Language tasks related to employment are now key to language training curriculum. Job Search is only one part of this process. Newer to the mix is the focus on employability skills. These are the skills needed to keep a job and thrive in a workplace. For instructors, it means doing what we call The Two-step Shuffle. In a constantly changing learning environment, instructor/trainers need to stay two steps ahead of the learners!
When we begin to add an employability context (as opposed to a job search context) to our curriculum, we become very good at the two- step shuffle.
CanadaWorks was written to help instructors increase their content knowledge as well as to provide key information and practice for learners directly related to a workplace context. We expect an instructor will carefully read a unit before presenting it. There is a Resource section with additional sources for the instructor. Each activity is designed for LINC 4 but we have suggested additions that move it to a LINC 5. The activities are samples only and are by no means exhaustive.
Instructor and learner styles as well as on-going needs assessments will suggest many more types of activities that can be developed to meet class needs.
e.g.,
Text could be used in activities such as:
Graphics could be used to discuss:
We carefully examined the LINC 4 & 5 Curriculum Guidelines to ensure that
We encourage instructors to refer to the document at relevant points in CanadaWorks. The document can be accessed at http://alphaplus.ca/eng.asp