Assessment 1: Application and Integration

Background

Write the following information on the board or on an overhead sheet:
According to an article entitled “So You Want To Be A Forester?” in the September 1965 issue of American Forests if a person could answer “yes” to the majority of the questions below he/she would be suited for the profession of forestry. 

1. Last time I took a hike in the woods, do I remember what kinds of trees grew alongside the trail – at least the principal kinds of trees? Am I anxious to learn more about birds? Wild plants? Trees? Insects? Do I notice what kinds of trees and plants grow in my neighbors’ yards when I walk along the street? Do I enjoy being all alone in the woods? Do I like my teachers? Or most of them, anyway? Do I have lots of friends? Do I like to meet my parents’ friends? Do they seem to like me? Do I do well in school – reasonably well, at least – including the mathematics courses? Am I taking a real interest in what my community is doing to develop parks, open spaces, nature preserves, or the like?
2. Have I ever taken an active part in any project for civic improvement, community welfare, or helping my neighbors?

Preparation

Spend a few minutes analyzing each question.  For every question use the following 2 prompts to generate discussion:

1. How would answering “yes” to this question imply that a person might be suited for a career in forestry?
2. Is this question still relevant to modern forestry?  Why or why not?

Next, have students compile 5 “yes” or “no” questions not listed above that they believe would help a person determine if he/she was suited for a career in modern forestry.  Finally, ask students to create 10 questions they think a person applying for a forestry position should be able to answer.  Encourage students to devise questions that would elicit more than a “yes” or “no” answer.  (Example: As a forester how would you balance the needs of the people against the protection of the environment?)

Interview