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Develop
Your Employability Skill Language
STEP 3
Develop Your Employability Skill Language
Quick and positive reinforcement is important to embedding employability skills. Using the employability skill areas you want to embed into your classroom content, develop the language you will use when students demonstrate an employability skill.
What To Do
Develop language you will feel comfortable using when acknowledging a student that demonstrates the use of an employability skill.
How To Do It
Review the example below to help you develop responses you will use when students demonstrate the use of an employability skill. The worksheet will help you organize your language. Best practices include the use of authentic [phrases that are meaningful to you and part of your core values.
Example #1
Communicator (Written)
Scenario
Student emails teacher to inform them that an assignment will be late.
Positive Student Behavior
The student is being an effective communicator by informing the teacher of a situation in advance.
Response
Thanks "Student Name" for letting me know. Being proactive is an important employability skill.
Example #2
Communicator (Active Listener)
Scenario
A student is actively engaged in the class presentation.
Positive Student Behavior
The student demonstrates active listening by giving verbal and nonverbal feedback to the teacher during a lesson.
Response
Hey, "Student Name" you were an active listener in class today. Being engaged and giving constructive feedback is really important to employers.
Example #3
Effective Collaborator
Scenario
Students are having an orderly and constructive discussion on a topic for a project.
Positive Student Behavior
The group was engaged in the activity by listening, validating, and discussing each member's contribution to the project.
Response
"Group A" Ya'll were demonstrating effective collaborators in your discussion today. That skill will get you far in the real world.
Example #4
Technology
Scenario
The teacher allows students to have their cell phones out during class.
Positive Student Behavior
The student has a cell phone out, but doesn't let it affect the learning environment. The student periodically checks the phone, but quickly resumes classroom activities.
Response
Hey, "student name" I saw you had your phone out, but you were still focused on the lesson. Not letting technology get in the way is an important skill to have.
Use the Employability Skills below to help you develop your language to give student feedback
How will you acknowledge when a student demonstrates Critical Thinking Skills?
Critical Thinking
Creative Thinking - Student thinks outside the box
Independent Thinking - Student develops own ideas or processes
Problem Solver - Student uses a combination of new skills and existing skills to solve problems
Rational Thinker - Student weighs risk versus reward in making decisions
How will you acknowledge when a student demonstrates effective Communication
Skills?
Communication
Verbal Communication - Student engages in discussions, presentations, or impromptu conversations
Written Communication - Students can use communication standards or norms when writing
Active Listener - Student makes eye contact with the presenter and sits appropriately while listening
Collaborative Communication- Student communicates ideas, results, or work progress with the group
How will you acknowledge when a student demonstrates Stewardship
Skills?
Stewardship
Time - Student uses his/her time wisely.
Resources - Student uses classroom equipment appropriately.
Money - Student demonstrates an awareness of financial responsibility
Mental Health - Student appropriately maintains his/her mental health
How will you acknowledge when a student demonstrates appropriate use of Technology?
Technology
Cell Phone - Student properly uses a cell phone in the classroom
Video Media - Student properly uses video media in the classroom
Social Media - Student demonstrates responsible use of social media in the classroom
Digital Citizenship - Student respectfully and safely engages in digital environments
How will you acknowledge when a student demonstrates effective Personal Skills?
Personal Skills
Initiative - Student is a self-starter and shows internal motivation
Integrity - Student demonstrates honesty in all aspects of the classroom
Positivity - Student demonstrates a positive attitude toward class projects and others in the classroom
Responsibility - Student takes responsibility for classwork and his/her own actions
How will you acknowledge when a student demonstrates effective Collaboration
Skills?
Collaboration Skills
Team Lead - Student can lead a team to accomplish classroom goals
Team Member - Student can be an effective team member
Respect Others - Student demonstrates the ability to listen to others' ideas and have an open mind
Digital Collaborator - Student engages in projects with other students in a digital platform
