My Co-op addresses a full range of co-operative education pre-placement and integration topics for students in a single, easy-to-read volume.

My Co-op employs an activity-based approach. Instructive text is presented as a series of short readings accompanied by graphics and illustrations. Chapters include key terms, detailed definitions, in-text questions, and an icon system that relates readings to corresponding activities and their accompanying line masters. Line masters and assessment tools are available as a consumable workbook or as a free download to adopters.

• Engaging Student Activities: Accompanying activities aim to address higher-order literacy, numeracy, thinking/inquiry, problem solving, research, and group work. In addition to exploring the text, students create their own content through research and other experiential learning opportunities.
• Soft Skills Development: Students are encouraged to develop and exercise various positive attitudes and behaviours in the workplace, such as personal responsibility, self-discipline, self-motivation, and personal hygiene.
• Foundational Resource: My Co-op is a new and easy way to ensure consistency of delivery and to save time preparing and delivering a co-operative education program.

Topics

1. Am I Right for This?
2. From Resumé to Job Application
3. Your Best Foot Forward
4. What You Should Know About Workplace Safety
5. What You Should Know About Privacy, Confidentiality, and Ethics at Work
6. What You Should Know About Employment Standards and Human Rights
7. What You Should Know About Unions and Collective Bargaining
8. How the Workplace Is Changing: Future Trends in Employment
9. How the Workplace Is Changing: Gender on the Job
10. Managing Difficult Situations at Work
11. Success in the Workplace
12. Epilogue: Next Steps

Appendix

• What to Do If...?
• Creating an Essential Skills Portfolio
• Showcasing Your Work

Glossary
Index

Topic 3, Your Best Foot Forward