To High School and Beyond: Career

Explorations in the Middle School Classroom

Alonia M. Johnson, M.Ed., M.S.

Technology Instructor

Why Think About Careers so Early?

• Throughout the last decade, researchers have recommended that career exploration and awareness begin before high school, when students have already made major decisions about courses (Castellano et. al, 2002; Fouad, 1995; O'Brien, et. al, 1999; Toepfer Jr., C.F., 1994).

• To encourage students to make informed decisions, middle schools must introduce career awareness, such as the concept that success in most careers requires education and training (Fouad, 1995).

What I Teach?

• 6th grade students explore various multimedia tools such as advanced features of PowerPoint, Publisher, Photo Story and Movie Maker

• 7th grade students work through integrated instructional units (modules) called ACTION Labs.

• 8th grade students learn the basics of video editing, audio recording, etc.

What is the ACTION Lab Program?

The ACTION Lab program is a technology education program

designed to teach you how to use and manage technology

How does the program operate?

• Fifteen 10 day integrated instructional units (unit).

• 2 students work together on a unit.• Instruction is delivered on the computer.• Each unit contains audio, video, text and

pictures.• Each unit has hands-on, internet and writing

activities.

What Areas Does ACTION Labs Cover?

• Alternative Energy• Audio

Communications• Computer Graphics

& Animation• Digital Music• Energy & Power• Flight Technology• Forensic Science

• Health & Fitness • Information

Technology• Laser Technology• Research &

Development• Robotics• Structural Engineering• Video Production• Virtual Architecture

7th grade

• Students choose the 5 modules that most interest them.

• choices could affect their future career paths• In addition to modules, students also

complete a Career Research Project.– PowerPoint – career information– Publisher – spotlighting a company– Photo Story – spotlighting an individual leader in

the field

8th grade

• Copyright• Video Editing using Movie Maker or

Photo Story–College Highlight Presentation–Career Cluster Photo Story–Commercial Ad Campaign

• Career Project–Magazine Cover–To High School and Beyond