Lesson Plan Course Title: Construction Management Session Title: Communication Skills Lesson Duration: 45-50minutes Performance Objective: Students will speak effectively, listen actively, and provide written feedback to their peers. Specific Objectives: Students will control the volume, speed, and enunciation of their speech. Students will engage their listening audience. Students will exhibit appropriate body language as they speak. Students will listen attentively. Students will take notes and ask questions to ensure comprehension. Students will provide written feedback (as a listener) to the speaker. 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. §130.49 (c)(2)(A) The student applies academic skills to the requirements of construction management. The student is expected to demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills with individuals from varied cultures, including fellow workers, management, and customers. Interdisciplinary Correlations: English Language Arts and Reading, English I: §110.31 (b)(24)(A) Listening and Speaking/Listening. Students will use comprehension skills to listen attentively to others in formal and informal settings. Students will continue to apply earlier standards with greater complexity. Students are expected to listen responsively to a speaker by taking notes that summarize, synthesize, or highlight the speaker's ideas for critical reflection and by asking questions related to the content for clarification and elaboration. The importance of clear and concise verbal and written communication skills is essential to many industries and occupations. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved 1 Occupational Correlations: (reference O-Net http://www.onetonline.org ) 49-9021.02 - Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers: Install and repair industrial and commercial refrigerating systems. Tasks: Occupational tasks include but are not limited to observing and testing system operations, keeping records of repairs, and performing mechanical overhauls. Skills: Occupational Skills include but are not limited to critical thinking, operation monitoring, and complex problem solving. Knowledge: Occupational Knowledge includes but is not limited to administration and management, English language, and building and construction. For more information about this occupation, please refer to the website: http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/49-9021.02 13-1051.00 - Cost Estimators: Prepare cost estimates for product manufacturing, construction projects, or services to aid management in bidding on or determining price of product or service. May specialize according to particular service performed or type of product manufactured. Tasks: Occupational tasks include but are not limited to consulting with clients, conferring with engineers, and assessing cost effectiveness of products. Skills: Occupational Skills include but are not limited to speaking, active listening, and writing. Knowledge: Occupational Knowledge includes but is not limited to administration and management, English language, and building and construction. For more information about this occupation, please refer to the website: http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/49-9021.02 47-3012.00 - Helpers—Carpenters: Help carpenters by performing duties requiring less skill. Duties include using, supplying or holding materials or tools, and cleaning work area and equipment. Tasks: Occupational tasks include but are not limited to fastening timbers or lumber, erecting scaffolding, and smoothing or sanding surfaces. Skills: Occupational Skills include active listening, coordinating, and critical thinking. Knowledge: Occupational Knowledge includes building and construction. For more information about this occupation, please refer to the website: http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/47-3012.00 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved 2 Teacher Preparation: The teacher should already have a solid background and understanding of effective speech and engaged listening skills. References: McCutcheon, Randall, James Schaffer, and Joseph R. Wycoff. Communication Applications. Lincolnwood, IL: National Textbook, 2001. Print. "Construction Articles." Construction Jobs, Building Jobs, Construction Project Manager Jobs | ConstructionCrossing.com. Construction Crossing. Web. 06 Jan. 2012. <http://www.constructioncrossing.com/article/lcarticlearchive.php>. Instructional Aids: Use the links to the following online articles that the students will read in their small groups. If these website links do not work, or if you have other articles in mind, please feel free to use comparable alternative materials. 1. http://www.constructioncrossing.com/article/480254/Construction-Employment-How-toFind-Construction-Job-Opportunities/ 2. http://www.constructioncrossing.com/article/480241/Construction-Jobs-for-High-SchoolGraduates/ 3. http://www.constructioncrossing.com/article/480220/The-Role-of-a-ConstructionManager/ 4. Quote #1: Read a portion/excerpt from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I have a dream” speech. Here is a web link to it online. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/17/i-have-a-dream-speech-text_n_809993.html “And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, ‘Free at last! free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!’ ” (This quote is also captured on Slide #2 of the PowerPoint Presentation for this Lesson.) 5. Quote #2: Read a portion/excerpt from the Preamble to the Constitution. Here is a web link to it online. http://www.usconstitution.net/const.txt “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” (This quote is also captured on Slide #4 of the PowerPoint Presentation for this Lesson.) Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved 3 Materials Needed: 1. Writing utensils 2. Copy paper (regular 8 ½” x 11” 20# bond paper is sufficient) Equipment Needed: 1. Black and white printer 2. Copy machine 3. Teacher computer workstation with internet access 4. Projection screen and projector connected to the teacher’s workstation Learner Preparation: Students should already have a basic awareness of construction industry jobs. (The 3 articles they will be reading and listening to will expand on the topic of occupations within the industry.) Here are some key vocabulary words to help clarify the expectations of this lesson: Communicate: To impart knowledge, to make known Enunciate: To utter or pronounce Engage: To occupy the attention of a person Paraphrase: Act or process of restating or rewording Posture: The position of the limbs of the body Introduction Introduction (LSI Quadrant I): SAY: In your most monotone, dull, and mumbled voice, and without making eye contact with any students, read Quote #1* out loud to the students. ASK: Did anyone know what I just said? (Give students a chance to respond and guide them through a class discussion.) Does anyone recognize it? SHOW: Show students Slide #2 of the PowerPoint Presentation. SAY: What I just read to you was Martin Luther King’s “I have a Dream” speech. ASK: If I had said this with more enthusiasm, would you have remembered more of what I said? (Give students a chance to respond and guide them through a class discussion.) SHOW: Advance to Slide #3, and go over the information with the class. SAY: As fast and as quietly as possible, standing with bad posture, read Quote #2* out loud to the students. ASK: Did anyone remember what I just said? (Give students a chance to react and guide them through a class discussion.) Does anyone recognize it? SHOW: Show students Slide #4 of the PowerPoint Presentation. SAY: What I just read to you was the first paragraph of the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States of America. ASK: If I had said this more slowly, would you have recognized it? What about my body language made it hard to follow me? SHOW: Advance to Slides #5-10, and go over the information with the class. *Quote #1 and Quote #2 are also in the Instructional Aides section of this lesson documentation above on Page 3. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved 4 Outline Outline (LSI Quadrant II): Instructors can use the PowerPoint presentation, slides, handouts, and note pages in conjunction with the following outline. MI Outline I. Speaking Well A. Volume B. Speed C. Enunciation Notes to Instructor Refer to Slide #3 of the PowerPoint Presentation. Lead a discussion as you present the slides to the class. Engage the students by probing for understanding. II. Engaging the Listener A. Eye contact B. Pleasantness C. Credibility Refer to Slide #5 of the PowerPoint Presentation. Lead a discussion as you present the slides to the class. Engage the students by probing for understanding. III. Body Language A. Posture B. Fidgeting C. Facial expressions Refer to Slide #6 of the PowerPoint Presentation. Lead a discussion as you present the slides to the class. Engage the students by probing for understanding. IV. Being an Active and Engaged Listener A. Pay attention B. Make eye contact C. Be respectful Refer to Slide #7 of the PowerPoint Presentation. Lead a discussion as you present the slides to the class. Engage the students by probing for understanding. V. Know What You Are Hearing A. Listen attentively B. Stay tuned in and focused Refer to Slide #8 of the PowerPoint Presentation. Lead a Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved 5 C. Take notes discussion as you present the slides to the class. Engage the students by probing for understanding. VI. Give Feedback and Confirm Comprehension A. Ask for clarification B. Ask to hear it again C. Paraphrase/summarize Verbal Linguistic Logical Mathematica l Visual Spatial Musical Rhythmic Bodily Kinestheti c Intrapersonal Refer to Slide #9 of the PowerPoint Presentation. Lead a discussion as you present the slides to the class. Engage the students by probing for understanding. Interpersona l Naturalis t Existentialis t Application Guided Practice (LSI Quadrant III): In small groups of three, have students practice their speaking and listening skills. Students will take turns reading out loud to their group mates. They should try to speak well so their listeners hear and understand them. They should try to be active listeners so they can comprehend as much as possible. Follow the Student Handout document that goes with this lesson. Each student will get 1 copy. Independent Practice (LSI Quadrant III): As students are practicing their active listening skills, they should be taking notes to help them retain the information they are hearing. They should also be writing down suggestions to the speaker to help them improve their speaking skills. Follow the Student Handout document that goes with this lesson. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved 6 Summary Review (LSI Quadrants I and IV): Question: What are some tips and tricks we need to remember to do when we need to be a good speaker? Answer: Watch your volume and speed of speech, enunciate well, make eye contact, be pleasant, be confident, have good posture, and use appropriate facial expressions. Question: What are some tips and tricks to being a good listener? Answer: Listen closely, stay tuned in to what is being said, take notes, ask questions, and give feedback. NOTE: Students were asked to list these at the bottom of the first page of their Handout. This end of class review is to follow up AGAIN on the topic. Evaluation Informal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III): Teacher guides the students in a class discussion as the PowerPoint slide presentation introduces the material. Teacher should probe for individualized comprehension while guiding the class as a whole. Once students begin to practice their small group work, teacher should actively monitor students by walking around and observing them as they complete the assignment. Teacher should make suggestions to speakers and listeners to redirect as needed. Formal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III, IV): Teacher should review the students’ participation and comprehension by grading the Student Handout. There is opportunity for the student to exhibit their comprehension of the topic on the Handout document in the feedback section. Please refer to the Student Handout Rubric for grading of this assessment. Extension Extension/Enrichment (LSI Quadrant IV): This lesson can be greatly enriched and taken to a more advanced level if the students write their own “speeches” before they practice presenting them to a small group or even to the entire class. