Using the Activities to Create a Workshop

Although the activities in this book can be used selectively to enhance existing learning programs, it is recommended to use these activities in a stand-alone employment preparation workshop. The following workshop plan is suggested for 12 participants attending a workshop for five hours per day for a six-week period. It is recommended that participants be working at an LBS Level 2/3, although adaptations can be made to accommodate participants at LBS 1.

Each activity should first be introduced to the participants by using various teaching strategies. It is recommended to review key vocabulary and relate or discuss current news events or past events prior to doing the exercise, and/or relate the activity to the participants’ experiences. The amount of time given for each activity is dependent on the class level and size, although for your convenience an approximate time is noted for each activity. Always allow a portion of time for opening remarks and discussions at the beginning of each day, and open discussions and reflections at the end of each day. After completing each unit, review the self-evaluation checklists with participants to encourage them to become familiar with self-descriptive vocabulary and phrases that may be useful in an interview. It is also recommended to have participants complete the self-evaluation before beginning the activities in each unit and then compare this with the evaluation done after completing a series of activities.