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Lesson 4

We will complete individual research team tasks.

Lesson Goals

  • Can I explore a variety of credible sources to answer a question or solve a problem using an organized and dynamic process of inquiry?

  • Can I gather and organize relevant and sufficient evidence to demonstrate an understanding of texts and topics, support claims, and develop ideas?

  • Can I evaluate the relevance and credibility of information, ideas, evidence, and reasoning presented in texts?

  • Can I apply correct and effective syntax, usage, mechanics, and spelling to communicate ideas and achieve intended purposes?

Texts

There are no texts for this Lesson.

Materials

Tools

Question Sets

Editable Google Docs

Activity 1: Discuss – Write

We will continue to work on our individual portfolios.

Review the self-assigned homework note that you turned in at the end of the last lesson. Individually, respond to the following questions:

  1. Did you complete your self-assigned homework? Why or why not?

  2. How did you hold yourself accountable? And if you did not hold yourself accountable, how might you in the future?

Share your responses with your pathway group.

Finalize your portfolio. Review Part 1 of the Culminating Task Checklist and the Portfolio Requirements to examine your outstanding tasks. Continue work on your portfolio.

Activity 2: Discuss

We will review our accomplishments in our research team.

On a sticky note or piece of paper, detail what final tasks you will complete as homework so that your group members and teacher can hold you accountable.

Review your accomplishments during this lesson with your pathway team. Use the following guiding questions:

  1. What successes are you experiencing during your portfolio development?

  2. What challenges are you encountering during your portfolio development?

In Section 4, you will continue to revise your portfolio artifacts. Be sure to have drafts of most of your artifacts completed by the end of the next lesson to be prepared for the revision process in Section 4.

Activity 3: Write

We will be introduced to letters of recommendation and practice asking for them.

We will prepare to ask for recommendation letters from two professionals.

Asking for recommendations is a professional skill you will use for the rest of your life. You should ask for the recommendation in a professional way, either through email correspondence or a live conversation. Be polite, explain what the letter is for, provide the person one to two weeks to write the letter, ask for the best way to follow up, and provide pertinent information that needs to be included in the letter.

Practice asking for a letter of recommendation with a partner. You might want to use a script like the one below:

Hi, Mrs. Smith,

I’m applying to _____, and to get ready, I’m requesting letters of recommendation from people who can attest to my leadership, character, and skills. I think you’re the person to write a letter for me because _____. Would you be willing to write me a letter of recommendation?

I have a form that lists all my accomplishments to help you write the letter. Is there anything else you will need from me? Would you be able to complete the letter by _____?

Thank you.

Activity 4: Write

For homework, we will request letters of recommendation from professional people who can attest to our skills.

For homework, contact two professionals (e.g., teachers, counselors, administrators, coaches, mentors, faith leaders, adult volunteer coordinators, etc.) via email who are willing to write you a letter of recommendation for your postsecondary pathway choice. They will need to know enough about you to write a good letter. Make sure to include necessary information regarding your postsecondary pathway and prospective life goals so that they can compose a meaningful message.

Complete the Letter of Recommendation Request Form for each person you will ask and include it as an attachment to your email requesting the recommendation. This form provides the writer with information that they can include in their letter of recommendation. If there is other information you think the person will need, feel free to add it.