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved 7 Construction Management Communication Skills Student Handout Your Name: __________________________________________________ Period #: ________ Overview: In a small group of 3, you will take turns practicing your speaking and listening skills. Instructions: 1. You or your group members will each chose 1 article to read out loud. 2. Read the article QUIETLY to yourself first. Practice reading it in your head before you try to read it out loud to the group. 3. You will then take turns reading your article out loud to the group. 4. While you are reading, try to use good speaking skills as we discussed earlier in class - you want your audience to listen to you! 5. When it’s your turn to listen to the others speak, be a good listener! Take notes in the spaces provided below. 6. When you are done and everyone has had their turn, provide suggestions and feedback below. Share with them so they know what they need to improve their speaking abilities. The 3 articles to chose from are: Write the name of the group member reading each article here: 1. “How to Find Construction Job Opportunities” 2. “Construction Jobs for High School Graduates” 3. “The Role of a Construction Manager” Based on the presentation and our class discussion, list as many of the good communication skills as you can in the correct spaces below. Remember to use these skills as you participate as a good speaker and listener in your group. What do good speakers do? What do good listeners do? 8 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved Construction Management Communication Skills Student Handout If you are listening to someone else read Article #1 (“How to Find Construction Job Opportunities”), use the space below to take notes. LISTEN to the speaker very CAREFULLY! Write down the important things you hear as you hear them. Provide the speaker of Article #1 with some feedback. Check the box that best reflects how well they met each requirement. Could use a Great job! little work to improve. Did the speaker enunciate well? Did the speaker make eye contact with you? Did the speaker use good posture? Could you hear him/her loud enough? Did the speaker seem to know what he/she was talking about? Need to work A LOT on this skill! In this space, write at least 1 comment to help the speaker make improvements to their communication skills. Use complete sentences. 9 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved Construction Management Communication Skills Student Handout If you are listening to someone else read Article #2 (“Construction Jobs for High School Graduates”), use the space below to take notes. LISTEN to the speaker very CAREFULLY! Write down the important things you hear as you hear them. Provide the speaker of Article #2 with some feedback. Check the box that best reflects how well they met each requirement. Could use a Great job! little work to improve. Did the speaker enunciate well? Did the speaker make eye contact with you? Did the speaker use good posture? Could you hear him/her loud enough? Did the speaker seem to know what he/she was talking about? Need to work A LOT on this skill! In this space, write at least 1 comment to help the speaker make improvements to their communication skills. Use complete sentences. 10 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved Construction Management Communication Skills Student Handout If you are listening to someone else read Article #3 (“The Role of a Construction Manager”), use the space below to take notes. LISTEN to the speaker very CAREFULLY! Write down the important things you hear as you hear them. Provide the speaker of Article #3 with some feedback. Check the box that best reflects how well they met each requirement. Could use a Great job! little work to improve. Did the speaker enunciate well? Did the speaker make eye contact with you? Did the speaker use good posture? Could you hear him/her loud enough? Did the speaker seem to know what he/she was talking about? Need to work A LOT on this skill! In this space, write at least 1 comment to help the speaker make improvements to their communication skills. Use complete sentences. 11 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 ones 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? Go an extra 20% Part 1: 10 points for each answer. 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: 10 points for each Follow the link on the left to the OWEI Inventory. Fill in the information about yourself, field. Part 2: Complete the OWEI Inventory online. http://www.coe.uga.edu/workethic/ and begin to answer the questions. When you finish answering the questions, write your 20 points answers in the chart here. Interpersonal Skills Initiative Dependability Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. for participation in the group discussions . Construction Employment - How to Find Construction Job Opportunities | ConstructionC... Page 1 of 1 Construction Employment - How to Find Construction Job Opportunities Sometimes, looking for construction employment can be a bit challenging especially in times of economic slowdowns. Nevertheless, keeping your hopes up and continuously searching for possible construction employment within your area is suggested since you can never really tell what can happen. In difficult times, the rate of construction industry