Learning Modules

In today’s competitive workplace, it’s more important than ever to stand out from the crowd. So, how can students distinguish themselves from their peers? According to business professionals, learning how to effectively “sell” their ideas is a pretty good start. In this LAP, students will learn to master the key steps in the process of idea “selling” and gain real-life insight on why this skill is so important. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a...

Being ethical takes a lot more than just doing what’s legal. As this LAP explains, being ethical means doing what’s right, no matter what—even when no one is looking! The LAP also explains the importance of ethical principles, describes the consequences of unethical behavior, and explores the key principles that help with ethical conduct. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes...

All of us face ethical dilemmas, but what causes them? This LAP explains the difference between dilemmas and ethical dilemmas, and describes some of the common reasons why ethical dilemmas occur. It also discusses the actions anyone can take to make the right decisions. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information...

How can you spot an ethical dilemma, and what can you do once you discover one? This LAP explains the importance of identifying ethical dilemmas and outlines the steps anyone can take to successfully respond to them. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about recognizing and responding to ethical dilemmas,...

Assess Yourself guides students to understanding their own personal values and behavior. This LAP explains what values and behaviors are, how they relate to one another, and the importance of assessing one’s personal values and behavior. It also leads students to discovering their personal values and acting in accordance with them. The engaging links and relevant examples demonstrate the importance and impact that values and behavior have on students’ lives, both now and in the future. LAPs...

Fairness is the ability to make decisions and act without favoritism or self-interest. A person who acts with fairness is impartial, which means that s/he is not affected by personal bias or prejudice. Teaching your students how to demonstrate fairness is essential to their long-term success in their careers and personal lives. Use this LAP to guide your students to understanding what fairness is, what personal traits contribute to fairness, and how to treat others fairly. LAPs are...

Whether it’s in the workplace or in your personal life, trust is essential. But trust doesn’t just occur naturally! It needs to be built in each important relationship. This LAP explains the techniques you can use to build trust and the characteristics that all trustworthy people possess. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about...

Transparency is much more than just avoiding lies—it involves communicating openly and honestly with everyone, all the time. This LAP explains what it means to communicate openly and honestly, as well as the benefits of transparency. It also details the relationship between trust and transparency and outlines the techniques anyone can use to foster open, honest communication. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP...

Collaborating with others is essential for success in today’s project-oriented workplace. Genius Is a Team Sport (Collaborating With Others) teaches students the importance of collaborating, its key benefits, and effective collaboration techniques. This LAP includes engaging activities, videos, and more that enable students to become effective team members. Teach your students how to use their best skills and talents, along with the knowledge of others, to complete difficult tasks and achieve...

Be the Change explains the difference between ethics, leadership, and ethical leadership, focusing on developing ethical leadership skills. This LAP includes information about what makes an ethical leader and how ethical leaders respond to dilemmas in different situations. It also includes hands-on activities and current links that will make the concept of ethical leadership practical and relevant for students. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a...

Practice What You Preach provides students with the skills they need to model ethical behavior. This LAP explains why ethical behavior is important and the way that people learn how to behave ethically through others’ examples. This LAP provides step-by-step instructions so students can learn how to model ethical behavior. With engaging activities and relevant examples, students will gain the necessary skills to become ethical leaders in the future. LAPs are comprehensive instructional...

Inspired people fill history books – from musicians to artists to world-class athletes, inspiration is the common bond uniting many successful individuals. In this LAP, students will discover the importance of inspiration within organizations and groups of all shapes and sizes. They will learn how to harness the power of inspiration to bring out the best in the people around them, improving their leadership skills and interpersonal relationships along the way. LAPs are comprehensive...

Teach your students to think critically and challenge the status quo. Unfollow the Crowd (Challenging the Status Quo) explains the reasons for herd mentality and offers strategies to question ingrained practices that limit people and prevent innovation. Videos and activities provide opportunities to challenge groupthink and status quo behavior and to reflect on the qualities that all great leaders have in common. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a...

Chances are, most students will find themselves in a position of power at some point in their lives. But do they know how to use that power to reach their goals? In this LAP, students will learn about the different types of power and how to use them appropriately so that they can become effective and respected leaders. In the Gray Zone, students will examine the tricky situation facing individuals that suddenly have authority over their peers and friends. LAPs are comprehensive instructional...

From selecting a career path to participating in politics, learning how to consider different perspectives is an essential life skill. In this LAP, students will learn how to appropriately consider new and different ideas so that they can make well-informed decisions at school, at work, and in life. Students will gain hands-on experience with opposing opinions through the individual and group activities, where they will use the Internet to research topics relevant to their own lives. LAPs are...

Each choice we make and action we take has value because it creates consequences. The consequences may be positive or negative, short term or long term. And, they affect others as well as ourselves. Teach your students to assess the long-term value and impact of their actions on the world around them. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes...

When employers are asked what skills they value most in employees, integrity and honesty always top the list. But what exactly are honesty and integrity, and why are they important? How can you demonstrate these highly valued traits in school, at work, or in your everyday life? Use this LAP to teach your students how to demonstrate honesty and integrity so they can achieve success in their own lives and improve the world around them. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include...

