TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION ONE WHY ARE WE DOING THIS? WHAT IS AUTHENTIC ASSESSMENT? 2 WHY AUTHENTIC ASSESSMENT IS IMPORTANT. 2 THE PURPOSE OF THE PORTFOLIO 3 PORTFOLIO AUDIENCE 3 SECTION TWO WHAT IS REQUIRED? PAPER OR DIGITAL? 4 PORTFOLIO MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS 4 PORTFOLIO PANEL QUESTIONS 5 OVERALL GRADE KEY 6 EMPLOYMENT RELATED SKILLS OVERVIEW 7 CLASSROOM LOG SHEET BLANK 8 SAMPLE CLASS ROOM LOG SHEET 9 SUMMARY OF PARTICIPATION AND PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENTS 10
SECTION THREE HOW CAN I BE SUCCESSFUL? LOOKING FORWARD INTERVIEW QUESTION 1 11 IDENTIFYING MY BEST 3 ERS 12-13 SUMMARY OF EVIDENCE I WILL USE 14 PERSONAL STRENGTHS AND QUALITIES 15 GETTING ORGANISED 16 10 TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEW 17
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WHAT IS AUTHENTIC ASSESMENT?
Authentic Assessment is a form of assessment in which students are asked to perform real-world tasks that demonstrate meaningful application of essential knowledge and skills. Portfolio presentations are a special program successfully implemented at Waratah Technology Campus for many years. It provides each student from Years 7-10 the opportunity to refine the presentation and personal reflection skills required for the world beyond school.
WHY AUTHENTIC ASSESSMENT IS IMPORTANT
Authentic assessment encourages students to reflect on their learning as they compile an academic portfolio of their work. This gives students the opportunity to show what they know and can do because of their learning experience. It helps students develop decision-making and problem solving skills, planning and self-discipline, time management and resource management skills and substantive communication skills.
Personal reflection is an important part of the authentic assessment program. It assists students to understand how they learn and how best to overcome problems and challenges. By evaluating their class tasks and life experiences, students are able to identify the employment related skills involved and appreciate how they are transferable to learning in other subjects and their preparation to join the workforce.
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PURPOSE OF THE PORTFOLIO
Waratah Campus is a middle school, which provides students a pathway to further education or the world of work. To support successful transition from WTC at the completion of Year 10, the portfolio process provides a teacher mentor and dedicated curriculum time through LAW, for each student to Look Forward considering their future pathway and development of the core skills required for success for future employment. Students in stage 5 develop a Showcase/ Evaluation portfolio in which students identify areas of personal interest or preferred vocation and collect evidence of their development of Employability Skills and reflect on their achievement of these core skills. The portfolio collation provides students a framework to document their personal progress towards core skills/ standards required by employers.
AUDIENCE FOR THE PORTFOLIO PRESENTATION Students of Year 10 present their portfolio and discuss their development of the Core Employability skills to: Employer from the local community, Senior Campus Teacher Yr 10 LAW mentor Teacher Year 9 peer from Waratah Campus.
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WHAT DO I NEED TO HAVE IN MY PORTFOLIO?
PAPER OR DIGITAL? Students can use any software or web based application to prepare an ePortfolio ( Adobe Acrobat, One note, Microsoft office prezi, Wix, Zola, BlogEd, Mahara, Weebly, Pathbrite, etc The main thing you need to remember is that you are not being assessed on your ability to manipulate software, rather, on how well can you reflect on learning and discuss and provide evidence of ERS. It is YOUR choice use what you can manage to impress the panel. MINIMUM PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS Physical Portfolio- either digital or hard copy with your personal identity clearly visible Easy to navigate presentation of all 9 ERS and a piece of evidence of your level of competence for each. An Assessment Task, Class Work, School representation recognition or Work Placement evidence to support your level of competence of each of the 9 ERS. Reflection on your level of competence or each ERS. Classroom log sheet or equivalent for each major piece of evidence. Cover letter Individual Education Plan from Wellbeing lessons Optional- Career investigation Task or Work Placement report COLLECTING EVIDENCE Remember: There is no limit as to what can be included in a portfolio. Paper / digital products such as assessment tasks, homework, awards, accreditation certificates, letters of reference, projects, Audio, podcast, vodcast, DVD, two- and three-dimensional pieces of art, posters and anything else that can reflect your competence of ERS can be included. Realistically, you have to decide what is manageable.
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PORTFOLO PRESENTATION PANEL QUESTIONS
1. What does the concept Looking Forward mean to you? What evidence do you have to show that you are preparing for or committed to managing yourself in the world of work?
2. The ability to work effectively with others is very important in the world of work.
Using your portfolio, show evidence and discuss your level of competence in the skills of: cross cultural understanding, teamwork and communication.
3. Employers need to know you have got what it takes to get the job done.
Using your portfolio, show evidence and discuss your level of competence in ERS: learning, planning and organising, technology, problem solving and initiative and enterprise
4. Now you are at the end of your middle school journey and are Looking Forward, identify the personal strengths and qualities that you have developed.
