CTE Exploration Worksheet

Introduction

In this worksheet, you'll reflect on your interests, skills, and potential career paths. Think about the different aspects of Career and Technical Education (CTE) and how they can match your personal strengths and goals.

Section 1: Self-Reflection

1. What are three skills you believe you excel at?
   
   
   

2. List two interests or hobbies that you enjoy and could see translating into a career.
   
   
   

Section 2: Career Connections

3. Identify one CTE pathway or career that interests you and explain why it captures your attention.
   
   
   

4. How do you think the skills you listed in Section 1 can be applied to this career?
   
   
   

Section 3: Personal Goals

5. What is one short-term goal you have related to exploring CTE opportunities?
   
   
   

6. What is one long-term career goal you aspire to achieve?
   
   
   

Section 4: Reflection

7. After watching the video and discussing in class, what new insight did you gain about CTE?
   
   
   

8. Describe how you might begin to prepare for a career in area of interest.
   
   
   

Remember to be honest and thoughtful in your responses. Your reflections can help guide your journey in exploring career and technical education opportunities!

Interactive CTE Activity Guide

Overview

In this activity, you will work together in small groups to discover how your unique skills and interests can connect to real-world career pathways in Career and Technical Education (CTE). This group activity is designed to foster discussion, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of practical career connections.

Instructions

1. Form Groups:
   Break into groups of 3-4. Each group should choose a facilitator to guide the discussion and a reporter to share your group's findings with the class.
   
   
   
2. Review the Worksheet:
   Take a few minutes to review the CTE Exploration Worksheet. Discuss your individual responses with your group members.
   
   
   
3. Identify Common Skills & Interests:
   Together, list the top skills and interests that your group members share. Write these on a large piece of paper or a shared document.
   
   
   
4. Brainstorm Career Pathways:
   Using the shared skills and interests, brainstorm potential CTE pathways or career fields that might be a good fit. Think about how the skills can be applied in various career contexts.
   
   
   
5. Create a Visual Map:
   Draw a mind map or diagram that connects your group's shared skills to various career options. Include arrows or lines that show the relationship between skills and jobs.
   
   
   
6. Discuss and Reflect:
   Discuss as a group which career paths seem the most promising and why. Consider factors like personal interest, practicality, and the relevance of CTE training.
   
   
   
7. Share with the Class:
   The reporter will present your group's visual map and key discussion points. Be ready to explain how your group made the connections and why you believe these pathways match your skills and interests.
   
   
   

Follow-Up Questions for Discussion

• How did your group decide which skills or interests were most important?
• Were there any surprising connections between a skill and a potential career path?
• How might these career pathways influence your future educational choices?

End of Activity

This activity is designed to make connections between what you're good at and what careers are available through CTE. Take your time, listen to one another, and have fun exploring the possibilities!

CTE Simulation Activity Guide

Overview

This activity is designed to provide hands-on, real-world scenarios related to the specific CTE courses offered at our school. Students will work in small groups to tackle problems and make decisions that professionals in these fields might encounter. This will help you understand the practical applications of skills learned in courses like Automotive Technologies, Stagecraft, Culinary Arts, Welding Technologies, Agriscience, Sports Medicine and Rehab Services, Digital Photography, Digital Communication and Yearbook, Early Childhood Education, Software and App Design, and Mental and Social Health Technician.

Instructions

1. Form Groups:
   Break into groups of 3-4. Select a facilitator to guide your discussion and a reporter to share your group's findings with the class.
   
   
   

2. Choose a Simulation Scenario:
   Each group will randomly select or be assigned one scenario from the list below. Discuss your scenario and come up with a solution or action plan to address the problem.

   • Automotive Technologies: A car in the school parking lot has broken down. The group must diagnose the problem, decide which parts need repair, and propose a safe, cost-effective solution.
     
     
     
   • Stagecraft: Your group is tasked with designing a set for a school play. Consider the materials available, safety requirements, and creative ways to transform a limited space into a vibrant stage set.
     
     
     
   • Culinary Arts: You have a limited budget to plan a school event menu. Determine how to create a balanced, nutritious, and appealing menu, taking into account food allergies and volunteer staffing for the event.
     
     
     
   • Welding Technologies: Imagine you are part of a team responsible for repairing a broken metal structure on campus. Identify the key safety practices, necessary tools, and steps to repair the structure effectively and safely.
     
     
     
   • Agriscience: Your simulation team is in charge of planning a school garden project aimed at teaching sustainable agriculture. Consider which crops to plant, resource management, and how to involve the community in the project.
     
     
     
   • Sports Medicine and Rehab Services: A student athlete has sustained a common sports injury during practice. Discuss the immediate steps that should be taken, the type of rehabilitation required, and how to ensure a safe return to sport.
     
     
     
   • Digital Photography: Plan a photo shoot for a school event. Your group must decide on a theme, location, necessary equipment, and how to capture the event’s essence while working with limited time and resources.
     
     
     
   • Digital Communication and Yearbook: Develop a brief media plan for promoting an upcoming school event. Identify which platforms to use, the key messages, and how to design visual content that resonates with your peers.
     
     
     
   • Early Childhood Education: Design an engaging lesson plan for preschool students focusing on art and creativity. Consider age-appropriate activities, sensory experiences, and methods to safely manage a dynamic group of young learners.
     
     
     
   • Software and App Design: You’re tasked with brainstorming an app idea that could help improve student life at school. Identify the app’s purpose, key features, and steps needed to develop a prototype.
     
     
     
   • Mental and Social Health Technician: Propose a community initiative or workshop aimed at improving mental health awareness among students. Discuss the important topics to address, potential speakers, and strategies for encouraging participation.

3. Group Discussion and Planning:
   Using your scenario, brainstorm the following:

   • Key challenges in the scenario
   • Essential tools, skills, or resources needed
   • A step-by-step plan to address the problem or complete the project
   • Potential obstacles and how to overcome them
     Write your ideas on a flip chart or shared digital document, and be ready to present your plan.
     
     
     
     

4. Class Sharing:
   Each group's reporter will present your simulation scenario and your proposed action plan. After each presentation, facilitate a class discussion to explore different perspectives and solutions.

Follow-Up Questions for Discussion

• What were the most significant challenges your group identified?
• How did you decide on the best course of action?
• Were there any surprising solutions or ideas that emerged during your discussion?
• How do these simulated scenarios relate to real-world challenges in each CTE field?

End of Activity

Use this simulation activity to explore the practical side of each CTE course, and to understand how these skills translate into everyday professional challenges. Enjoy the process and learn from your peers!