ODWBL Best Practices

The following best practices are helpful as you learn more about ODWBL and begin to implement it. We will continue to add to this list over time.

Implementing WBL Activities

• Use the Skills Workshop, Informational Interviews, Resume Review/Coaching Sessions, and/or Mock Interviews lesson plans to incorporate WBL activities directly into your classroom, no matter what subject you are teaching.

• Look for opportunities to elevate WBL activities (for example, converting a guest speaker event into a Skills workshop) so that there is a greater impact on students’ aspirations, skills, and connections.

Engaging Students

• Framing the outcomes as 3 goals, share the ODWBL approach early and often throughout students’ time in their NAF academy.

• Seek ways for students to help plan and implement WBL activities in your academy.

WBL Tracking Tools

• At the beginning of the school year, make sure all your students are added into NAFTrack since otherwise, you won’t be able to designate them as having participated in WBL activities you add in the WBL Participation Tracker.

• Enter WBL activities consistently and as soon as possible after the event and make sure to designate students who participated. You also have the option of adding the activities at the beginning of the semester and then just going back into the activity to mark the students who attended.

• After a WBL activity, set aside some time at the beginning of the next class for students to complete the Reflection Form (can be a “Bell Ringer" or “Do Now” activity).

Assessing Outcomes

• Use data, especially students’ voice and perspectives and feedback from industry professionals, to take a holistic approach to assessment.

• Engage your Advisory Board members in the assessment process, including data review and analysis.