WPRS+Professional+Knowledge+&+Skills

=I. Demonstrate effective speaking and listening skills.=
 * Demonstrating Workplace Readiness Skills: Professional Knowledge and Skills**

A. Definition
Demonstration includes
 * communicating effectively with customers and fellow coworkers (e.g., avoiding the use of slang, being pleasant and helpful)
 * exhibiting public and group speaking skills
 * comprehending details and following directions
 * repeating directions or requests to ensure understanding (i.e., practicing active listening).

Process/Skill Questions
This resource offers active listening techniques and scenarios. The basics of communication, focusing on techniques of nonverbal communication, are addressed here. This self-assessment exercise is insightful and easy to use. A short paper on group speaking and listening skills is available here. Using the worksheet provided, students are asked to demonstrate effective listening skills while interacting with a class member. [|This site provides many links on public speaking and the related terminology and vocabulary.] [|This article provides tips for making an effective presentation to an audience.] [|This site provides links to 15 business communication articles.]
 * How do the professional standards and practices in your chosen field reflect the need for good speaking and listening skills?
 * How can miscommunication interfere with your performance in the workplace?
 * What resources are available to help you develop speaking and listening skills?
 * What are some potential consequences of having poor oral communication skills?
 * What do employers expect from job applicants and workers in terms of communication skills?
 * 1. Active Listening **
 * 2. Body Language **
 * 3. Building Effective Interpersonal Communication Skills **
 * 4. Effective Communication **
 * 5. Positive Listening Experiences **
 * 6. Public Speaking and Communication Lessons and Worksheets **
 * 7. Speaking to an Audience **
 * 8. Verbal Communication **

Definition
Demonstration includes
 * reading and correctly interpreting workplace documents (e.g., instructional manuals, work orders, invoices, memorandums)
 * writing clear, correct language, appropriate to audience.

Process/Skill Questions
This lesson explores the language of electronic messages and how it affects other writing. This resource emphasizes clarity in writing by having students write original responses to work-related situations. This article stresses the importance of brief and well-written communication. This is an excellent presentation from Purdue University that outlines the guiding principles of business document design. [|This lesson teaches students how to scan documents for key language.] [|This site offers many resources that provide practical guidance on common business office communication procedures.]
 * What level of reading is required on the job?
 * Would you like to raise your reading level? Why, or why not? How could you improve your reading skills?
 * What level of writing skills do you need to hold a technical job? A professional-level job?
 * What writing skills do you need to improve? What resources are available to help you?
 * How do reading and writing skills directly impact your nonoccupational activities? (In other words, how can competent skill levels of reading and writing help you succeed as an individual, as a family member, as a citizen?)
 * Can technology help you improve your writing skills? If so, how?
 * 1. Audience, Purpose, and Language Use in Electronic Messages **
 * 2. Business Writing (with Scenarios) **
 * 3. Essential E-mail Etiquette **
 * 4. HATS: A Design Procedure for Routine Business Documents **
 * 5. Lesson: Scanning **
 * 6. Work Etiquette: Business Communication **

Definition
Demonstration includes
 * recognizing, analyzing, and solving problems that arise in completing assigned tasks
 * identifying resources that may help solve a specific problem
 * using a logical approach to make decisions and solve problems.

Process/Skill Questions
These generalized //tip sheets// help students walk through the problem-solving process. [|This is a site that shows, through video, how students can use statistics to solve problems.] [|This site offers multiple, high-quality methods for making tough decisions.] [|These are helpful pointers from the University of New England on how to solve problems.] [|This guide offers six hands-on challenges designed to get students aged 9–12 to think like inventors and engineers.] [|This article reduces the problem-solving process to four easy steps.] [|This site defines the formal process.]
 * What are some examples of problem-solving and decision-making methods, and how are they alike and different?
 * What are the consequences of using a reasoning approach to problem solving and decision making? What are some potential consequences of using a non-reasoning approach?
 * What steps are involved in implementing the solution to a problem?
 * Why do you need to test a solution or decision?
 * 1. Explore More Guides to Critical Thinking: Problem-Solving Handouts and Worksheets **
 * 2. Learning Mathematics through the Problem-Solving Process **
 * 3. Mind Tools: Decision-Making Techniques **
 * 4. Over 50 Problem-Solving Strategies Explained **
 * 5. PBS Invent It, Build It Activity Guide **
 * 6. Problem Solving **
 * 7. The Problem-Solving Process **

