Abstract:

Senior Seminar is a one-credit course created in blended learning format specifically for junior and senior level undergraduate students in the Human Sciences Department who are preparing to enter the job market.

The Human Sciences Department consists of Family and Consumer Studies, Textiles, Merchandising, and Design, Interior Design, and Nutrition and Food Science majors. The course involves an examination of the various processes and skills necessary for students to be successful in developing and managing their career. Measurable goals and outcomes will be created by each student to help form the basis for their work accomplished in this class. Additionally, the course emphasizes career development skills which includes developing a resume and cover letter, leadership characteristics, professionalism, networking, and life/work balancing skills. Resources from the campus’s Career Development Services and other career building websites are utilized. The course was designed as a blended learning course which only meets three to four times during the semester for class orientation, creation of resume and cover letter, and participation in a university-wide career fair. To help prepare for the job interview, a specialized software titled Interview Stream has been incorporated to help students practice using a webcam.

The objectives of the course are to:
(1) understand the philosophical bases of Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences from a global perspective,
(2) develop awareness concerning the role of a Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences professional as a leader in the community,
(3) identify skills for success in developing and managing a career in Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, and
(4) understand the numerous career opportunities available to Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences professionals.

The blended version of this course has several benefits for students. One of the most important reasons students like the blended format is that it provides the flexibility for busy school and work schedules. Additionally, there are on-campus career resources for students to meet with other professionals to discuss their resumes and cover letters, career counseling and participate in numerous job fairs.

A variety of reflective writing assignments are part of the course allowing students to critically assess their learning. Student evaluations of the blended course was uniformly positive, and students reported that they were satisfied with the amount of contact they had with other students and the instructor. Additional students’ evaluation and assessments will be reported.

Keywords:

Blended learning, hybrid course, senior seminar, capstone career preparation course.