Lesson Plan
Course Title: Construction Management
Session Title: Work Ethic
Lesson Duration: 45 minutes*
*NOTE: A quiz/review may be given at the end of the lesson, time permitting. If the class
discussions take up the entire class period, then the quiz may be issued at the beginning of
class the next time the class meets.
Performance Objective: Students will be able to explain what an appropriate attitude towards
their employment is, and they will be able to identify key aspects of a good work ethic and why
it’s so important to the success of their career.
Specific Objectives:
 Students will identify what is appropriate attire and what is inappropriate attire for the
work place.
 Students will understand what language and jargon can be used in the work place.
 Students will understand the need for timeliness.
 Students will identify the elements of what makes someone dependable or not.
 Students will respect the hierarchy of the work place and understand the role seniority
plays in the work place.
 Students will identify key aspects of being accountable for one’s work.
Preparation
TEKS Correlations:
This lesson, as published, correlates to the following TEKS. Any changes/alterations to the
activities may result in the elimination of any or all of the TEKS listed.
TEKS 130.49 ( c ) ( 1 ) ( C ) The student knows the employability characteristics of a
successful worker in the modern workplace. The student is expected to identify
employers’ expectations and appropriate work habits.
Interdisciplinary Correlations:
English Language Arts and Reading, English I: §110.31 ( b ) ( 1 ) Reading/Vocabulary
Development. Students understand new vocabulary and use it when reading and writing.
The importance of a good work ethic has relevance in all jobs and industries- no matter what
sort of work the student finds themselves in someday.
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved
Occupational Correlations: (reference O-Net http://www.onetonline.org/)
47-2061.00 - Construction Laborers: Perform tasks involving physical labor at construction
site.
Tasks:
Tasks may include but are not limited to: measuring, marking, or recording dimensions; reading
plans, instructions, or specifications; and positioning, joining, or aligning structural components.
Soft Skills:
Skills may include but are not limited to: speaking and coordinating.
For more information, please review further details on the website.
http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/47-2061.00
49-9021.01 – Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers: Install
or repair heating, central air conditioning, or refrigeration systems, including oil burners, hot-air
furnaces, and heating stoves.
Tasks:
Tasks may include but are not limited to: complying with applicable standards, policies, and
procedures; obtaining and maintaining required certifications; and inspecting and testing
systems to verify system compliance.
Soft Skills:
Skills may include but are not limited to: Equipment maintenance, critical thinking, active
listening, troubleshooting, and decision making.
For more information, please review further details in the website.
http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/49-9021.01
17-3031.01 – Surveying Technicians: Adjust and operate surveying instruments, compile
notes, make sketches, and enter data into computers.
Tasks:
Tasks may include but are not limited to: compare survey computations with applicable
standards to determine adequacy of data; lay out grids and determine horizontal and vertical
controls; and direct and supervise work of subordinate members of surveying parties.
Soft Skills:
Skills may include but are not limited to: critical thinking, active listening, and reading
comprehension.
For more information, please review further details on the website.
http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/17-3031.01
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved
Teacher Preparation:
The teacher should read over the websites listed in the references portion of this lesson, review
sample jobs in the construction industry on the O-NET website, complete the Work Ethic OWEI
Inventory (http://www.coe.uga.edu/cgi-bin/cgiwrap/~rhill/new_owei/owei.pl) themselves, and
review all key vocabulary and concepts in this lesson and from the references and resources
listed.
References:
Hill, Roger B. "The Work Ethic Site." The Work Ethic Site. Department of Workforce Education,
Leadership, & Social Foundations. Web. 15 Dec. 2011.
<http://www.coe.uga.edu/workethic/>.
Young, Scott H. "How to Build a Reliable Work Ethic." Your Daily Digest on Productivity and Life
Improvements - Stepcase Lifehack. Stepcase Lifehack, 21 Aug. 2011. Web. 15 Dec.
2011. <http://www.lifehack.org/articles/management/how-to-build-a-reliable-workethic.html>.
McCutcheon, Randall, James Schaffer, and Joseph R. Wycoff. Communication Applications.
Lincolnwood, IL: National Textbook, 2001. Print.
Instructional Aids:
1. Computer lab with internet access for students.
2. Projection screen connected to the teacher’s computers, with PowerPoint accessibility.
Materials Needed:
1. Printed copies of the handout.
2. Printed copies of the article (for students in need of modifications/accommodations.)
Otherwise, students can access article themselves online.
Equipment Needed:
1. Computer lab with internet access for students.
2. Projection screen connected to the teacher’s computer.
3. Black and White Printer/Copier.
Learner Preparation:
For homework the class before this lesson is taught, students are asked to write down what sort
of job they THINK they want to have someday. They should be instructed to describe what sort
of clothing they THINK they will need to wear, what sort of hours they THINK they will be
working, and what type of environment they THINK the job would require them to work in. It
should be a handwritten half-page paragraph.
