Michael Gangitano

Counselor and Career Exploration Teacher

Lee Middle School, Woodland, CA

michael.gangitano@wjusd.org;

www.teacherweb.com/ca/leemiddleschool/mrgangitano

School and Class Summary:

I teach one elective class entitled, Career Exploration, as part of my full time position of Counselor. There are 33 students in the class, 27 seventh graders and 6 eighth graders. The class meets five days per week. This class was approved by the WJUSD school board and the Real Game California was approved as the curriculum for the course. It is offered as one of the elective choices for students

TRGC 2.1 Implementation:

I would call how I use TRGC 2.1 a hybrid. Having used the Real Game for almost ten years prior to the release of the digital version, I see the value of combining the two versions. Realizing that students respond very well to the technology that the digital version offers, it cannot, in my opinion, replace the traditional classromm version, especially in the more interactive lessons. Overall, I find that each version compliments each other very well.

So far, I would say my students go to the computer lab to do the digital lessons on the average of two days per week. Keep in mind that I also integrate additional materials / lessons / activities / films, etc., to compliment the lessons of both versions of the Real Game California. I will be referencing many examples of these as I continue to comment below.

Provide the following details for each session listed below:

- Is this session used in class?

- If not, why not?

- What changes did you make to the session?

- How long did it take to do this session?

- Challenges you experienced when doing this session?

- Attach any hard copy additional material you included for this session.

- Success stories using this session in class.

- Recommendations (technology or pedagogy) for this session.

Unit 1:

Session 1 The Spin Game

The spin game is an excellent introductory lesson to start the process of having students begin to understand the connection between what they are learning and it's importance to work / life realities. Until the advent of the 2.1 version, I have used this lesson as a team building activity. Student teams compete with each other to earn points for correct answers. It's more difficult to accomplish this in the computer lab where students are in essence, interacting individually with the computer screen.

The reader should note that the classroom is set up using tables, seating up to 8 students per table. The use of traditional class desks in rows does not support the team (community) aspect of this curriculum. See Picture below. (attachment #1)

Session 2 The Dream

Session 3 What's My Line?

Session 4 Our Town

Session 5 Who Am I? Who Are You?

Unit 2:

Session 1 After Work

Session 2 Reality Check

Session 3 The Financial Picture

Session 4 Getting Away

Session 5 Spin It Again

Unit 3:

Session 1 Fair Play

Session 2 The Pink Slip

Session 3 Disaster Strikes

Session 4 Transitions

Unit 4:

Session 1 Think Again!

Session 2 Getting To Know Me

Session 3 Follow Your Heart

Session 4 The Big Picture

Session 5 Career Day

Session 6 The Final Spin

Session 7 Wrap-Up

• Attachment # 1. Picture of classroom set up: Tables vs. Desks (promotes team building)
  

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