Elective: Learning to Fly: Life Skills for Independence and Success

Taught by Noel Grandmaison

This is a course where students will develop their English language skills while also learning and practising what they need to navigate and be successful in today’s world – both locally and globally. Using a practical and interactive approach, students will learn real-world know-how such as researching job and scholarship opportunities, resume and application writing, effective interviewing techniques, formal email and telephone communication, appropriate use of social media, job-related vocabulary, modern workplace culture, and presentation and public speaking techniques. Activities will be modified to reflect each student’s interests and goals.

Using actual websites and social media platforms, students will be able to practice and apply these skills in a real-world yet risk-free environment. They will learn vocabulary and practice written and telephone communication. They will learn specific language to create effective CVs that are tailored to specific purposes using key-words and specific phrases. They will prepare for interviews and practice by role-playing them. They will learn about workplace culture and social expectations as well as responsible use of social media. Readings will include online articles, blogs and an extended reading exercise (to be determined). They will also learn and practice public speaking and presentation skills based on a project that will be tailored to their personal interests and culminate in a presentation.