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved
Introduction
Introduction (LSI Quadrant I):
SHOW: (Teacher has the first slide from the Presentation up on the screen as students enter
the class.) Teacher hands each student a copy of the Handout.
SAY: Today, you’re going to imagine that you are starting your new job. (Teacher advances
PowerPoint Presentation to the 2nd slide.)
ASK: What is a Work Ethic? (Wait for student responses. Initiate a classroom forum
discussion.)
SAY: Let’s go over some of the key aspects that make up a person’s work ethic. (Review the
descriptions of the topics on slide 2 of the Presentation with the class.)
ASK: What do you think is the most difficult aspect? (Wait for student responses. Facilitate a
group discussion.)
SAY: Here’s what we’re going to find out today: How much initiative do you already take and
how dependable are you? Are you ready for that job you want to have?
Outline
Outline (LSI Quadrant II):
Instructors should use the PowerPoint Presentation, Handout, and note pages in conjunction
with the following outline.
MI
Outline
I. Dress to Impress
A. Appropriate attire for an interview
B. Appropriate attire for work in an office
C. Appropriate attire for work on a job site
.
Notes to Instructor
Please refer to the
notes on Slide #3 of
the Presentation for
further information
about how to lead the
class in a discussion
on this topic.
II. Speak Well
A. Enunciation and articulation of your words
B. Choice of vocabulary at work
C. Volume of your voice
Please refer to the
notes on Slide #4 of
the Presentation for
further information
about how to lead the
class in a discussion
on this topic.
III. Be on Time
A. Be there at the start of your shift, ready to
work
B. Do no abuse break times and lunch hours
C. Stay until the end of your shift and until the
work is done - don’t try to sneak away early
Please refer to the
notes on Slide #5 of
the Presentation for
further information
about how to lead the
class in a discussion
on this topic.
IV. Be Dependable
A. Push yourself and be self-driven
Please refer to the
notes on Slide #6 of
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved
B. Give 100% effort all the time
C. Pay attention to instructions carefully
Verbal
Linguistic
the Presentation for
further information
about how to lead the
class in a discussion
on this topic.
V. Respect Authority
A. Know your place
B. Respect your superiors and the chain of
command
C. Be an active listener
Please refer to the
notes on Slide #7 of
the Presentation for
further information
about how to lead the
class in a discussion
on this topic.
VI. Be Accountable
A. Take the initiative to learn
B. Complete your work with accuracy
C. Get your work done on time
Please refer to the
notes on Slide #8 of
the Presentation for
further information
about how to lead the
class in a discussion
on this topic.
Logical
Mathematical
Visual
Spatial
Musical
Rhythmic
Bodily
Kinesthetic
Intrapersonal
Interpersonal
Naturalist
Existentialist
Application
Guided Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
Following Part 1 of the Handout, students should access the article (either online or in print) and
answer the 5 questions related to the article. This is to help register the concept of a good work
ethic in their minds. The article rephrases what Slides #2-8 of the Presentation covered that the
teacher presented in class earlier.
When the students finish answering the questions, the teacher should go over the correct
answers with the class and probe them with questions to check for their understanding. Can the
students paraphrase the basics aspects of a good work ethic? Has the concept solidified in their
minds?
Independent Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
Following Part 2 of the Handout, students should access the website for the OWEI Inventory on
their own. This will calculate their Occupational Work Ethic, and compare the results to the
average male and female that takes the test. At the end, there are 3 categories- Interpersonal
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved
Skills, Initiative, and Dependability. These directly relate to the 6 topics from the Outline above
and, likewise, to the topics from slide #2-8 on the Presentation. This will help them see how they
compare to others, which area is their strongest, and which is their weakest.
(NOTE: This can easily lead to a further exploration of career aptitude and personality
assessments. Please refer to the Extension portion of this lesson.)
Summary
Review (LSI Quadrants I and IV):
Question: What is a good work ethic?
Answer: A set of values based on the ideals of hard work and discipline.
Question: What are 6 aspects of a good work ethic?
Answer: Dress well, speak well, be on time, be dependable, be respectful, and be accountable.
Evaluation
Informal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III):
The teacher leads the class throughout the group discussions of this lesson, and then monitors
student progress as they work through the handout. Active monitoring and engaging the
students as they work will permit the teacher to measure the comprehension of the topic matter
by all the students. More time can be spent with students the teacher is concerned about.
Formal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III, IV):
Please refer to the Quiz and the Quiz Rubric. These should be issued to the students the next
class period.
Extension
Extension/Enrichment (LSI Quadrant IV):
This lesson sets itself up well for extensions in various directions. For advanced students, or for
further lessons, the teacher can have the students complete a Personality and/or Career
Aptitude assessment. The results from these assessments can be used to help the students
understand their skills and strengths, and what sort of job opportunities might be best suited for
them.
