Lesson Plan

Pathways Exploration Plan

In 5 minutes, students will explore and compare three post-secondary pathways—college, trade school, entrepreneurship—and identify their top values to inform future decisions.

This rapid discussion builds college and career readiness by prompting seniors to reflect on what they value most in their next steps, fostering clearer, personalized goals.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Review and Arrange Materials

2 minutes

Step 1

Introduction

1 minute

Step 2

Pathway Overview

1 minute

Step 3

Pros & Cons Debate

2 minutes

Step 4

Sticky Note Exit

1 minute

Slide Deck

Which Path Will You Take?

Welcome everyone! Today’s goal is to explore three post‐secondary paths and surface what matters most to you. We’ll spend 1 minute on objectives, 3 minutes on overviews and a quick pros & cons brainstorm, then finish with a sticky‐note exit. Remind students of norms: one speaker at a time and respect all opinions.

Pathway: College

Introduce the College pathway. Highlight the time commitment, potential long‐term earnings, and campus experience. As you speak, jot student keywords or examples on the board under “College.”

Pathway: Trade School

Present Trade School. Emphasize the shorter timeline, hands‐on skill training, and cost advantages. Invite quick examples and record them under “Trade School.”

Pathway: Entrepreneurship

Explain Entrepreneurship. Stress creativity, independence, and risk factors. Capture any student insights beneath “Entrepreneurship” on the board.

Lesson Plan

Pathways Exploration Plan

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Review and Arrange Materials

Step 1

Introduction

Step 2

Pathway Overview

Step 3

Pros & Cons Debate

Step 4

Sticky Note Exit

Slide Deck

Which Path Will You Take?

Pathway: College

Pathway: Trade School

Pathway: Entrepreneurship

Discussion

Cool Down

Which Path Will You Take?

Karla Pinlac