Shifting Perspectives on the Approach to Work-Based Learning

July 12th-14th, a week from today, the NAF Network will gather in Phoenix for the NAF Next Conference. With the overall theme of Perspectives and daily themes of “Shift, Share, and Shape,” the conference will spark reflection, share new ideas, and provide tangible strategies and resources for attendees. We are excited to join together as the NAF community and learn from each other, so we can all continue to elevate our work in preparing students to be college, career, and future ready.

Work-based learning has been a foundation of the NAF design throughout our 40-year history but in the changing world of work, it is time for a shift in approach. At NAF Next, we will be launching Outcomes-Driven Work-Based Learning (ODWBL). ODWBL features a student-centered focus on goal setting and aspirations, transferable work skills, and meaningful professional relationships. As a result of this new approach, students will be more confident and better prepared to navigate their professional journey after high school. These students will be able to identify their careers of interest, map a plan to reach their goals, master skills they need to be successful, and make connections with professionals who can help them navigate their paths forward. In a letter to the Network in April, NAF CEO Lisa Dughi, shared a preview of the approach and built anticipation. Now, the launch is finally almost here!

Throughout NAF Next, we will be introducing different elements of this approach and providing opportunities for educators to engage with ODWBL directly through hands-on sessions. Below are a few highlights. For the days/times, full descriptions, and speaker details, we encourage you to visit the NAF Next in-depth agenda.

ODWBL Announcement and Kick-Off during Main Stage Breakfast, Wednesday, July 12th

During her State of the Network address, NAF CEO, Lisa Dughi, will announce the launch of Outcomes-Driven Work-Based Learning. To expand on the power of connection-building, Julia Freeland Fisher, Director of Education Research at the Clayton Christensen Institute, will be presenting an engaging talk on social capital. During her keynote speech, Colette V. Smith, Founder and President of Believe N You and first African-American female coach in NFL, will also highlight some of the key themes of ODWBL: aspirations, skills, and connections.

Learning Sessions

Each of the 5 Learning Blocks will feature hour-long sessions providing a foundation in different elements of the ODWBL approach. Sessions include:

• Social Capital: The Power of Uncovering & Developing Students’ Networks;
• Evolution of WBL: NAF’s Outcomes-Driven Approach;
• Tech Tools for Tracking ODWBL;
• Introducing Students to ODWBL;
• Mentored Industry Projects: Elevating WBL in the Classroom;
• Empowering AB and Industry Partners through ODWBL; and
• Preparing Students & Supervisors for Internship Success

Tech Lab Hands-On Sessions

Located in the Innovation Studio, the Tech Lab will be featuring 25-minute sessions, where attendees can experience ODWBL first-hand. Sessions will be repeated on a rotating basis. Topics include:

• How to Enter Activities into the WBL Tracker;
• ODWBL Resources;
• Using Student Voice to Plan ODWBL;
• Integrate WBL into your Classroom with WBL Lesson Plans; and
• What’s New with NAFTrack?

Attendees will also be able to speak with NAF Staff 1:1 for additional questions and support.

For those of you who are not able to join us, we have recorded over 15 short videos on the ODWBL content we are covering during the conference. This series will be released in early August, just in time for you to view them as you prepare for the upcoming school year.

Outcomes-Driven Work-Based Learning is an exciting shift for NAF. It can act as a north star that provides students, educators, advisory board members, and partners, with a shared sense of purpose and direction. It also adds a deeper level of meaning beyond just having students participate in work-based learning activities. As one of our pilot participants noted, “The outcomes-driven WBL approach allows teachers, students, and advisory board members to pinpoint the type and “Why” of a work-based activity experience and not just going on a field trip.”

After years in development, we can’t wait to share the Outcomes-Driven Work-Based Learning approach at NAF Next. If you haven’t already, register today!