Here is a suggested website to begin looking for such assessments:
http://www.funeducation.com/Tests/
When students begin to think about the kind of job they might want to have, or explore career
opportunities that are well suited for them, it promotes their consideration of good work habits
and developing a strong and positive work ethic.
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved
What is a Work Ethic?
A Work Ethic can be described as a set of values based on the ideals of hard work and discipline.
Key aspects of a good work ethic include:
1. Being dressed appropriately for the job.
2. Using proper language in the work place.
3. Arriving to work on time, and not taking advantage of breaks and time off.
4. Being a dependable employee.
5. Respecting authority figures and following the “chain of command.”
6. Being accountable for one’s tasks, duties, and job responsibilities.
Your Name: __________________________________________ Period: ______ Date: ______________
Part 1: Read the online article
http://www.lifehack.org/articles/management/how-to-build-a-reliable-work-ethic.html
Answer these 5 questions after you finish reading the article:
1. What should you do when you feel like quitting? ______________________________________
2. When you’re trying to focus, what kind of noisy distractions should you shut down?
_____________________________________________________________________________
3. Perfectionism isn’t necessary for many tasks, but most things require a minimum
______________ of _____________.
4. Give yourself ________ to ________ minutes to work on a particular task.
5. Rewrite the LAST TWO sentences of the article IN YOUR OWN WORDS. (Think about how you
can say the same message, but with your own words. DO NOT COPY! Remember- that’s called
plagiarism and it’s cheating.)
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Part 2: Complete the OWEI Inventory online.
http://www.coe.uga.edu/workethic/
Follow the link on the left to the OWEI Inventory. Fill in the information about yourself, and begin to
answer the questions. When you finish answering the questions, write your answers in the chart here.
Interpersonal Skills
Initiative
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved
Dependability
What is a Work Ethic? (Grading Rubric)
A Work Ethic can be described as a set of values based on the ideals of hard work and discipline.
Key aspects of a good work ethic include:
1. Being dressed appropriately for the job.
2. Using proper language in the work place.
3. Arriving to work on time, and not taking advantage of breaks and time off.
4. Being a dependable employee.
5. Respecting authority figures and following the “chain of command.”
6. Being accountable for one’s tasks, duties, and job responsibilities.
Your Name: __________________________________________ Period: ______ Date: ______________
Part 1: Read the online article
http://www.lifehack.org/articles/management/how-to-build-a-reliable-work-ethic.html
Part 1:
10 points
for each
answer.
Answer these 5 questions after you finish reading the article:
1. What should you do when you feel like quitting? Go an extra 20%
2. When you’re trying to focus, what kind of noisy distractions should you shut down?
Phones, E-mail, RSS, Twitter, and Visitors
3. Perfectionism isn’t necessary for many tasks, but most things require a minimum standard of
quality.
4. Give yourself 60 to 90 minutes to work on a particular task.
5. Rewrite the LAST TWO sentences of the article IN YOUR OWN WORDS. (Think about how you
can say the same message, but with your own words. DO NOT COPY! Remember- that’s called
plagiarism and it’s cheating.)
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Part 2: Complete the OWEI Inventory online.
Part 2:
10 points
for each
http://www.coe.uga.edu/workethic/
Follow the link on the left to the OWEI Inventory. Fill in the information about yourself, and begin tofield.
answer the questions. When you finish answering the questions, write your answers in the chart here.
Interpersonal Skills
Initiative
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved
20 points
for
Dependability
participation
in the group
discussions
.
Work Ethic Quiz
Your Name: ______________________________________ Period: ______ Date: __________
INSTRUCTIONS: Complete the following questions based on our lesson on Work Ethic.
Write your answers neatly!
1. In the space below, define the term “work ethic.”
2. In the space below, list the 6 aspects discussed in class that help describe what a good
ethic involves.
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved
Work Ethic Quiz
Answer Key
Your Name: ___________________________________________ Period: ______ Date: ______________
INSTRUCTIONS: Complete the following questions based on our lesson on Work Ethic. Write your
answers neatly!
3. In the space below, define the term “work ethic”.
A Work Ethic can be described as a set of values based on the ideals of hard work and discipline.
4. In the space below, list the 6 aspects discussed in class that help describe what a good ethic
involves.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
Being dressed appropriately for the job.
Using proper language in the work place.
Arriving to work on time, and not taking advantage of breaks and time off.
Being a dependable employee.
Respecting authority figures and following the “chain of command”.
Being accountable for ones tasks, duties, and job responsibilities.
0 points if the student
left no answer.
14 points if they tried,
but didn’t get it quite
right.
28 points if they
answered correctly.
0 points if the student did not list any of the 6 aspects.
6 points for each attempted but not quite right answer.
12 points for each fully correct answer.
(Total of 72 points possible)
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved