Providing Information on Extended Learning Experiences | Origin: HQ109
This is a general discussion for the following learning topic:
Enhancing Knowledge of Student Career Development --> Providing Information on Extended Learning Experiences
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
This module made me think more deliberately about how we communicate extended learning opportunities. We offer internships, CTSOs, and articulated credit, but I'm not sure students and families always know what's available or how to access it. I also realized we could do a better job sequencing experiences so they build in intensity over time—not just throwing opportunities at students but helping them move from awareness to exploration to actual work experience.
Going forward, I plan to be more intentional about communicating these options during ICAP reviews, not just mentioning them in passing but actually walking students through what each type of experience offers and how it connects to their goals. I also want to make sure extended learning is embedded in ICAPs from the start, not treated as an add-on. I'll work with teachers to incorporate classroom lessons on the value of CTSOs and work-based learning. And I'll look at our current communication channels (newsletters, website, career expos) to see if we're actually reaching families or just checking boxes. Finally, I want to make sure we're exposing students to non-traditional careers and not letting assumptions about gender or background limit what we present as options.
The importance of extended learning experiences in helping students connect classroom learning to real world opportunities. Extended learning experiences help students build employability skills, these experiences allow students to better understand potential career paths while they develop skills that will benefit them beyond the classroom.
I really like the idea of reverse job fair. I hope to implement this during our upcoming school year. This is a great way for students to explore and showcare their strengths.
Learning about reverse career fairs was terrific. What a novel idea, and another opportunity for students to be launched in a career pathway.
I liked learning about the colorado's work based learning continuum. I feel as though I am already doing this but not exactly stating it as going about, then through, then at work pace. One area I want to improve on is the "learning at work" phase and finding more apprenticeships or internship opportunities for my students.
