The "Job Readiness and Career Pathways Exploration for Foster Youth and Young Adults" course is designed to equip foster youth with the necessary skills to explore career options and develop job readiness. This course follows a structured approach based on learning theories and instructional design models to ensure effectiveness and engagement. The course is hosted on the Canvas LMS and consists of three asynchronous modules designed for youth and young adults aged 16-24 in foster care or at risk.
Constructivism
The course emphasizes experiential learning through case studies, career assessments, and mock interviews.
Learners construct knowledge by sharing experiences on discussion boards and engaging in peer collaboration.
Cognitive Load Theory
The course breaks complex career exploration tasks into three distinct modules to reduce cognitive overload.
Scaffolding techniques, such as interactive assessments and guided interview questions, provide support for learners at each stage.
Social Learning Theory
Peer collaboration is integrated into discussion boards, where students share insights and provide feedback.
Watching animated videos and engaging in a mock interview challenge allows students to learn vicariously by observing and evaluating job interview techniques.
Self-Determination Theory
The course fosters autonomy by allowing students to explore career options aligned with their interests and skills.
Competence is developed through structured activities, peer interaction, and self-reflection.
Relatedness is encouraged through collaborative discussions and interactive assessments.
The course follows the ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation) model to ensure a structured and effective learning experience.
Analysis
A needs assessment identified that at-risk youth require targeted career readiness skills.
Stakeholder feedback from career professionals and workforce development experts informed course content.
Design
Clear learning objectives align with assessments for each module.
Activities incorporate multimedia, discussion boards, and peer collaboration to reinforce learning.
Development
The course includes videos, readings, and interactive exercises tailored to different learning styles.
Structured discussion board prompts encourage critical thinking and peer learning.
Implementation
The course is delivered asynchronously through Canvas LMS.
Students engage in research, self-assessments, and interactive challenges at their own pace.
Evaluation
Formative assessments include discussion board participation and peer feedback activities.
Summative assessments involve personal career pathway analysis, interview reflections, and peer-reviewed mock interviews.
Feedback from students and instructors will guide continuous course improvements.
Module 1: Career Exploration and Industry Research
Learning Objective: Identify relevant pathways by examining industry trends, demand, growth rate, and salaries.
Activities: Reading and video resources; students create a fictional persona for a specific career path and share it on the discussion board to ask questions, collaborate, and interact with peers.
Module 2: Identifying Career Paths Based on Personal Skills and Interests
Learning Objective: Analyze personal skills and interests to identify suitable career paths.
Activities: Read case studies of individuals in various industries; complete an interactive career assessment and skills activities; interview a professional using provided questions and share insights on the discussion board.
Module 3: Evaluating and Practicing Job Interview Techniques
Learning Objective: Critically evaluate job interview techniques using feedback from peers.
Activities: Engage with animated videos, infographics, and the "mock interview challenge"; analyze examples of ineffective and effective interviews; participate in a peer-assigned mock interview, post it on the discussion board, and receive peer feedback.
This course integrates learning theories and instructional design principles to create an engaging and effective job readiness experience for at-risk youth. By incorporating social learning, cognitive scaffolding, and peer collaboration, students gain practical career exploration, self-assessment, and interview skills. The asynchronous, interactive design ensures accessibility while fostering autonomy and self-reflection. Continuous evaluation and student feedback will guide ongoing improvements to enhance learning outcomes.
Below is a Link to Course and Video Walk Through ⬇️