Great Networking, Great Practice

Academic teachers and administrators in our building often underestimate the potential of my marketing students. To help them understand how talented some of the kids are, and to help me prepare them for DECA competitive events, I’ve learned to involve as many of my colleagues as
possible in the final days before our events begin. Basically, I create a number of generic role playing "events" that my students demonstrate for anyone in the school who is willing to assist (teachers, counselors, librarians, administrators, etc.). The "judge" uses a formal rating form to
evaluate the student’s performance. (Be sure to use a quality rating form that emphasizes meaningful competencies!)

All students must arrange for a minimum number of demonstrations for each round. I do at least one round (topic) before each level of DECA competitive events (i.e., district, state, national). Obviously, the students learn a lot and end up better prepared. Equally positive, the activity creates some incredible PR and bonding with school staff. It creates a very personal interest among school staff as they monitor the progress of each student through the competitive events process. And, finally, it helps others in the building begin to understand that there are real and valuable skills being
developed in my marketing classes!

Ed Bufford 
Phoenix, AZ 
Reprinted from MarkEd.com