Career education in the elementary school

Shea, Tracey M. (2000) Career education in the elementary school. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

The philosophy of elementary schools and the goals of career education go hand-in-hand. Self-knowledge, awareness of future educational and occupational alternatives, and development of decision-making skills have been considered important in both elementary school philosophy and practice as they are in career education (Herr and Cramer, 1996). Thus, career education programming at the elementary level must focus on broadening students’ views of themselves and their perceptions of careers as well as, enhancing their self-esteem. -- The focus of this research is the concept of Career Education at the elementary school level. A series of three papers comprise this piece of work. Paper 1 serves as a theoretical framework of career education at the elementary level. Literature in the following areas is reviewed: rationale for career counselling at the elementary level, characteristics of the elementary student, career competencies for the elementary student, advantages of a career program in elementary schools, implications of earlier career education for the high school student, and finally parents' role in a child's career development. -- Building on the theory presented in the first paper, Paper 2 briefly reviews the literature on three specific career competencies for the elementary grades. As an extension of this information, several career activities related to these goals are described. The three competencies addressed are self-awareness, interpersonal and communication skills and awareness of gender typing and changing male and female roles. -- The third and final paper discusses in greater depth the importance of self-awareness in career development. Such topics as the developmental nature of self-concept and its role in creating an occupational identity will be provided. -- It is hoped the information presented in this folio will be useful to parents, teachers, counsellors, and students in their understanding, development, implementation, and evaluation of career education programs.

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