Professionalism Vocabulary Handout

Name: _______________________ Date: _______________________

1. Punctuality

Definition: Arriving and starting tasks on time, respecting schedules.

1. Write an example from your own life when you demonstrated punctuality:

1. How will you practice punctuality in college or at your future workplace?

2. Accountability

Definition: Accepting responsibility for one’s actions and outcomes.

1. Describe a situation when you took accountability for something you did (or failed to do):

1. What strategies will you use to hold yourself accountable in a college or work setting?

3. Communication

Definition: Exchanging information clearly (speaking, writing) and listening actively.

1. Give an example of a time you communicated effectively with someone:

1. Identify one way you can improve your communication skills in a professional environment:

4. Respect

Definition: Demonstrating courtesy, empathy, and consideration for others.

1. Recall a moment when you showed respect in a group or team setting:

1. Explain how you will demonstrate respect in college classes or workplace interactions:

Professionalism Discussion Questions

Use these prompts to guide a whole-class conversation after the scenario role-plays.

1. What examples of punctuality, accountability, communication, or respect did you notice in today’s role-plays? Why are they important?

1. Think about a time when someone in a college or work setting was not professional. What happened, and how could the situation have been improved using our vocabulary?

1. How does demonstrating accountability impact trust and teamwork in a group project or on the job?

1. Why is clear communication – both speaking and listening – critical when interacting with professors, supervisors, or peers?

1. In what ways can showing respect influence your reputation and relationships in college or the workplace?

1. Which professional habit from today’s vocabulary will you focus on strengthening this week? What specific steps will you take?

Professionalism Scenario Cards

Use these cards for the Scenario-Based Role-Play portion of the lesson. Shuffle and have each triad draw one card per round.

Instructions for each group:

1. Actor reads the scenario and role-plays a professional response.
2. Observer listens and notes which vocabulary behaviors (Punctuality, Accountability, Communication, Respect) appear.
3. Coach provides one piece of feedback on what went well and one suggestion for improvement.

Rotate roles after 3 minutes and draw a new card.

Card 1: Late to a Group Meeting
You’re part of a study group for a college-prep course and you arrive 15 minutes late—without warning—to a scheduled meeting. The group has been waiting and is now behind schedule.

Task: Role-play how you would enter the meeting, apologize, and catch up while demonstrating accountability and respect.

Card 2: Unread Email Response
You receive an email from your professor asking for clarification on your assignment draft. You draft a reply quickly but notice typos and a curt tone.

Task: Role-play composing and sending a revised, professional email that shows strong communication and respect.

Card 3: Missed Deadline
You promised a teammate that you would upload your portion of a group presentation by today, but you forgot. The teammate reminds you 30 minutes before the class submission.

Task: Role-play how you would respond right away, accept accountability, and propose a solution to meet the deadline.

Card 4: Feedback Reaction
After presenting a project idea to your internship supervisor, you receive constructive criticism and suggestions for improving your approach.

Task: Role-play listening actively, asking clarifying questions, and responding respectfully to show communication and respect.

Card 5: Conflict with a Classmate
A classmate disagrees with your proposed division of work on a joint research paper and accuses you of doing too little.

Task: Role-play how you’d address the conflict calmly, communicate your perspective, and collaborate on a fair plan.

Card 6: Asking for an Extension
You’ve been juggling multiple college applications and can’t complete a term paper by the deadline. You need to request a one-day extension from your instructor.

Task: Role-play how you’d compose a respectful verbal or written request, demonstrating punctuality (by making the request ahead of time), accountability, and clear communication.

Professionalism Lesson Script

Warm-Up Discussion (5 minutes)

Teacher: “Good morning, everyone! Let’s settle in and get ready to chat about our first big idea today: professionalism. When I say ‘professionalism,’ what comes to mind? Take one minute to think silently.”

Pause for 1 minute

Teacher: “Now turn to your partner beside you and share your thoughts for one minute.”

After 1 minute

Teacher: “Who would like to share one idea about professionalism?”
Select 2–3 volunteers and jot their key phrases on the whiteboard.