employment is greatly affected. Hard work, dedication, and willingness to take on all types of construction jobs are just some of the attitudes needed to be successful in finding construction employment. One of the ways to ease your search for construction employment is to utilize the services being offered by a construction employment agency in your locality. Although utilizing these agencies entails payment of a certain fee, this way you won't have to go from one construction company to another just to apply for a job. The agency will be the one to find you an employer and the job that best suits your qualifications and skills. You can also find construction employment with less effort just by checking out craigslist on the internet. Any kind of construction job needed for private homes, businesses or government entities can be found on the various job search sites and craigslist. Construction employment can be divided into labor and managerial positions. Regardless of the daily wage received, both offer endless opportunities for employment with subcontractors, general contractors, private institutions and government agencies. Before starting your search for construction employment, a decision must be made whether your interest lies in a labor or managing job. Doing a self-assessment of your strong points, such as educational background and work experience, will guide you in deciding which construction employment you should pursue. Exploring different construction jobs available within your area or in neighboring areas will also increase your chances of finding construction employment. There are many aspects in construction which you can consider such as plumbing, masonry, wood framing, drywall work, door installation, concrete, electrical systems or painting among others. Pay rates for each specific trade varies, but generally speaking, electrical and mechanical trades give higher levels of pay over time. Once you have decided what area of construction employment you want to indulge in, then you can narrow your search for an easier job search. If you want to be involved in construction management then you can start your search with general contracting companies which are responsible for all the aspects of the project. Subcontracting companies are the best option for those who are considering working in labor positions, such as mechanical work. Being aware of the booming construction activities in your area can work to your advantage. There are many skilled workers that are also on the look-out for construction employment and being up-to-date of the latest hiring of various construction companies is beneficial. Enrolling in a trade school or an apprenticeship program can also increase your chances of finding jobs. Not only will your skills be honed but this also gives you an edge over other competing applicants for construction employment. Being part of a trade group or workers' union can also be an advantage in finding construction opportunities. You can get apprenticeships in construction companies that can improve your skills and add to your work experience. One of the most common mediums to find the latest construction employment opportunities is a local newspaper. Scanning the classified ads portion of the newspaper gives you vital information on what construction companies are searching for and where to get construction jobs that are suitable to your skills, experience and interest. Networking with other skilled workers or visiting local contractors, even if they are not hiring, can also help you land a construction job. Your initiative and good people skills can impress contracting companies to give attention to your application and encourage them to give you a try. The outlook for construction jobs is looking bright in the next five years with an expected job growth by 19 percent. Entry-level positions earn on the average around $24,000, while highly skilled professionals have average salaries in the $60,000 range. You can find more construction employment listings by visiting ConstructionCrossing.com and sign up for a risk free trial today to find jobs that are just right for you! Print Detail http://www.constructioncrossing.com/article/lcprintarticles.php?printerflag=P&id=480254 Close Window 1/6/2012 Construction Jobs for High School Graduates | ConstructionCrossing.com Page 1 of 1 Construction Jobs for High School Graduates High school graduates are now seen willing to take up construction jobs during the summer. They feel that they need to do some kind of a job and are ready to do construction jobs with the local construction companies. Along with the boys, girls are also coming forward and seeking construction jobs. Of course construction jobs will require you to spend a lot of time outdoors and will also imply rigorous physical labor. In order to be a construction worker you should be fit enough to carry out physical labor and should be able to work outdoors for long durations. Since this kind of work involves lifting of heavy weights as well, it will be to your advantage if you are accustomed to lifting weights. When you have decided to enter this field the next thing for you to do is search for the local construction companies. Internet will be useful for you here. You can go to the Construction world website to find out what construction companies are working in your area. You can then go on to find out if you happen to know any person who is already working in any of the companies that you have shortlisted. This is very important as it can help you in getting the job that you are interested in. If you can manage to get a reference from somebody, you can then go to the HR department of that particular company. If, however, you do not have a backing, you can still approach the companies and make a query regarding summer jobs. You can show your interest by enquiring about the procedures to be followed for giving in a resume. It is important to know the details of the person who is in-charge of hiring. As a high