DEALING WITH COOPERATIVE GROUPS:

These skills can be summarized with the acronym MUST. (From NSTA)

M -- Math and problem solving.

U -- Use of language, both oral and written.

S -- Science concept and applications.

T --Technology skills with computers.

The goal is to meet these needs in the classroom using daily lesson plans.

Did You Know...

Today many students are graduating from high school and college without the tools and knowledge necessary to be successful in the industrial world. Many of theskills employers require are not being taught by the education system. Skills that can be developed as part of the science curriculum will be addressed in this lesson plan.

As technology grows, so does the need for workers skilled in problem solving, communication, and working in teams. Gone are the days of dusty labs with solitary figures bent over their work. The responsibility for skill development must be addressed in the years of formal education. It must start in middle school and high school.

The behavior and skills needed for teamwork are not inborn and are not taught formally in schools. Learning these skills is important because employees must work both independently and in a team to succeed in the workplace. Teamwork involves task skills, which contribute to completing the task, and relationship skills, which contribute to smooth working of the team. Employers search for people who can form and maintain positive relationships while accomplishing work tasks essential for productivity.

Teamwork skills need to start in high school because it has a cyclic effect. The more opportunities one has to work in a team, the more skilled that person becomes in the task and relationship skills involved. Future leaders must be able to give and receive feedback, listen with respect, and contribute ideas that focus on the task.

Modern industrial processes are being developed in work areas without direct supervision, dictating that the new worker must learn management and production skills. Leading the list of needed skills are those of written and oral communication. In the future, however, pen and paper will not be the primary tools of communication. Electronic communication will take over, and students must be able to use electronic tools.

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