Freshman English 2 Final Project:
The Best Job in the World
Television is not real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.
- Bill Gates
Project Overview
A need to alter the current final project for the Freshman English 2 program was identified through discussion with students in the program. Based on their feedback and suggestions, this project was developed to offer a final project that included both group and individual work and incorporated a wider array of activities. It is also an attempt to bring more real-world skills and topics into classroom discussions and activities.
This project was inspired by a 2009 marketing campaign conducted by Queensland, Australia's tourism board. The campaign offered a job as an island caretaker to the most qualified candidate. Applicants were asked to submit an application in the form of a short video. The project begins by exploration and discussion of this marketing campaign. The students then form groups to complete the first portion of the project: the job advertisement and presentation. The second portion of the project, a cover letter or resume and video application, is completed individually.
Job Advertisement
In small groups, the students act as a company and brainstorm ideas for what they believe to be the best job in the world. Their first task is to design an electronically generated print advertisement for the job. The advertisement is based on English writing skills, organization and creativity
Click here for the brainstorming paper
Cover Letter
The students ("applicants") must apply to their chosen job by first submitting a cover letter to the "company." The first draft of the cover letter is peer reviewed by the group members of the "company." The final draft is submitted to the "company" and the instructor. The writing is assessed primarily for content rather than grammar or spelling
Click here for the peer edit form
Click here for the grading rubric
Job Presentation
The students continue to work in the chosen groups by preparing and demonstrating a presentation of their job to the class. Their goal is to attract potential applicants by explaining the benefits of their job. The group is assessed based on things such as team work and English speaking skills, as well as organization and clarity of the presentation. A job fair activity follows the presentations as a way for potential candidates to choose a job to apply to.
Click here for the grading rubric
Click here for the follow up activity
Video Application
The final stage of this project requires the "applicants" to create and present a short video application for the job they wish to apply too. The students prepare to produce their videos by watching a series of video resumes and discussing, evaluating and reflecting on them. The video applications are shown to the class, peer reviewed by the company group and assessed by the instructor primarily for content and effectiveness.
Click here for the introduction activity
Click here for the peer review form
Click here for the grading rubric
Student Examples
Pet Caretaker
This is the perfect job for any animal lover. This group tries to entice students with an interest in animals to apply for their "best job in the world."
Annie does a great job of showing that she is "your man!" Her experience and skills related to animal caretaking made her a great candidate for this job.
Video Game Tester
If you enjoy gaming, this is the job for you. This company offers some outstanding benefits to simply play a variety of video games.
Click here for the print advertisement
Andrew shows his creativity and love for gaming by demonstrating his skills in song. His creative and musical approach impressed the entire class.
Mars Frontier: Apartment Tester
What if you could get paid just to use the facilities of a world class apartment? Would you like a chance to travel to space and live on another planet? This company is ready to help you answer those questions.
Click here for the group presentation slides
Thomas is ready, willing and able to accept the Mars Frontier challenge. His thorough and creative approach to the video resume made him the winning candidate for this job.