TRAINING STATION ORIENTATION
Course
Practicum in
Local, State,
and Federal
Government
Unit IV
Capstone
Project
Essential
Question
What knowledge
is essential for
demonstrating
competency at
the workplace?
TEKS
§130.190(c)
(5)(A)(ii)
Prior Student
Learning
None
Estimated Time
8 to 10 hours
Rationale
Each place of employment has specific training requirements. Awareness of
the requirements and the ability to demonstrate that awareness are essential
to students’ success.
Objectives
The students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate thorough knowledge of their workplace
2. Learn and/or reinforce basic knowledge of their respective training
stations
3. Demonstrate an understanding of what is expected from their training
sponsors
4. Compile information and build a multi-media presentation
5. Communicate their knowledge orally to their peers
6. Interview employer or owner to obtain necessary information
7. Obtain company information from employee handbooks or trade
journals
Engage
Ask students to recall their first day on the job. (For some, this may take
some thought since they have worked at their training stations for some
time.) Ask students how much they know about the training stations where
all the class members work. Explain that even though some students have
worked at their job for quite some time, there is still information to be
learned.
Share some of the jobs you have had prior to your current teaching position.
Explain some of the positive experiences you obtained on your previous jobs
that helped you move forward. Explain to the class that there is little chance
that they will stay with their current employers for their entire careers. For
that reason, it is important to learn as much as possible in order to use that
knowledge to get ahead on future employment ventures. Use Discussion
Rubric for assessment.
Key Points
I. Directions
A. The packet of information must be completed by interview, website,
or handbook
B. Minimum of 12 digital photos
C. Floor plan may be scanned
II. Grading
A. Completion of packet
B. Multi-media presentation
C. Pictures
D. Professionalism during presentation
III. Presentation must have
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A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
Name and logo
Floor plan
Policies/procedures
Company history
Supervisor’s or owner’s previous experience
Site of company
Organizational chart
Inclusion: 3,2,1
IV. Layout format must be followed
Activities
Training Station Orientation Project – Review the requirements for this
project using the Training Station Orientation handout. (Note: Strongly
encourage students to take the assignment packet to their job sites so their
employers will know about the activity.) Ask students to “map” out their plan
using a Mapping Tool from the Appendix of this document. Give some ideas
to students during the brainstorming session before the end of the first class
period.
Have the students work at their own pace to complete this project. Ideally, all
work will be completed in class to allow you to check for understanding.
Strongly encourage the students to take ownership of this activity and to
establish a workable pace in order to complete it on time. Remind the
students to prepare to present their projects to the class. Use the Individual
Work Rubric and the Presentation Rubric for assessment.
Assessments
Discussion Rubric
Essay Rubric
Individual Work Rubric
Presentation Rubric
Materials
Training Station Orientation computer-based presentation
Training Station Orientation handout
Computer with Internet access
Paper for the essay
Camera or phone with camera
Flash drive
Computers (for the students to complete the project)
Projector (for digital presentation)
Scanner to scan pictures or materials brought to class
Portfolio handout (for review)
Accommodations for Learning Differences
For reinforcement, discuss the following questions:
 Why do customers see a different perspective of a business operation
that that of the employees?
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
Why is it important to learn as much as possible about the business
establishment?
 Why are procedures established and expected to be followed?
Use the Discussion Rubric for assessment.
For enrichment, the students will write an essay describing their first day on
their job. Use the Essay Rubric for assessment.
State Education Standards
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Career and Technical Education
§130.190. Practicum in Local, State, and Federal Government (Two to Three
Credits).
(5)
The student documents knowledge and skills attained in the
practicum. The student is expected to:
(A)
update a professional portfolio to include:
(ii)
extended learning experiences such as
community service and active participation in
career and technical organizations and
professional organizations;
Career and College Readiness Standards
Social Studies Standards
V. Effective Communication
A. Clear and coherent oral and written communication
1. Use appropriate oral communication techniques depending
on the context or nature of the interaction.
2. Use conventions of standard written English.
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TRAINING STATION ORIENTATION PROJECT
Everyone has something to say about where they work, but we often don’t have time to share our
information. This is your chance to show us what you know about your training station.
Directions:
You are to complete this packet of information by conducting interviews with employers and/or
co-workers. If you have an employee training manual, you may use it as a source. You may need to
get some information from your company’s website.
In addition to the packet, you will include a minimum of 12 digital photos in your presentation.
You may bring the pictures to class on a flash drive, a memory card, or CD to import into your project.
(Note: Always follow your employer’s policies about media and confidentiality.)
All information will be compiled to prepare a multi-media presentation that will be shown to the
class when you present your project.
You will be graded on:
Completion of the packet
Multi-media presentation
Use of pictures (as specified)
Professionalism during presentation, including professional dress
**Bonus credit will be given if your employer attends your presentation!
Presentation must have:
Name and logo of company
Floor Plan
Policies and Procedures
History of the company
Supervisor’s (or owner’s) previous experience
Site of company (including number of employees)
Organizational chart
Miscellaneous supplemental information
Photos (either interspersed within or at the end of the presentation)
If you were in charge, explain:
3 things you like about the training station
2 things you would change
1 thing you have learned that will help you in your career choice
This project is due on: ___________________________
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Layout Format:
Student’s name
Company’s name, address
Type of company
In a minimum of 75 words (typed and turned in separately), state what your first day on the job
was like.
