Discovering Career Paths

Catherine Cooper

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Discovering Career Paths

Determining preferred careers that are realistic

This lesson helps students explore different career paths through discussion and hands-on activities. It is important to help students identify careers that align with their interests and abilities while promoting self-awareness and realistic goal-setting.

Audience

18-year-olds with developmental disabilities

Time

30 min

Approach

Experiential Learning, Project-Based Learning, Collaborative Learning, Active Learning

Materials

Discussion Questions, Career Matching Worksheet, Post-it Notes, and Pens

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Welcome the students and briefly explain the objective of the lesson: to explore different careers and identify which ones might be a good fit for them.

Step 2

Discussion

5 mins

Conduct a class discussion using the provided discussion questions to engage students in thinking about their interests and what jobs those interests could lead to. Encourage students to share their thoughts and listen to their peers.

Step 3

Career Matching Activity

10 mins

Distribute post-it notes and pens. Students will write down their interests and hobbies on the post-it notes. Then, as a class, categorize these interests into different career paths. Place the post-it notes on a board under the appropriate career category.

Step 4

Worksheet Completion

8 mins

Hand out the Career Matching Worksheet. Students will answer questions that help them match their interests with potential careers. Provide assistance as needed.

Step 5

Closure

2 mins

Review the main points of the lesson, and encourage students to continue exploring different careers with their families or support networks. Collect the worksheets for review.

Discussion

Discussion Questions

A brief discussion to help students think about their interests and possible careers.

What are some activities or hobbies you enjoy?

Encourage students to share their favorite hobbies and interests.

What kind of job do you think would let you do these activities?

Guide students to think about how their interests might translate into job opportunities.

Have you ever thought about what you want to do when you grow up?

Ask students to share any thoughts or dreams they have about future careers.

Worksheet

Career Matching Worksheet

A worksheet to help students match their interests to realistic career options.

List three activities you enjoy doing.

Think about things you like to do in your free time.

What jobs do you think you would enjoy based on these activities?

Try to imagine a job that includes your favorite activities.

Which job do you think is the most realistic for you?

Think about your skills and what you enjoy the most.