Adapted and Modified from

Michigan Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling Program, MSCA (2005)

Setting Goals & Working Collaboratively

Grade Level: 6
th
8
th

Domain: Career Development

Standard: A: Students will acquire the skills to investigate the world of work in relation to
knowledge of self and to make informed career decisions.

Benchmark: A:1: Develop career awareness.

Indicator: C:A1.4: Learn how to interact and work cooperatively in teams.

Time: 1 class period

Group Size: 4 groups of 5-7 students

Materials: 4 puzzles

Introduction: This activity will introduce the need of having to work within a group and to
work cooperatively with other teams in order to achieve their career goal; the big picture.

Procedure:
Have class break into 4 groups of about 5-7 students in each group.
Pass out puzzle boxes without the cover (picture).
Ask the groups to race each other to assemble the puzzle pieces.
About 5 minutes into the assembly pass out the puzzle box covers (pictures).
About 5 minutes after passing out the covers inform the students they may ask the other
groups for puzzle pieces.
Allow groups to complete their puzzles.

Review:
Review with class how the groups had difficulty in putting the puzzle together without
knowing the big picture.
Review with class how collaborating with others will assist in putting the puzzle
together as the groups represent the stakeholders (Teachers, Counselors, Administrators,
& Parents).