Course Format and Platform
This course was designed as a self-paced, asynchronous microlearning experience using Articulate Rise and is hosted on SCORM Cloud. It was created for social workers and contracted care providers who work directly with foster youth and young adults in Massachusetts. Because these professionals often juggle full caseloads and busy schedules, this format allows them to complete the training on their own time.
Instructional Design Framework: ADDIE
I used the ADDIE model to guide the course development process:
Analysis: I started with a needs assessment that highlighted a clear gap—many professionals need more structured support to help foster youth prepare for job interviews.
Design: I broke the content into three focused microlearning modules to make it easier to engage with and retain.
Development: I created materials like videos, infographics, and interactive components to make the content relatable and useful.
Implementation: The course is entirely online and accessible at any time, ensuring flexibility across different agencies and schedules.
Evaluation: Learners are asked to complete a follow-up survey six weeks after finishing the course to reflect on how they’ve applied what they learned.
Learning Theories and Principles Applied
I relied on several key learning theories and principles when building this course:
Cognitive Load Theory: I kept the modules short and focused to avoid overwhelming the learner and to help with retention.
Mayer’s Multimedia Learning Principles: The course uses a mix of text, visuals, and video to support different learning styles and improve understanding.
Social Learning Theory: By including opportunities to model and reflect on interview strategies, learners can better understand how to coach youth effectively.
Course Modules and Learning Objectives
Module 1: Interview Etiquette and Attire
Learners will be able to teach youth what to wear and how to carry themselves during a job interview.
Module 2: Preparing Youth for Interviews
Learners will be able to guide youth on how to prepare for typical interview questions.
Learners will be able to explain what makes a good first impression and how to avoid common mistakes.
Learners will be able to recommend strategies for answering questions confidently and appropriately.
Module 3: Resources for Interview Support
Learners will be able to identify and share local and statewide resources that can help with job readiness, including resume support and the federal Chafee Education and Training Grant.
Learners will leave this course better prepared to equip youth with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in interviews and gain employment.
Evaluation Strategy
SMART Goal:
Six weeks after completing the course, I hope to see that at least 30% of learners report that 30% of their caseload of youth have successfully found employment using the strategies taught in this training. A 30% job rate is a solid goal, challenging but realistic and still will have a significant impact.
Kirkpatrick’s Four Levels of Evaluation:
Level 1 – Reaction: Learners will share feedback through a post-course survey.
Level 2 – Learning: Knowledge will be measured through interactive quizzes and reflection prompts throughout the modules.
Level 3 – Behavior: A follow-up evaluation will assess how learners applied the training in real-life settings.
Level 4 – Results: Outcomes will be measured by increases in youth employment across caseloads.
Conclusion
This course was built with professionals in mind—those on the ground every day supporting foster youth. By combining research, practical strategies, and interactive content, this training aims to make a real difference. The goal is simple: give workers the tools they need to prepare young people for interviews and improve their chances of getting hired.
Below is an link to course and video walkthrough ⬇️
*Users can just click take me to my training without registering or simply watch the video walkthrough