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PORTFOLIO PRESENTATION OVERALL GRADE KEY
A
Outstanding
The student has an extensive knowledge and understanding of the Concept Looking Forward and ERS and can readily apply this knowledge. The student has achieved a very high level of competence in the process and skills and can apply these skills to new situations.
B
High
The student has a thorough knowledge and understanding of the Concept Looking Forward and ERS and a high level of competence in the process and skills of the course. In addition, the student is able to apply this knowledge and skills to most situations.
C
Sound
The student has a sound knowledge and understanding of the main areas of content and has achieved an adequate level of competence in the processes and skills.
D
Basic
The student has demonstrated a basic knowledge and understanding of the content and has achieved a limited level of competence in the processes and skills.
E
Limited
The student has an elementary knowledge and understanding in a few areas of content and has achieved very limited competence in some of the processes and skills.
N
No Outcomes Achieved
Indicates no outcomes achieved.
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For more information and assistance go to: http://www.myfuture.edu.au/The%20Facts/Skills/Employability%20skills.aspx EMPLOYMENT RELATED SKILLS
ER SKILL EXPLANATION Self-management Ability to take the responsibility for setting and achieving personal goals Initiative and enterprise Ability to seek/take advantage of opportunities
Learning Ability to achieve new skills and/or knowledge Communication Ability to express and understand information Teamwork Ability to work effectively with others to get things done Planning and organising Ability to coordinate and prioritise tasks and resources Problem solving Ability to identify problems and develop solutions Technology Ability to use appropriate technologies to complete tasks Cross-cultural understanding Ability to respect diversity and act without discrimination
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CLASSROOM LOG SHEET
You gain a range of important skills in each subject you study. Identify the employment related skills relevant to your particular classroom activity. Choose up to three skills and describe how you have demonstrated them. Name Date Subject Classroom Activity, Topic, Assignment or Unit
Employment Related Skills Self- management Initiative and enterprise Learning Communication Cross-cultural understanding Teamwork Planning and organising Problem solving Technology Describe how three of these skills were demonstrated I can/ I am able to/ I know how to Skill:__________________
Skill:__________________
Skill:__________________
Reflection on Learning Experience Comment on one or more of the following: areas of success areas for improvement further research
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SAMPLE CLASSROOM LOG SHEET Below is a completed sample of a classroom log sheet. After describing your activity, topic, assignment or unit, tick which employment related skills you think are relevant to that experience. Choose three skills and describe how you demonstrated them. The reflection section at the bottom allows you to comment on the learning experience and how you believe your employment related skills are progressing. You may also comment on an area of interest that you would like to further research which may be in a careers-related area or for personal interest. Name John Smith Date 21/05/2012 Subject Mathematics Classroom Activity, Topic, Assignment or Unit Calculating earnings wage, salary, commission etc Employment Related Skills Self- management Initiative and enterprise Learning Communication Cross-cultural understanding Teamwork Planning and organising Problem solving Technology Describe how three of these skills were demonstrated I can/ I am able to/ I know how to Skill: Problem solving I can read a word problem and determine the best method to solve the problem I can calculate the salary for an occupation given a weekly wage Skill: Technology I can use a calculator to calculate the salary/wage/commission for different occupations I can use the internet to research and compare earnings for different careers Skill: Communication I can explain to the class the difference between a salary and a wage I can write the solution to a problem using the correct method Reflection on Learning Experience Comment on one or more of the following: areas of success areas for improvement further research I was able to present to the class an explanation of the different types of earnings I can appreciate the variety of jobs available and the earnings for each job
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SUMMARY OF PARTICIPATION AND PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENTS AT SCHOOL AND IN THE COMMUNITY Employment related skills can be demonstrated in any activity completed at school or in the community. Use the checklist below to indicate some of the things you do. Be sure to include this evidence in your portfolio and refer to these during interview- particularly when discussing personal strengths and qualities.
Participation in Activities
School events
Sport
Creative / Performance
Leadership
Representing the school or community
Service to the school and community
Awards
Further study and training
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LOOKING FORWARD- INTERVIEW QUESTION ONE
It is almost the end of 2014 and everyone in Year 10 is in a state of change. By now you should be planning the next part of your journey. You have probably thought about where you are going, but have you given enough thought about what skills you will take with you? LOOKING FORWARD IS.
A STATE OF MIND, ANTICIPATING AND LOOKING TOWARD THE NEXT STAGE
THE ACTION OF PLANNI NG YOUR FUTURE, USING THE VALUABLE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS YOU HAVE ACCUMULATED IN YOUR BACKPACK THROUGHOUT YOUR LIFE
Use the following questions to get you underway for how you might respond to Interview Question One
Where do you expect to be in 2015? Or in five years time?
What planning have you already done for 2014? What planning still needs to be done?
What is the code of conduct of WTC? How can you transfer this to the world of work?
What roles and responsibilities have you taken on in school, at home and in the community?
How would you rate your overall ability to manage yourself and your career direction?
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PREPARING FOR INTERVIEW QUESTION 2 AND 3 Rate yourself from 0-100 on each of the ERS to determine your top 3 use the descriptors to help you evaluate your level of competence in each skill, highlight the skills you can do..
Communication listening and understanding speaking clearly and directly reading independently empathising using numeracy effectively
writing to the needs of the audience negotiating responsively speaking and writing in languages other than English.
persuading effectively establishing and using networks being assertive sharing information
Teamwork working with people of different ages, gender, race, religion or political persuasion working as an individual and as a member of a team identifying the strengths of team members
knowing how to define a role as part of a team applying teamwork skills to a range of situations, e.g. futures planning, problem solving
coaching, mentoring and giving feedback
Problem Solving developing creative, innovative, practical solutions showing independence and initiative in identifying problems and solving them
solving problems in teams applying a range of strategies to problem solving testing assumptions taking data and circumstances into account
using mathematics including budgeting and financial management to solve problems applying problem-solving strategies across a range of areas
Initiative and Enterprise adapting to new situations developing a strategic, creative, long-term vision being creative
translating ideas into action generating a range of options
identifying opportunities not obvious to others initiating innovative solutions.
Planning and Organising managing time and priorities setting timelines, coordinating tasks for self and with others being resourceful taking initiative and making decisions planning the use of resources including time management
adapting resource allocations to cope with problems establishing clear goals and acting on them allocating people and other resources to tasks
predicting weighing up risk, evaluating alternatives and applying evaluation criteria collecting, analysing and organising information
13 What is the best evidence you have for? 1 Cross cultural understanding: 2 Team work: 3 Communication: Have you been involved in a project where you were required to use all of these skills to work effectively with others? Outline the project making links to ERS.
Self Management having a personal vision and goals evaluating and monitoring own performance having knowledge and confidence in own ideas and vision
articulating own ideas and vision taking responsibility.
Learning managing own learning contributing to the learning in the classroom using a range of mediums to learn mentoring, peer support networking, information technology (IT), courses
applying learning to technical issues (e.g. learning about products) and people issues having enthusiasm for ongoing learning Acknowledging the need to learn in order to accommodate change.
being willing to learn in any setting on and off the job being open to new ideas and techniques being prepared to invest time and effort in learning new skills
Technology having a range of basic IT skills applying IT as a management too
using IT to organise data being willing to learn new IT skills
having the occupational health and safety knowledge to apply technology
Cross Cultural Understanding Ability to respect diversity and act without discrimination Demonstrating an appreciation of the rights and responsibilities of all groups
Identifying how individuals and groups are interdependent on each other Demonstrating sensitivity when interacting with individuals and groups from diverse cultural, religious and linguistic backgrounds
Working with others to achieve common goals which reflect equity Identifying and overcoming stereotypes in life and work.
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RESPONDING TO INTERVIEW QUESTION 3 Looking closely at your class work and assessment tasks, it is obvious that many ERS are developed. In fact most tasks and class work require you to develop and use more than one Employability skill to get the Job done. Therefore, a single task could be used at evidence more than one ERS. The tip for success in this question is to be able to explain HOW you used or developed the skill in the task and combined them to complete a project.
ER SKILL Evidence I will use Initiative and enterprise
Learning
Planning and organizing
Problem solving
Technology
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PERSONAL STRENGTHS AND QUALITIES Interview Question 4 - Highlight any words true of you Able to work alone Active Adaptable Adaptive Adept Adventurous Aggressive Ambitious
1. Dress the part: If you dont own any professional clothing (jeans and t-shirts do not fall into this category, neither do sun dresses), then its time to invest in some grown-up clothing. 2. Get there early: Know your interview date and time. The day of the interview, make sure you leave in plenty of time to get there, not just on time, but early. 3. Come with your materials: Bring along your portfolio, a copy of your resume, any letters of reference and any other type of material, appropriate for the job interview. You may not need these, but youll be prepared if you do. 4. Practice: Have a friend, mentor or parent sit down with you for a practice interview. Just practice the process of interviewing so that you are more comfortable with it. Familiarity lends comfort. DURING THE INTERVIEW
5. Practice common courtesy: Shake hands and introduce yourself. Pull out those manners and use them. 6. Maintain good posture: Stand up straight, walk tall and sit up straight in your chair. Nothing says, Im a lazy, apathetic student, like a slouch. Youre not a lazy, apathetic student and you dont want people to mistake you for one. 7. Dont apologize for your lack of experience: Instead, point out the merits of your education, your personal strengths, the skills and personal qualities you have developed. 8. Answer questions honestly: Just dont lie. Even if theres something embarrassing or potentially problematic (a failed task), when asked, you should answer honestly. 9. Make eye contact: Making eye contact tells people you are sincere, confident and trustworthy. 10. Use formal, professional language.
Best Wishes for a successful Portfolio Presentation Interview.