FCS FLASH! - Communicate

October 13, 2009

 

 

FCS FLASH ISSUE 110: October 13, 2009

Link to Complete FCS Calendar (Color-coded by discipline for easy reference)
Don’t Miss these Highlighted Events!
October – November: Various Dates and locations: CCCECE Regional Fall Meetings
October 28-31: Long Beach: CCCOAE Fall Conference
November 6: Pasadena: FCS Consumer Studies Professional Development Workshop, 9 am–3:30 pm, Register Now!
November 7: Fairfield: FCS Interior Design Professional Development Workshop, 9 am–3 pm, Register Now!
December 2-3: Sacramento: California Joint Special Populations Advisory Committee (JSPAC) Conference
March 19, 2010: Santa Ana: FCS Fashion Professional Development Workshop: Save the Date!

FCS Discipline Dispatch!
There are some terrific FCS Professional Development Events this year, so make plans to attend. You can register now for the Consumer Studies and Interior Design workshops. Roger Gerard, Shasta College, inspired in part by the television show, Mad Men, reflects on the era of 3 martini lunches and where the hospitality industry is today in terms of alcohol consumption trends. Hugo Martin, The Los Angeles Times, looks at how California’s hotel industry is faring in today’s economy and the creative steps properties are taking to fill rooms. Dana Wu Wassmer, Cosumnes River College, responds to a recent article in Time magazine. In “No Pain, All Gain?” she breaks down a few myths and misconceptions about diet and exercise. Finally, a story in the Los Angeles Times highlights a new study from the Rand Corporation about the impact LA’s fast food ban is having on obesity rates.

 

FCS Activity: Employers Want Good Communicators
Regardless of their major, FCS students, in all our disciplines need to develop good communication skills. The ability to speak and write clearly is the number one skill employers are looking for in entry-level applicants; yet, employers contend, it is the skill-set most prominently absent. For years, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) has been asking employers to describe their perfect candidate. Their studies confirm that employers want to hire employees who speak, write, and read well. In a good job market, job candidates can get by with less than stellar skills. But, when job opportunities are tight, job candidates must be clear about what employers want and find ways to demonstrate those qualities. Since communication is so critical, give your students an opportunity to reflect and sharpen their skills with this activity.

 

 Do this:
*   Show What Employers Want in a New Hire (a 3 minute video clip). Ask students some questions about the video.
   What is the #1 skill employers want in a new hire? (Good communication skills)
   How would you describe a good communicator? (Write down students suggestions)
*   Distribute the Advice from Great Communicators, review the directions, and give them a few minutes to complete the activity.
*  Share students’ responses and share things they intend to do to develop their skills.
*  If you want additional fast and easy classroom communication activities, click on the activities listed next to Interpersonal and Communication Skills on the FLASH Mind Map. 

 

Awesome Outcome: Students gain insight and direction on how to develop and use their communication skills in the workplace.

This newsletter was brought to you by the California Community College Chancellor's Office Family and Consumer Sciences Collaborative Grant (#09-0160). Please contact Joann Driggers (jdriggers@mtsac.edu) or 909/594-5611 x5203 with any questions.