5. Procedures for reporting to work
6. Procedures for calling in sick or calling in late
7. Procedures for asking for time off
8. What types of benefits are available
9. Length of time manager/owner has been with company
10. What prior training did manager/owner have?
11. What type of education is needed for a managerial position with the company?
12. Procedure for handling cash or legal documents (beginning and ending shifts), OR
13. Procedure for accessing or handling clients files
14. Names of competitors and their locations
15. Organizational chart
16. Floor plan
17. Names of vendors and suppliers
18. Procedures for handling returns, issuing credit, keeping clientele happy
19. What types of jobs/careers will your current training station prepare you for?
20. What is the procedure for handling theft (by employees or clientele)?
21. What is the strangest thing that has happened to you on the job?
1.
2.
3.
4.
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STUDENT PORTFOLIO
TASK: Compile a working electronic portfolio and keep it up to date.
OBJECTIVE: To prepare and collect documents necessary for college and employment
applications.
MATERIALS NEEDED:
Computer
Scanner or cell phone with a scanner app (to add documents to portfolio)
Paper
Flash drive or Cloud service (to save portfolio)
TIME ALLOCATED: This is an on-going activity, with deadlines established by the instructor.
DIRECTIONS: As part of this class you will be responsible for the compilation of your personal
portfolio. From time to time you will be expected to add documents to your portfolio, which you
will then use when applying for employment for college. Note: some documents may need to be
scanned into your electronic file.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
Teacher recommendations (at least five)
Recommendations from clergy, counselors, family friends
Employer recommendations
Documented awards and honors (including academic, sports, and extracurricular activities)
Transcripts (unofficial)
ACT/SAT scores
Community Service Record
Samples of student-created work
Résumé
Generic cover letter
Pointers regarding recommendation requests:
1. Keep it simple and put it in writing (typed). State why you are requesting the person’s
assistance. In this case, it is for your professional portfolio.
2. You may need to remind the recipient how you know each other, especially if it has
been a while since you were in that person’s class, or since you have seen your
family friend.
3. State the date you need it by. DO NOT wait until the last minute. Make your request at
least one week prior to the due date. Be sure to return to the teacher on that date (or
the day before) to pick it up.
Provide a self-addressed, stamped envelope for those outside of school. For teachers, provide
an envelope with your name on the front. You may want to include the room number of your
Practicum teacher in the event the recipient chooses to hand deliver the material.
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Name_______________________________________
Date_______________________________
Discussion Rubric
4 pts.
Excellent
Objectives
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
N/A
Pts.
Participates in group discussion
Encourages others to join the
conversation
Keeps the discussion progressing
to achieve goals
Shares thoughts actively while
offering helpful recommendations to
others
Gives credit to others for their ideas
Respects the opinions of others
Involves others by asking questions
or requesting input
Expresses thoughts and ideas
clearly and effectively
Total Points (32 pts.)
Comments:
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Name________________________________
Date_____________________________
Essay Rubric
Objectives
Assigned
Topic
Organization
Mechanics
Presentation
Due Date and
Time
3 pts.
Good
Essay is written using an
approved title.
The essay is clear and
easily read. At no time is
the reader wondering what
the writer is trying to say.
There are 0-1 spelling,
punctuation, or grammar
errors.
The essay is written using
Times New Roman size
12-point font. All margins
are one inch and the essay
is one full page in length.
The essay is in on the date
and at the time specified or
extenuating circumstances
were documented.
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
Essay is not written using an
approved title.
Some aspects of the essay
are unclear, and the reader
is left wondering what the
writer is trying to say.
There are 2-3 spelling,
punctuation, or grammar
errors.
1 pt. Needs Much Improvement Pts.
N/A
Most aspects of the essay are
unclear, and the reader is left
wondering what the writer is
trying to say.
There are more than 3 spelling,
punctuation, or grammar errors.
One of the previously
described aspects is
missing.
More than one of the previously
described aspects is missing.
The essay was not turned in
on the date and at the time
specified. No extenuating
circumstances were
documented.
N/A
Total Points (15 pts.)
Comments:
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Name______________________________________
Date_______________________________________
Individual Work Rubric
4 pts.
Excellent
Objectives
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
N/A
Pts.
Follows directions
Student completed the work as directed,
following the directions given, in order and to the
level of quality indicated
Time management
Student used time wisely and remained on task
100% of the time
Organization
Student kept notes and materials in a neat,
legible, and organized manner. Information was
readily retrieved
Evidence of learning
Student documented information in his or her
own words and can accurately answer questions
related to the information retrieved
*Research/Gathering information (if relevant)
Student used a variety of methods and sources
to gather information. Student took notes while
gathering information
Total Points (20 pts.)
Comments:
9
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Name:____________________________________
Date:_____________________________
Presentation Rubric
4 pts.
Excellent
Objectives
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
N/A
Pts.
Topic/Content
 Topic discussed completely and in-depth
 Includes properly cited sources (if used)
Creativity/Neatness
 Integrates a variety of multimedia effects to
create a professional presentation (transition
and graphics) or appropriate visual aid used
 Title slide, table of contents, bibliography are
included, using acceptable format
Mechanics
 Grammar, spelling, punctuation, and
capitalization are correct
 Image and font size are legible to the entire
audience
Oral Presentation
 Communicates with enthusiasm and eye
contact
 Voice delivery and projection are dynamic
and audible
Audience Interaction
 Presentation holds audience’s attention and
relates a clear message
 Clearly and effectively communicates the
content throughout the presentation
Total Points (20 pts.)
Comments:
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