Activity
The Big Picture
Course, Subject
Health, Home & Careers, Health, Physical Education, and Family and Consumer Sciences
Grade Levels
Commencement, 9th Grade, 10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade
Assessment
- Student participation in informal classroom discussion is assessed on the basis of interest and enthusiasm.
- Student presentations are assessed on basis of content, interest, and presentation quality.
Author
John D. Caminiti, Career and Technical Education, Broome-Delaware-Tioga BOCES, Binghamton.
Duration
1–2 class periods
Essential Question
How do my career choices affect the systems in which I operate?
Description
Objectives:
- Students will examine the important roles their career choices play in the world around them.
- Students will develop criteria to assist in making positive career choices.
Activity:
- Students discuss the following points:
- Career choices define a significant part of a person's life and they impact the world around them.
- The systems reflected in society (civilization, the economy, and personal/family issues) are greatly affected by a person's career.
- Career choices are decisions of major importance in a person's life.
- Students discuss the following question:
- “How does a person know if he/she is making the right career choices?”
- Students are given the following questions people should ask themselves when making career decisions:
- Does the career meet my interests and abilities?
- Will I find the career rewarding, both for society and myself?
- Will I find the career interesting?
- Will the career be a source of enthusiasm?
- Will the career generate a sense of pride and fulfillment?
- Is the career challenging?
- Will the career allow for accomplishments?
- Is the career honorable and does it contribute to society?
- Students are asked to add to the questions and develop criteria for making intelligent career choices.
- Upon completion of the final list, students are assigned to work in groups of four to prepare presentations illustrating their criteria.
Materials / Resources
- Computer with Internet access
- School media center
- Computer with presentation software
- Library resources
Comments / Modifications
This activity is valuable to students because it allows them to see that career decisions have an impact on more than just their own lives.
Source
Caminiti, John. “The Big Picture.” In Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) Resource Guide with Core Curriculum. New York State Department of Education, 176.
