Hands-On Learning: The CTE Classroom Advantage

Far from the rows and rows of desks laid out in support of the traditional lecture format of general education, Career and Technical Education classes present a learning environment made for active participation, collaboration, and hands-on exposure to specific career paths and technical skillsets.

CTE spaces serve as workshops, labs, and simulation environments, teaching not just with words, but with action. CTE is about preparation as much as education; preparation for life beyond school, where students carve their path with skills honed in environments mirroring their future workplaces.

And critically, CTE programs are effective.

(source: California Department of Education)

So what makes a CTE learning environment so transformative for students? And how can OnPoint help you develop your CTE program?

In this article:

Career Centered Curriculums
Flexible Spaces
Hands On Learning

Career Centered Curriculums

A key characteristic of a successful CTE program is the way curriculum is specifically designed for certain vocational outcomes. Learning tools and resources are then assembled in support of those vocational goals, providing a far more focused learning experience for students.

With this in mind, OnPoint offers VR-based learning tools by Umety, creators of a comprehensive VR education system. Students who wish to focus their studies but aren't yet sure of their direction can take advantage of Umety's Career Discovery program, which offers a path of discovery including:

Guided self-assessment
Immersive Personality & Strength Evaluation
Motivating, Gamified Approach

Once students have a better understanding of the experiences and pursuits that naturally motivate them, they can be matched up with career paths aligned with their distinct personalities and interests. An effective CTE program will offer:

Personalized Recommendations
Many Career Paths to Discover
Videos and Interactive Exploration

OnPoint ensures educators are equiped with the right tools and resources to create this CTE experience for students. Furthermore, we understand that simply having state-of-the-art technologies on hand doesn't necessarily translate to meaningful benefits without the training and expertise needed to make good use of those tools. OnPoint provides all of the training needed to make sure teachers get real value out of the resources in their rooms, resulting in a far more effective experience for their students.

Flexible Spaces

Another important quality of a CTE learning environment is flexibility. This is true in two ways. Firstly, within the context of daily use, in support of the "hands on" approach CTE teaching takes. It may be desirable to have students switch from an opening lecture to collaborative practice to presentation, all within the span of a single session. OnPoint works with industry leaders in flexible and mobile furniture to make these kinds of dramatic layout changes not only possible, but easy.

CTE classrooms need to be flexible in the long-term in order to keep up with changes within the very fields they equip students to work in. As Dr. Sue Highland observed in her publication on designing modern CTE classrooms:

"Workplace standards and equipment change rapidly as technology evolves. When designing CTE learning spaces, think about how you can make these spaces as flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances as possible."

CTE learning spaces promote flexibility and creativity by virtue of the very way they are designed and equipped, reinforcing qualities that are increasingly essential in many industries. OnPoint works with educators to build learning environments that support the educational needs of today while leaving room to grow into the needs of tomorrow.

Hands on Learning

CTE programs are built from the ground up to offer the kind of real-world experience that can only come from doing. While a study of theories and key concepts remains part of the learning process, effective CTE programs provide opportunities to apply what is learned through hands-on exercises, experiments, and projects.

To develop 21st century skills such as communication and collaboration, group activities, exploration, and presentation are essential. OnPoint's approach incorporates all of these elements, from teaching methodologies to room design, to technologies and resources, our team builds a learning strategy with each component accounted for and aligned with your educational objectives.

The OnPoint Difference

From helping you clarify your educational objectives to determining which technologies and teaching tools align with the careers and technical skills you intend to develop, to designing and constructing CTE classrooms that facilitate the entire program, OnPoint manages the entire process.

We make it easy for districts whether they're looking to update existing programs or are still trying to get new courses off the ground. From consultation to design, delivery, and training. We oversee the entire process.