WORKPLACE ESSENTIAL SKILLS PROGRAM DESIGN

McGovern describes the program: “The Workplace Essential Skills program is an integrated, multi-media learning package at pre-GED level reading skills (5-8 grades level), that combines distance learning, multimedia materials, and self-directed learning for these at-risk adult learners. Workplace Essential Skills is designed with four modules or strands of study - reading, communication/writing, math, and employment skills. The program is offered either through centers like ours at CFL or online by PBS for more independent learners. In the last six months, we also have increased our partnerships with programs such as CareerLink centers and some job readiness programs.” While the centers provide the materials and access to video and online lessons, independent learners can also purchase their own materials - 24 half-hour videos, four workbooks, a CD-ROM - and selectively see the programs on PBS stations around the country. They also have access to the 24 free online lessons, and can even receive instructional support from PBS teachers online.

McGovern especially appreciates the flexibility of the Workplace Essential Skills program that uses real-life learning scenarios. She thinks this fosters responsibility and self-motivation in learners. “What we’ve discovered is that the program is so flexible that our students can manage their own learning - if we provide the individualized support they need. Students choose whatever module they want to start with and can continue in any order they choose, even move to another module before finishing the one they’re on.”

McGovern gives an example: “A woman came into the program with the goal to get a job. Let’s call her Mary. She had no high school diploma or GED. She chose to start with the Workplace Essential Skills communications strand to improve her writing skills. Then she got a job lead. So Mary decided that her priorities had changed, and she needed to produce a résumé. As a result, she switched to the Workplace Essential Skills employment strand workbook and started on the unit about writing résumés and cover letters. Then Mary asked me for a physical meeting to discuss her typing skills to prepare both the cover letter and résumé. I suggested that she also bring to the meeting a draft of the finished products for us to review. When Mary came to that meeting she handed me a completed hand-written cover letter and a completed résumé - two finished products! All I did was proof them with her so she could type up everything. That same day, she finished the typing, faxed both the résumé and cover letter to the potential employer. Guess what? Within two weeks, Mary had an interview and got the job! She was very motivated. I also think it was her work with Workplace Essential Skills - and the flexibility of the program - that helped her learn something relevant to her goals that she could apply immediately. For Mary, Workplace Essential Skills worked quickly and got the results she wanted. But even if she hadn’t gotten that particular job, she experienced success in producing a résumé that resulted in getting a job interview. This, in and of itself, is an example of the success experiences we’re hoping to build with our students.”

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