considerations

LGBTQ students may be behind their peers in the career development process because of their focus on thier sexual orientation or gender identity - providing addional support, possibly through use of a mentor, could be very helpful.  

Haven't necessarily learned anything new - good to be reminded about the challenges faced by people who believe/feel/act differently than what some groups or individuals consider the norm.  It's sad that we have to create laws to protect the rights of certain groups who should already be given the rights provided by the constitution.  Good to reflect on ones own possible biases towards others.

Many strategies for "changing it up" with a focus on the learner and learner needs.  Beginning with the end in mind as we analyze, design, develop and evaluate to provide the best learning opportunities for our students.