Southern Illinois University-Carbondale WED
468-3
Department of Workforce Education & Development
Page
30
Activities/Assignments 1 - 5
Activity/Assignment #1
Option 1: Collect and read three (3) newspaper and/or popular magazine articles about
education-to-work or workforce training. All articles must be, at least, 500 words in
length and published within the last 12-18 months. Prepare and submit a brief summary
for each article. Each summary should not be more than 2 or 3 paragraphs. Cite each
article per APA format including a reference page. Analyze the strengths and
weaknesses of the program and compare it to model programs described in your
student manual. Attach a copy of the article with each summary.
Option 2: Select and read two (2) articles from professional journals that describe a
linkage program or a workforce/vocational training program. Analyze the strengths and
weaknesses of the program and compare it to model programs described in your
student manual. Prepare and submit a brief summary for each article. Each summary
should not be more than 2 or 3 paragraphs. Cite each article per APA format including
a reference page. Attach a copy of the article with each summary.
For Both Options: The first paragraphs are the summary of the article you read, where
you explain what specifics were discussed in the article. In the second paragraph, you
must relate the article facts to the linkage information, especially linkage models, found
in this student manual.
Activities/Assignments #2, 3 and 4
Personal interviews: Visit a person at a community college, workforce/vocational
training program, employee security office, or high school workforce/vocational or co-op
program who has linkages as part of their job description. Identify the specific
technical/professional skills and personal skills used in the day-to-day operations of
their job. Identify the preparation an individual should have to be hired for a similar job.
Consider audio-taping the interview with their prior permission. Write up a summary of
the interview; minimum of three (3) pages, no more than five (5), which includes the
name of person interviewed, the job title, employing organization, and date of interview.
Additional format and information is provided on page 57 of this manual.
You will do this assignment 3 different times with 3 different people at 3 different
organizations. These people must be performing in the WLP area you identified for
yourself in WED 382.