| Career education is instruction
intended to help young people identify, choose, and prepare for a career. Such
instruction may focus on a person's role in work, leisure, or family life.
Career education differs from vocational education, which is designed to teach
specific occupational skills. Career education includes the formal and informal learning that occurs in the family, in the community, and in schools. In school, career education consists of instructive activities included in many courses. These activities are designed to improve the attitudes, knowledge, and skills important for work roles. Career education helps students develop self-understanding and use it to plan their education and working life. A complete career education program in school begins in kindergarten and continues at least through high school. Many colleges and universities also offer career education through their counseling programs. In kindergarten and elementary school, youngsters learn about different types of work. In middle school or junior high school, children begin to explore the occupations and leisure activities that interest them most. In high school, students get more specific information about occupations and life styles. They may be in classroom, small group, or individual sessions where they learn how to make career decisions. They also should obtain the skills they need for further study or for a job after graduation. Counselors provide information on such matters as how to locate and apply for jobs and how to be successful in interviews. Teachers and counselors use a variety of methods to provide career education, including films about occupations or industries. Children may invite parents or other adults to come to school and describe their jobs. A student may accompany a worker on the job. Cooperative education combines classroom study with practical work experience. |