Wednesday, February 26, 2014


Hi class,

What a great presentation we had today! I wish we could get John here to teach some business electives. Maybe when he comes back to Cambodia. :)

One of the skills (often called "soft skill") that John possessed was the ability to communicate well. This skill is invaluable and can put you at a great advantage when competing for a job. However, many of you do not possess this skill as a natural gift (most people don't and some people even rate public speaking to be scarier than dying.). This is why it is such an important skill to develop over the course of your primary education. That is also why we are adding a presentation element to your research paper! I know, I know, you all love me so.

Presentation Element: You will each develop a 3-5 min. script using the information from your research paper. Your script will be written for the purpose of recruiting, selling, drawing interest in, etc. your chosen career topic. 

 I will offer you an example of a script using a fictitious thesis:

Thesis: Becoming a high school teacher is both challenging and rewarding; it requires at least a bachelors degree, completing a teaching internship, and obtaining teaching credentials.  

Example Script:

       With the advancement of standardized public school curriculum, the ever increasing salaries, and the personal satisfaction that comes with educating the future generations, there has been no better time in the history of education to become a high school teacher. Becoming a high school teacher requires you to earn a bachelor degree in some academic field, complete a year-long student teaching internship and obtain teaching credentials. 
       It is not necessary for a college freshman to know exactly what they want to teach as a high school teacher. This gives you, the freshman, the opportunity to explore different majors. However, as you begin to focus in on your desired major, you can tailor that major to suit your needs as a future educator. For instance, if you want to teach English Composition, you can earn your bachelors in Secondary Education with a minor in English. 
     While you earn your degree in Secondary Education, you will have the opportunity to do an internship, often called student teaching, in your last year of study. The year of student teaching is a great opportunity for you to learn on-the-job and develop the practical skills that you will not get from the university classroom. You will apply the teaching theory and behavioral management techniques that you learned in university. During this time you will be under the guidance of a competent, experienced high school teacher.   
     After you complete your bachelors degree and a year of student teaching you will be eligible for taking a state exam to be awarded teaching credentials. Your education will have prepared you for successful completion of this standard exam. Upon receiving your credentials, you will be employable as a high school teacher. This will be just the beginning of an exciting career shaping and education the future generations of your country. 

Notice how it takes into account each main point of my thesis but does not give too much or totally unnecessary details. Remember, it is only 3 - 5 min. with the intent to recruit, sell, inspire, etc. students toward your chosen career topic. Mine was more about a college major but yours will be more career/job focused.

We will use the memory devises  from our book (pp. 160-162) to help us memorize this short script and deliver it with gusto! Aren't you so excited!

Praying for you all!

Mr. Barrett




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