Speech & Debate Blog - Ms. Kline's Classes

Employers: What Do They Want?

Ms. Kline — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 19:22:02 +0000

In high school, we live in a sort of “delusionary” world where the “real world” doesn’t seem to matter just yet. Getting a job is a thing for the future – and, “not something I have to worry about just yet,” right? Unfortunately, this perspective can be a poor decision. Most employers certaintly want their employees to have a firm knowledge of the content of their position (ex. an accountant better know how to do math!), but it’s actually personality traits and communication skills that cause the most controversy at the office. Thus, employers tend to look for these qualities when interviewing and hiring prospective employees. Thankfully for you, you get a leg-up on the competition in this course .

For this activity, first find an article that describes what personality traits and/or communication skills employers want to see in their prospective employees. Integrate the link into your comment and let’s start a discussion about this!

You must make at least 1 original comment to this discussion with a link, and 2 other “reply” links to the discussion by 7:30am on Thursday, October 28, 2010. You will be graded according to the quality/credibility of the link you selected, as well the: content, written quality, and extension of the discussion. This in total is worth 20 points.

Importance of Communication

Ms. Kline — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:36:19 +0000

Why do people communicate with one another? How do they do it? Why is having a good grasp of good communication skills important for personal success?

Read the following article: http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Importance-Of-Communication-Skills&id=780635

For this blog comment cycle, discuss the importance of communication. Throw in examples of people who poorly communicate and those who excel at it.

Bonus: how are the points mentioned in the article and by your classmates related to the “Did You Know 2.0″ video from yesterday?

**Each comment you write should follow the expectations of good comments as stated in your Blogging Basics packet.**

Preparing for Future Careers: A Bleak or Exciting Picture?

Ms. Kline — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 23:30:30 +0000

Instructions for Class on Tuesday, 10/20 : Everyone must post one comment on this post, post another comment about someone else’s comment (remember I’ll be moderating even when I’m not in the classroom) and add at least one post to the fishbowls one from before. If you have time left, you may add comments to the extra credit blog, found at: http://msjkline.wordpress.com .

In addition to our recent discussions about, well discussions, the idea of technology has pursued us. In the “Did You Know?” video, we were presented with multiple facts about how technology has infiltrated our lives so profoundly. Keeping that idea of technology’s impact in mind, I’m reminded of just how often I listen to the news and hear stories about our “failing economy” and the “horrible job market facing young graduates” – both in high school and college. As a society, we’re stuck in a trap. Jobs only requiring little education (a high school diploma or less) barely pay the bills. Yesterday the healthcare debate touched on the issue of insurance for individuals in this dilemma. In order to progress to higher paying jobs, individuals need to get more education. In essence, this means pay for more schooling. Now our job market is spiraling. When a bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement, how are those with less supposed to survive? And when there’s no money, how are we supposed to incorporate technology?

And the most interesting of all, is technology to blame at all for the current ills of our economy? Read through this article from MSNBC, “Lack of Computer Skills Foils Many Job Seekers,” found at: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33106445/ns/business-careers/ .

from msnbc.com

Then post a comment about your thoughts in this issue. How is technology related to the current job market situation and the economy? As a student soon to be considered a high school graduate, how will you combat this dilemma? Be sure to reference quotes directly from the article in your comments, build off each other, and link to more websites if you have a chance to research. Also please keep in mind that our next speech will be a virtual resume where you will present your resume through Powerpoint as an informational speech. What kind of job will you apply for and how does this connect together?

If you would like to watch the “Did You Know” video again while you’re in the building, it can be found at: http://www.viddler.com/explore/DrDubli/videos/1/

Fishbowls, Discussions, and the Blog: Parallel Practices?

Ms. Kline — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:24:46 +0000

from mediadriving.com

We recently engaged in a unit where we participated in fishbowl discussions in order to develop our ability to converse using connecting phrases, pose and answer interpretive questions, and practice general speechmaking skills in a smaller environment. Now we are about to participate in a blog. What similarities and differences do you expect between large-class discussions, fishbowls, blogs, and speeches in general?

(Please reference the qualities of good discussions and expectations for good blog posts in your response. Also incorporate questions to keep the discussion moving.)

Welcome!

Ms. Kline — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 02:15:03 +0000

Here is our blog for Speech & Debate. All posts should follow the guidelines for good comments as well as adhere to the expectations of online behavior. For further instructions on how to post a comment, please see the “How to Post” page.