Page 28 - Compendium

Award for integrating elements of career education into the computer
science classes in eff ective and innovative way:

Zuzana Machová
Zuzana Machová, a teacher of the 5th and 6th graders at a primary school,
developed special educational activity ‘My future job’ which was integrated
into the computer science classes (PowerPoint lesson).
At the beginning of the activity, pupils were given assignment to browse
through information on diff erent occupations and narrow it down to those
occupations that match up with their interests and skills. After completing the
introductory phase, pupils were asked to engage in more in-depth analysis
of selected professions (e.g. job responsibilities and duties, qualifi cations and
educational requirements, preferred skills, salary and working conditions), and

prepare a PowerPoint presentation with an overview (using charts and graphs)
of what they had found out. In the second phase of the activity, participants
contacted professionals in selected occupations via email to ask additional
questions, thereby gaining fi rsthand recommendations and insights. All the
fi ndings and insights were then presented in front of the class which allowed
pupils to get information on other occupations as well.
Activity ‘My future job’ was designed to develop pupils’ career management
skills, provide them with useful information on the functioning of labour
market, lead them towards better self-awareness and self-knowledge, and
improve their presentation skills. Zuzana Machová decided to launch the
activity after fi nding out that only a handful of pupils understood what
a world of work is and what to expect from it. By integrating elements of career
education into computer science classes, pupils were led to a development of
both career management skills and digital skills at the same time. Therefore,

the activity, which was integrated into the school curriculum, prove very
eff ective and time-saving as it did not require any special (extra-curricular)
programmes or activities to educate pupils about the choice of education and
career path. Activity thus presents very innovative way of making connections
across curriculum and could serve other teachers as a source of inspiration for
integrated learning. Given the low demand on additional human or fi nancial
resources, it could be easily transferred to other school.

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