Making Career Exploration Fun!

The Real Game Series Goal All students will need to understand that there is a connection between what they learn in school and their future success in the workplace. “the more closely learning is tied to real world contexts and consequences, the more profound and durable it becomes.” SCANS REPORT

What is the Real Game Series?  A graphic, colorful, interactive program.  An opportunity for team-teaching, guest speakers, field trips, initiating and maximizing learning moments.  Cross-curricular program  Flexible enough to suit a variety of class sizes, location, and characteristics.  Hands-on, practical, experiential program that makes learning fun.

Role Play is Important because we tend to remember...  10% of what we read  20% of what we hear  30% of what we see in pictures  50% of what we hear and see  70% of what we say  90% of what we say and do (simulating or doing the real thing) Source: Dale’s Cone of Learning

The Workplace has Changed Bureau of Labor Statistics

Times Have Changed… Agricultural Age (farmers) Industrial Age (factory workers) Information Age (knowledge workers) Conceptual Age (creators & empathizers) 18 th century19 th century20 th century21 st century

 Design – creating simple, elegant ways of doing things--is difficult to outsource or automate.  Story – The ability to construct a compelling narrative  Symphony – Seeing relationships between diverse and seemingly separate elements.  Empathy – The ability to truly understand where another person is coming from.  Play – Good salary and benefits are not enough to keep a team working with you. They must be able to enjoy and have fun at their work.  Meaning – Understanding and embracing that people are spiritual beings and when we help people find meaning we are adding value in ways that machines cannot. Right Brains Rule the Future - A Whole New Mind by Daniel Pink

Collaborative Development Process  Developed by an educator (The Real Game, Inc.)  Promoted by National Life/Work Centre in Canada  Adopted in US, United Kingdom, France, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, Hungary

Real Game Alignment With...  National Career Development Guidelines  National Standards for School Counseling Programs  Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills- SCANS  State learning standards

Focus on Life/Work Skills  People who can communicate, solve problems and continue to learn  People with positive attitudes and behaviors  People who are responsible and adaptable  People who can work with others as a team  People with strong educational and career exploration and planning skills

ProgramGrades/YearsThemesUnit/SessionsHours Play Real 3 and 4Living and working in a community10 core sessions Make It Real 5 and 6Working in a small company involved in international business 12 core sessions The Real Game 7 and 8Making ends meet and prospering in adult life and work 4 units 20 core sessions Be Real 9 and 10Balancing work, family, leisure and community while building a career Three units 17 core sessions Get Real 11 and 12Rehearsing gateway scenarios for the transition from school to adult life 13 core sessions Real Times, Real Life Post- secondary Finding opportunity in adversity and learning to manage the career building process Three units 19 core sessions The Real Game Series

The Real Game Grades 7-8  Experience an unmarried, childless lifestyle  Adopt a work role  Build awareness of change and change factors  Build life/work knowledge and skills  Focus on money and time management  Address gender equity issues  Create a simulated society and build a community  Begin development of a portfolio * (link to CIDS/ State Career Plan) hours of material

The Real Game Series The Be Real Game Grades 9-10  Identify education and skills  Participate in a job application process  Balance a budget  Experience job loss  Acquire new jobs  Develop personal goals  Continue building upon portfolio * (link to CIDS/ State Career Plan) hours of material

The Real Game Outcomes  Builds and expands on learning gained in other areas.  Helps students develop a positive attitude about their roles in the changing work world.  Prepares students to think about the kind of work they want to do and tell why.  Prepares students through participation in activities of adult life in a safe setting.  Encourages students to explore the importance and relevance of education.  Helps students learn about the necessity and value of education in attaining future goals.  Introduces students to the variety of work roles and work styles through exploration.  Emphasizes the value of all work.

Real Game High Five Principles o Change Is Constant o Learning Is Ongoing o Focus On Your Journey o Follow Your Heart o Access Your Allies

For more information Victoria Gray Project Administration Officer Career Resource Network Office NYS Department of Labor State Office Building Campus Building 12, Room 490 Albany, NY (518) Visit: