Book Suggestions for Integrating Technology Into the Cosmetology Curriculum Suggestions for Developing Additional Projects Cosmetology Project Resources References The second section contains complete instructions for six projects that can be used to supplement and enhance the cosmetology curriculum. As you can see, these projects teach some of the skills that are not covered in standard textbooks. The projects are: Researching Careers in Cosmetology Job Shadowing 8 0 0 0 o o a 0 o o 0 0 O Salon Business Plan Training Programs and Materials Salon Employees Policy Manual Getting a Cosmetology Job 9 Overview of Project-Based Learning Definition of Project-Based Learning Project-based learning (PBL) is an instructional strategy that involves teams of students in responding to situations that might be encountered in the workplace and other non-school contexts. Characteristics) of Project-Based Learning Project-based learning.. . Focuses on the central concepts and principles of a discipline. Involves students in activities that have real-world context. Teaches additional skills needed to succeed at work. Involves students in problem-solving investigations using real-world resources. Requires students to construct their own knowledge. Is a student-centered method that encourages students to work autonomously. Culminates in authentic products, which are assessed using a variety of strategies. Each of these PBL characteristics is discussed in this section. This background information is provided so that you will understand the rationale behind the development of the projects in this book and will gain insights into how to develop additional projects on your own. 1This list of PBL characteristics was adapted from Buck Institute for Educators' PBL Overview (www.bie.org) and from the Ohio Department of Education's ITAC to Instruction: Resource Guides for Ohio's Career-Focused Education System. Used with permission. 10 o 0 oo o 0 Project-Based Learning Focuses on the Central Concepts and Principles of a Discipline Projects should focus on knowledge and skills that are important to the discipline (i.e., critical knowledge, skills, and attitudes). For this reason, when developing projects, one or more critical competencies should be addressed. For example, a project might be developed to enhance the math skills that are needed in everyday salon operation. Note: We will expand on this example as we examine additional characteristics of PBL. Each example will appear in a shaded box. Project-Based Learning Activities Involve Real-World Context Projects should focus on a specific problem to be solvedone that students might encounter at work or in daily life. By learning skills in the context in which they will be applied, the transfer of learning is maximized. To teach workplace math skills, for exath.pre,aWor*ace context should be selected. The project could involve selecting and implementing a bookkeeping system for a salon. (We just picked bookkeeping for this example. Of course, there are many other ,.,; math-related skills that could be learned and practiced through projects like calculating pay or pricing products and services.) Project-Based Learning Teaches Additional Skills Needed to Succeed at Work Factual knowledge is not the only thing needed for workplace success. In addition to the specific competencies required of cosmetologists (e.g., knowledge of skin conditions; skills for cutting, coloring, and perming hair), authentic projects can teach many other skills that are extremely critical for workplace success. They help students develop job-seeking, management, and teamwork - skills, to name just a few. More specifically, projects allow students to develop and practice many of the SCANS skills. These skills, identified by the Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS), comprise a three-part foundation of skills and personal qualities, and five competencies that are needed for solid job performance. As you read through the following list of SCANS skills, think about situations in salons or other cosmetology-related workplaces that require the use of these skills. SCANS Foundation Skillsworkplace competence requires: Basic Skills: Reads, writes, performs arithmetic and mathematical operations, listens, and speaks. Reading Locates, understands, and interprets written information in prose and in documents such as manuals, graphs, and schedules. Writing Communicates thoughts, ideas, information, and messages in writing. Creates documents such as letters, directions, manuals, reports, graphs, and flow charts. Arithmetic/Mathematics Performs basic computations and approaches practical problems by choosing appropriately from a variety of mathematical techniques. Listening Receives, attends to, interprets, and responds to verbal messages and other cues. Speaking