Definition
Demonstration includes
 * managing personal health (e.g., setting short-, medium-, and long-term physical-fitness goals; eating non- or minimally-processed foods)
 * following safety guidelines (e.g., adhering to Occupational Safety and Health Administration [OSHA] standards and instructor and manufacturer guidelines).
 * Certified Naturally Grown ** This site provides information about food that is grown locally on small farms, an alternative to certified organic.
 * Mind Tools: Stress-Management Techniques ** [|This site provides many helpful methods for managing stress at work and being a well-adjusted worker.]
 * Nutrition Basics ** This site from the Mayo Clinic offers some basic ideas on how to maintain health through nutrition and diet.
 * Organic Education ** This site addresses organic myths, frequently asked questions, reasons to choose organic foods, and other resources.
 * Organic Foods: Are they Safer? More Nutritious? ** This resource compares conventional and organic foods and helps users decide which is best, based on nutrition, quality, taste, cost, and other factors.
 * Organic Slideshow: To Buy or Not to Buy Organic ** The slides recommend on which foods consumers should focus their “organic” dollars and which foods are safe to buy conventionally.
 * Safety Awareness ** Students follow a worksheet that helps them describe conditions and behaviors that threaten safety.
 * Safety Projects ** Project guidelines provide the means for students to explain laboratory safety and describe safety tools, regulations, standards, and practices associated with selected careers.
 * Teen Work Scenarios ** [|Begin with this interesting questionnaire and end up at the dynamic Web site, Virginia Career View.]
 * When Food Becomes an Enemy: Eating Disorders ** [|This lesson plan will help students manage the transition from school to college or to the workforce where their eating habits will change.]

Definition
Demonstration includes
 * identifying “big picture” issues (e.g., the organization’s structure, culture, policies, and procedures, as well as it’s role and status within the industry, economy, and community)
 * acknowledging the economic, political, and social relationships that exist at multiple levels (e.g., local, national, international) throughout the world
 * explaining one’s role in fulfilling the mission of the organization.

Process/Skill Questions
Students examine the influence that personal and professional values on performance, productivity, and relationships. There is a worksheet attached. Students learn the importance of corporate vision in the business world. This resource provides a framework for handling correspondence from an organizational point-of-view. In this activity, students create goals and mission statements for their businesses and define the services they will provide. This is an insightful article on company culture, an elusive but important aspect of many professional lives. [|This lesson plan walks students through the basics of company research procedures.] This site describes systems theory and provides examples of systems tools. [|Students follow this worksheet to create vision and mission statements.] [|This site includes seven articles on office soft-skill fundamentals.]
 * Why is it important to know where you fit into your family, your circle of friends, your school, and other groups or communities?
 * How do a company's vision and mission statements help you understand the big picture of the company's structure and organization? How does a knowledge of All Aspects of the Industry help?
 * How can a knowledge of the big picture of an industry help you with career planning?
 * An Organization's Values **
 * Corporate Sight **
 * E-mail Advice **
 * Entrepreneurship: Lesson on Goals and Mission Statements **
 * How to Fit into Company Culture **
 * Researching a Company **
 * Systems Thinking **
 * The Power of Vision and Mission **
 * Work Etiquette Basics **

Definition
Demonstration includes
 * continually acquiring new industry-related knowledge
 * improving professional skills to stay current in the field and to promote personal advancement
 * seeking education and experiences that enhance personal growth.
 * Building a Personal and Career Portfolio ** The ideas in this resource have been designed primarily for use by teachers of career studies courses but are useful to all teachers.
 * Business Networking ** These are tips and activities to use for effective networking.
 * Goal—Reach Your Goal with a Personal-Development Plan ** Create your own plan for success with this handy, comprehensive tool set.
 * Green for All ** This is a Web site dedicated to maintaining //Communities of Practice// for all things green and community-oriented.
 * Rules for Networking ** [|These are basic rules from About.com's Career Planning division.]
 * The Eight Keys to Networking ** [|This is a blog from Transunion.com]

Definition
Demonstration includes Many tools and lesson plans are available here to help students focus on the task of landing a job. This resource helps students demonstrate effective interviewing skills. This resource encourages students to explain the relationship between personal interests and career goals. This resource helps students explore possible solutions to concerns about finding a job for the first time. Helpful tips are provided by the Office of Disability Employment Policy and the //U.S. Department of Labor//. [|Students use the attached handout to observe and analyze four role-play interviews in class.] [|This resource teaches students to demonstrate the skills and behaviors necessary to maintain a job.] [|This resource helps students compose a written request for a letter of recommendation.] [|This resource helps students learn how local business and technology trends impact career decision making.] [|Students use this site to develop an understanding of why planning is necessary to achieve personal, social, educational, and career goals.] [|This resource helps students prepare a résumé.] [|This site provides excellent advice for entry-level workers.] [|This resource helps students prepare job applications.] [|This resource helps students demonstrate effective interviewing skills.]
 * preparing to apply for a job (e.g., performing a job search, developing a résumé, preparing for an interview)
 * identifying steps for seeking promotion (e.g., taking advantage of professional development opportunities, offering to accept additional assignments, learning new skills). ** Breaking the Myths About Career Networking ** This resource explains how to make any social opportunity into an opportunity for career networking.
 * Career Prep **
 * Career-Interview Guide **
 * Do What You Enjoy **
 * Easing First-Time Job Jitters **
 * Essential Elements of an Effective Job Search **
 * Interview Role Play **
 * Keeping the Job **
 * Letter of Recommendation **
 * Local Business Options **
 * Long-Range Goal Planning **
 * Preparing a Résumé **
 * Résumés, Letters, and Interviewing Tips **
 * The Job Application **
 * The Job Interview **

