Visualization
CTE READS: Visualization
Written by: Carilyn Knill, Peggy LaShier, Ann Tebo, Kathy Wooton
School: Skyline Grade Level and/or Subject: High School Length of Study: 15-30
minutes
Content Objective: TSW
Lesson or Performance Objective:
In order for students to learn to speak a new language they must learn to think in that
language. Visualization is a similar skill. If one can see what they are reading, thy can
better comprehend the text and better retain the material. As students begin to read more
advanced material, the text has fewer pictures. They must “see” the material in their
heads. Visualization helps them to do this more effectively.
Standards Addressed: AIMS Connection:
Concept 6: Comprehension Strategies
Employ strategies to comprehend text.
PO 4. Connect information and events in text to experience and to related text and sources.
Materials, Resources and Technology Needed:
Article “What Employers Want” attached, with questions or pictures on visualization.
Instructional Procedures or Anticipatory Set:
As you prepare to present new or continuing material in your lessons, find a piece of
description or a concept that students may have trouble “seeing.” Have students read the
material and then ask them to illustrate or draw what they have seen in the reading.
This activity can be done with most all reading material.
Presentation Skills
1. The Television in Your Brain –
Materials – The copy an article that would lend itself to creating a mental picture.
2. Read the article aloud.
3. Ask students to draw a picture of what they see in their minds, and then share
with the class what they saw. Note how many of the same things the students see.
These activities may be done with most any text. You might want to try one each week in
order to really give your students practice with visualization. This is especially true for
lower level readers.
Assessment:
Written descriptions or pictures of what the students visualized.
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Visualization
What Employers Want
What are employers looking for in employees? What traits are considered valuable? And will
help the job seeker appear favorably during an interview?
Many surveys have been done in the past to determine what employers are looking for in
employees. Certain attributes show up consistently in these surveys. The number one trait that
employers stated that they wanted in employees was:
A good attitude
In this day of rush and hurry, and impoliteness, good people skills and the ability to communicate
well with others is extremely valued in the workplace.
Team players are needed, and employers are looking for those with the ability to work well with
others. This means being able to work well with others and being supportive of co-workers,
instead of sabotaging them or trying to make others "look bad" (often at the expense of the
project or task). It also means respecting the thoughts and opinions of coworkers.
Griping at others, criticizing, blaming, or being known as "difficult" is not okay in today's
workplace. Smiling, communicating well, and knowing how to be gracious and flexible is.
Employers consider a positive outlook and enthusiasm for the job important, as well as taking
responsibility for one's actions and personal integrity. Employers are looking for employees that
they can trust, and whom they believe will do a good job.
Self-esteem and confidence are considered part of a positive outlook. Employees with a good
attitude will contribute towards reaching the company's goals, and adapt well to the culture of the
workplace.
The ability to work hard
This probably comes as no surprise, but the hard working and productive employee is highly
valued by employers (and has the best chance of being hired during interviews). This means
being willing to do occasional overtime when required, or doing your best work (and not taking
frequent breaks or "goofing off") when on the job.
Reliability and punctuality
Late is not great, but getting to work on time is. Being careful to not overuse sick time is a plus in
an employer's eyes. Employers want employees that can be relied on. The employee who forces
others to cover for them, or who constantly shows that they are unreliable, will have difficulty
keeping (or finding) a job.
Flexibility and adaptability
The modern workplace is a rapidly changing environment, as technology changes and
companies adapt to new methods. The employee who is adaptable and willing to learn new
methods will do well. Some employers may use untraditional methods, or have jobs which
combine several tasks and different skills in one job ("multitasking" is the byword used). The
employee who has a good attitude towards change is viewed very positively according to
employer surveys.
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Visualization
Thinking and learning ability
Employers want people who use critical thinking skills at work. It is not okay to have the attitude;
"I already know everything." (Realistically, no one does). The ability to solve problems, make
decisions, and find creative solutions are valued traits. The person who is constantly learning,
and seeking to improve their knowledge base, is the one that employers will hire.
Academic skills and training
Employers value employees who have the schooling and background necessary for the position.
In fact, salaries are often scaled in part according to the amount of education the person has
obtained. Incentives and bonuses (and promotions) are given to those who put in the time and
effort to obtain a degree (or even an advanced degree) and certifications to enhance their value
in the workplace. Having this educational background will also give an applicant the edge over
others when applying for a position.
Communication skills
Good, clear communication, whether during an oral presentation, or when writing a company
memo, are valued traits in employees. Knowing how to listen is also another equally important
skill, according to employers.
Technical qualifications
The less training the employer has to do, usually the more favorably the applicant is viewed. In
industries driven by technical or programming expertise, this becomes especially important, and
the applicant should emphasize their related skills. Often, the person with experience relevant to
a position will be favored over the one with no experience.
Computer skills are also becoming more important in many workplaces, and employees with this
ability will have an edge over those who don't.
The person who has the traits mentioned in this article will be the one that employers have
stated they are looking for. They are enthusiastic, eager to learn, and are at work not "putting in
time" to get a paycheck, but because their job interests them. They are using their creativity and
expertise to help their company grow and expand its client base. The person who develops
these traits will do well, whether looking for a job, or for a promotion within a company.
McLaughlin, M. (1992). "Employability Skills Profile: What Are Employers Looking For?" (Report
81-92-E). Ottawa, ON: Conference Board of Canada.
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Visualization
What Employers Want
Visualization Exercise
Write or draw what you are thinking as you read through each section of the article.
A good attitude
The ability to work hard
Reliability and punctuality
Flexibility and adaptability
Thinking and learning ability
4
Visualization
Academic skills and training
Communication skills
Technical qualifications
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