Teacher: “Great ideas! You mentioned words like ‘respect,’ ‘showing up on time,’ and ‘talking clearly.’ These phrases will guide us today.”

Key Vocabulary (7 minutes)

Teacher: “I’m handing out the Professionalism Vocabulary Handout. Please take one sheet and get ready.”

Distribute handouts.

Teacher: “Let’s read through our four key terms together.”

1. Punctuality: Arriving and starting tasks on time, respecting schedules.
   – Teacher: “Can someone put punctuality into their own words?”
   – Elicit a brief student paraphrase.
2. Accountability: Accepting responsibility for your actions and outcomes.
   – Teacher: “Why might accountability be important if you’re working in a team?”
   – Listen for answers like trust, fairness.
3. Communication: Exchanging information clearly—speaking, writing—and listening actively.
   – Teacher: “What does active listening look like?”
   – Probe for eye contact, nodding, asking questions.
4. Respect: Demonstrating courtesy, empathy, and consideration for others.
   – Teacher: “How do you show respect in a group?”
   – Collect quick responses.

Teacher: “Now, turn to your partner and match each term with its definition. You have two minutes.”

Students work in pairs.

Teacher: “Time’s up! Let’s check answers as a class. Who matched ‘accountability’ with the right definition?”
Confirm or correct each pairing.

Scenario-Based Role-Play (15 minutes)

Teacher: “Next, we’ll practice these behaviors in scenarios. Please sit in your groups of three. Each group should have one copy of the Professionalism Scenario Cards.”

Ensure students are grouped and cards are shuffled.

Teacher: “Here’s how it works: One of you will be the Actor, who reads the scenario and role-plays a professional response. The Observer listens for our vocabulary behaviors and makes notes. The Coach gives feedback—one thing done well and one suggestion. You’ll role-play for three minutes, then rotate roles and draw a new card. Let’s begin!”

Circulate as groups work. After 3 minutes, give a 30-second warning. Rotate roles twice so everyone has acted.

Teacher: “Okay, wrap up your final role-play and return your cards.”

Guided Discussion (10 minutes)

Teacher: “Alright, everyone—let’s regroup for our discussion. I’ll read each question, and then we’ll share. Feel free to build on each other’s ideas.”

1. Teacher: “Which professional behaviors did you see in the role-plays? Who can give an example of punctuality?”
   Student (example): “In Card 1, the actor arrived late but immediately apologized and asked how they could help catch up.”
   Teacher: “Excellent. That apology shows both accountability and respect. Who noticed communication or respect in another scenario?”
   Pause, prompt as needed (“What did you hear or see that demonstrated respect?”).
2. Teacher: “How did knowing our vocabulary help shape those responses? For instance, did thinking about accountability change how you apologized?”
   Student (example): “Yes. Because I knew accountability meant owning up to my mistake, I said, ‘I’m sorry I was late—that was my responsibility, and here’s how I’ll fix it.’”
   Teacher: “Great—using our terms can guide us to clearer, more professional language.”
3. Teacher: “Why are these behaviors critical in college or at work? Let’s start with communication. How does strong communication impact a team?”
   Student (example): “Clear communication prevents misunderstandings and helps people know exactly what’s expected.”
   Teacher: “Right—and that builds trust. What about respect—how can showing respect influence your reputation?”
   Student (example): “If I show respect to classmates or coworkers, they’re more likely to include me in future projects.”

Teacher: “Fantastic insights—thank you! Any final thoughts on how these habits can help you succeed?”

Reflection & Exit Ticket (8 minutes)

Teacher: “To finish, please complete a quick exit ticket on the back of your handout.”

Exit Ticket Prompts:

• “Identify one professional habit from today’s vocabulary you’d like to strengthen.”
• “Describe one concrete action you will take this week to practice that habit.”

Teacher: “You have five minutes. When you’re done, hand your ticket to me as you leave.”

Students write; collect tickets.

Teacher: “Great work today exploring professionalism. Keep practicing these habits, and have a wonderful rest of your day!”