Definition
Demonstration includes
 * organizing and implementing a productive plan of work (e.g., setting and meeting short-, medium-, and long-term professional goals)
 * working efficiently to make the best use of time
 * managing personnel to capitalize on their strengths while respecting their professional desires
 * maintaining equipment to ensure longevity and efficiency
 * using natural resources (and products made from them) in a sustainable manner.

Process/Skill Questions
This activity provides a good template for setting up a family budget. [|From risk/impact charts to critical path analyses, this site offers a wealth of resources.] These resources from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency offer ideas for conserving energy and other resources at work. By following worksheets, students can demonstrate the ability to manage time effectively. [|This site includes multiple links on how to beat work overload and achieve more at work.] [|Here are some tips for taking control and organizing a unique time in life.] This is a collection of articles providing ways the workplace (including the classroom) can address the overuse of natural resources. [|These skills will help students achieve success in school, career, and life.]==VIIII. Demonstrate job-specific mathematics skills.==
 * What is the relationship between attendance at school or work and ethical behavior? Between attendance and professionalism? Between attendance and time management?
 * How do you feel about people who always seem to be late for everything?
 * How can you improve your time-management skills?
 * Family Budget **
 * Project Planning and Management Tools **
 * Protect the Environment: At Work **
 * The Effective Use of Time **
 * Time Management—Maximizing Your Effectiveness **
 * Time-Management Tips for High School Students **
 * Tips on Conserving Resources in the Workplace **
 * Top 10 Skills for High School Students **

Definition
Demonstration includes
 * using mathematical reasoning and processes to accomplish job-specific tasks (e.g., using geometry and algebra to predict required supplies for a construction job, using computer mathematics to create a programming algorithm)
 * making calculations related to personal finance (e.g., wage rates, paycheck deductions, taxes).

Process/Skill Questions

 * What mathematics skills are required to attain an entry-level job in your chosen field? Are more complex mathematics operations required for higher-level jobs? If so, what are they?
 * What resources are available to help you improve your mathematics skills?
 * Why is mathematics considered a communication skill?

Instructional Resources for Workplace Readiness Skills

 * 1. Calculating Payroll Deductions ** Students demonstrate use of payroll forms, deductions, and the method for calculating gross and net pay. Multiple resources are attached.
 * 2. Math to Build On—Mathematics in the Construction Industry ** [|This resource operates on the assumption that the amount of mathematics required in construction and many other jobs does not need to be intimidating.]
 * 3. Pricing ** [|This resource provides formulas for determining break-even points and profits.]
 * 4. Providing Input for Your Company's Budget ** Students use this scenario to prepare a budget.
 * Statistics: Determining Mean, Range, Median, Mode, and Probability ** [|In this activity, students work as a team to design and execute appropriate illustrations to show the mean, range, median, and mode of the data they collect.]
 * Stock Charting: Percentages and Profits ** [|This lesson provides students with career skills through studying the stock market, and stock value percentages over a 3-week period, and provides them with the ability to judge the performance of stock.]
 * Using Mathematics to Solve Problems and Communicate ** [|Lessons at this site are focused on linking mathematics and communication.]

Definition
Demonstration includes
 * addressing the needs of all customers (e.g., proactively engaging customers until they are satisfied)
 * providing helpful, courteous, and knowledgeable service (e.g., displaying a positive attitude, treating all customers with the same degree of professional respect, sharing information and knowledge honestly and forthrightly).

Process/Skill Questions

 * What does having a positive attitude mean in terms of work behavior?
 * How does a positive attitude help you in your personal life? In school? At work?
 * Why do you think employers put a premium on employees having a positive attitude?

Instructional Resources for Workplace Readiness Skills

 * 1. Best Practices in Customer Service ** This resource brings together a collection of articles from //The Customer Service Zone//.
 * 2. Determine Potential Customers ** Students determine target markets through using this resource.
 * 3. Seven Keys for Building Customer Loyalty—and Company Profits ** [|This article provides real-world examples.]
 * 4. The 10 Customer-Service Trends for 2010 ** [|This article details the ways new media, globalization, and the economy are affecting customer-service trends.]
 * 5. The Importance of Achieving Customer Satisfaction ** [|By following worksheets, students explain the importance of achieving and maintaining customer satisfaction.]
 * 6. The Importance of Internal and External Customer Service ** [|Students explain, by following a worksheet, the importance of internal and external customer service.]