Social and Personal Aspects of Employment

Kyla Clark

Professional School Counselor

MSUM Intern 1999-2000

South High School

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Description of the Lesson:

Social and Personal Aspects of Employment is a series of classroom guidance lessons intended to assist middle school students (grades 6-8) in learning about current trends in employment roles as well as defining their own values and stereotypes about career options.  The presentations are adapted from several different guidance lessons found in the Nebraska Career Guidance Program Handbook (see reference below).  The resources used in conjunction with these lessons may vary from school to school, but can always be adapted to the specific needs of the students.  Each lesson is designed to be delivered within one classroom period.

A Sample Lesson:

Title:  Sex Roles and Employment

Goal:  Understand the meaning of work as it relates to male/female roles.

Objective:  Identify attitudes toward sex roles and define their affect on employment.

Level: 7

Procedure: 

1. Have students brainstorm a list of careers that are considered predominantly male or female, and list them on the chalkboard.  Students may be given a list of sample careers to work from.
2. Have students get in small groups and select three of these occupations and determine the qualifications and physical requirements for each selection. 
3. Discuss each group’s findings with the entire class, questioning whether there is a good reason for these occupations being predominantly male or female.
4. Have students survey one female and one male worker that they know (ex. parent, relative, friend) about attitudes toward work.  Have students inquire about his or her path to the current occupation and how it was influenced by social and personal factors.  Discuss results with class at next meeting.

Evaluation:

Students conducted a survey of one female and one male worker.  They discussed attitudes and personal/social factors related to employment.

Connections to Related Standards, Competencies and Domains:

Social and Personal Aspects of Employment directly relates to Minnesota Graduation Standard Numbers 5 and 8 (Inquiry and Decision-Making Skills/Career Investigation).  Specifically, in the example lesson, students use a survey to gather information, identify relevant questions and points of view, examine the information and summarize the findings.  The topic allows for personal and social reflection and decision-making in relation to career investigation.

The lessons also relate to the Personal/Social and Career developmental domains of the Minnesota School Counselor’s Model of Developmental Guidance and Counseling.  The lessons promote understanding of self and others specifically apply this understanding to the world of work.

References and Resources:

Cafferty, E. & Lavaty, E., (1989).  Nebraska career guidance program handbook.  Nebraska Department of Education.

Rief, J.M. & Enestvedt (1993).  Minnesota school counselors’ model of developmental guidance and counseling.  The Minnesota School Counselors’ Association.