school graduate one can even get registered with certain job-search sites. These will also help you in finding the construction job that you are looking to find. Now that you have submitted your resume, you cannot sit back and wait for the job to land on your lap. You need to enquire. For this you will have to call up all the companies wherever you have put in your application. Talk to the person responsible for hiring. You must show your eagerness to work and must project yourself as the candidate best suited for the job. It has been the norm that several summer jobs in the construction companies are given to the teenagers who have connections within the companies. Since there is a lot of competition for summer jobs in the construction companies and most of the applicants are equally qualified, it helps to have an endorsement from somebody working within the company. So seek out somebody who works for the construction company where you want to work. It is to be remembered, however that construction jobs involve a considerable amount of danger. The tools that are used as also the type of work that it requires you to do are intrinsically not supposed to be safe. You need to follow all the stipulated safety guidelines while you are at your work. Print Detail http://www.constructioncrossing.com/article/lcprintarticles.php?printerflag=P&id=480241 Close Window 1/6/2012 The Role of a Construction Manager | Constructioncrossing.Com Page 1 of 1 The Role of a Construction Manager There are many construction careers out there, but none quite as important as that of construction management jobs. The thing you need to know here, is that anyone can do grunt work, and anyone can become a supervisor. To make your way into construction management careers however, you need to have something special. As a matter of fact, many people avoid positions like this for a few reasons. If you believe you are one of those who can take it, then take a look at this list of the responsibilities associated with construction management jobs. Duties of a Construction Manager The first thing that a construction manager must do is keep track of all employees. This will include making sure they have the equipment they need, as well as ensuring that they are actually doing their jobs. From this aspect, one might be led to believe that construction management jobs are babysitting jobs, and in some cases they really are. In addition to that, you will need to negotiate contracts with potential clients. As the manager, you will need to make sure there is a client lined up right after the current job. If there is not, there might be no paychecks the following week. Making sure that the job is finished on time is another important aspect of construction management jobs. Sometimes the jobs are financed by a certain bank, and the bank will only provide a payout if the construction has progressed by a certain amount. In other words, if the work doesn't get done, no one will be paid. This can be a heavy burden to bear, but it is part of construction management careers. On that note, you will need to manage the payroll, as this is another big part of construction management jobs. In order to do this you will either need to keep a ledger, or you will need to acquire a computer program that allows you to keep track of paychecks and salaries. You could just cut checks, but as some point a dispute will arise, and you will need to make sure you have adequate records in order to settle that dispute. As you can see, this is not the easiest job in the world to do. You will need to be strong, and you will need to be willing to work long hours. Keep in mind that when you are negotiating contracts with potential clients, there may be ten other construction companies doing the exact same thing with the exact same client. You need to be convincing enough to get the job, and if possible, have more than one potential client lined up. You will need to be able to relate to people, because in effect you are a salesman. You are trying to sell your construction services to a company or individual, and you need to provide them a reason to go with you. Do you guarantee your work? Do you offer something that the other companies don't? These are the questions you need to ask yourself when you are representing your construction company. Construction services are not a rarity, but quality work is. Not only do you need to build, you need to make sure the structure you erect can stand up to wind storms, state inspections, and most importantly the next fifty to one hundred years. Houses are meant to last, or at least they used to be. Are yours? Construction management jobs will require some education. You will need to have a background in math and science, and you may find that a structural engineering degree helps out quite a bit. These are just a few of the things that you might need to pursue. Among others, you might find that a degree in business helps out, and perhaps a few finance courses to help you out with the money side of the business. As you can see, this isn't the easiest career path, but if you keep up the good work and continue to push, you might find that construction management careers are something that you can pursue and stay in for many years to come. In order to find one of these jobs, you will need to either use the internet or take a look at some of your local construction companies. Most companies are looking for construction managers, and if you have the credentials, you might be just the person they need. You never know until you try! That being said, it's time for you to look into ways to expand your career and take up construction management jobs. There are many opportunities and many potential routes to take when it comes to construction management careers.. This isn't going to be an easy job by any means, but who ever said that a worthwhile job would be easy? Print Detail http://www.constructioncrossing.com/article/lcprintarticles.php?printerflag=P&id=480220 Close Window 1/6/2012