Don’t Jump to Conclusions! provides the essential knowledge students need to recognize and overcome their own personal bias. This LAP includes comprehensive explanations of bias, unconscious bias, stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination, with real-life examples that students will relate to. It also teaches students to identify their own biases and overcome them so they can embrace diversity and treat others with fairness and respect. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that...

Employers have consistently ranked communication skills as one of the most desirable traits in new employees. In this LAP, students will learn the importance of effective communication skills as well as techniques for overcoming barriers to communication. Students will discover how communication plays a role in their everyday lives, and how their ability to communicate can help them achieve their personal and professional goals. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all...

Increased self-esteem, more meaningful relationships, improved group morale…the benefits of giving praise are practically endless. In this LAP students will learn how to give effective recognition, helping them develop the leadership and interpersonal skills that they need to succeed in the modern workplace. For example, in the Gray Zone, students will examine the case of a restaurant manager who feels that praise is unnecessary – and determine for themselves just how important recognition...

Initiative is an extremely important skill in all types of careers. Teach your students about it with Hustle! They’ll learn why initiative is necessary and how they can demonstrate it at work. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about taking initiative at work, a (So What?) discussion of why it's important to learn, ideas (Make it...

We all work best when we capitalize on our strengths and minimize our weaknesses. This LAP explains how self-assessments can help people increase opportunities for career success, ace their interviews, make better decisions, work well in teams, and more! LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about assessing...

Everybody receives feedback, whether it’s in a report card, a performance evaluation, or simply a conversation with a customer. This LAP describes different types of feedback and explains how everyone can learn to better handle criticism. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about using feedback for...

Leadership is important in many areas of life. We rely on strong leaders for ourselves, and often, others rely on us for leadership as well. Help your students explore the need for good leadership in the workplace. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about leadership, a (So What?) discussion of why it's...

In any group situation, it can be hard for everyone to agree—that’s where consensus building comes in! This LAP explains what consensus is and isn’t, the advantages and disadvantages of using it, and the steps any group can take to build consensus. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about consensus...

Persuading people isn’t the same as forcing them to agree with you—in fact, it’s a skill that requires effort, attention, and practice! This LAP explains the uses of persuasion, the steps it takes to become persuasive, and the techniques anyone can use to become more persuasive. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes...

Businesses and entrepreneurs must test their ideas before jumping in feet-first. They accomplish this task by conducting feasibility studies. Teach your students about feasibility studies—why businesses conduct them, what they include, and the benefits they provide. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about feasibility studies, a (So...

Starting and running a successful, well-respected company doesn’t just require business smarts – it requires dedication to ethical principles and a commitment to doing what’s right. In this LAP, students will explore several common ethical dilemmas associated with starting a company, and will discover the importance of using ethics as a “compass” when beginning a new business venture. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan....

Credit helps people buy now and pay later. This LAP explains the types of credit, who offers it, and the costs that businesses and individuals pay for using it. It also illustrates the reasons why businesses offer credit and the benefits consumers get from using credit, along with the laws that attempt to make credit fair for everyone. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT!...

Where there’s risk, there’s reward! This LAP explains how investors know whether they’re risk-tolerant or risk-averse and covers the differences between lending investments and ownership investments. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about types of investments, a (So What?) discussion of why it's...

Though it might not seem as “glamorous” as inventing new products or creating marketing campaigns, accounting is an absolutely vital part of business success. Teach your students about the importance of accounting—what it is, why businesses need it, and how they use it. Explain to them the difference between managerial and financial accounting, and help them discover each step in the accounting cycle. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a...

Open your students’ eyes to the significance of cash flow in business! The LAP Count the Cash explains the importance of maintaining a positive cash flow to pay expenses, invest, and expand a business. It includes discussions of how entrepreneurs find funding and manage cash with limited resources as well as the challenge of managing inconsistent cash flows due to seasonal business. An explanation of how cash flow is determined is also included. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages...

The balance sheet is one of a business's key financial statements. This LAP discusses the accounting equation, who uses balance sheets, and balance sheet components, including assets, liabilities, and owner’s equity. Teach your students what balance sheets are and why they're important. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that...

What do the terms earnings statement, operating statement, and profit-and-loss statement have in common? They're all names for the income statement. Help your students learn about these important financial documents with Watch Your Bottom Line. Readers will gain an in-depth knowledge of the various components of income statements and will discover why it’s so important for these documents to be accurate and up to date. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages...

Planning ahead is important in life and in business! Budgeting is essential for financial success. Teach your students about budget components, formats, strategies, and how to develop an effective budget for their company or department. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. Each LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about budgeting, a (So What?) discussion of why it's important...

Running a business without a budget is like trying to steer a ship on a cloudy day without a compass—it’s far too easy to sail off course. Money Tracks helps you teach your students why budgets are so important, prepares you to discuss various types of budgets, and maps out your discussion of the characteristics that effective budgets possess. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with...

Internal accounting controls, such as separation of duties, documentation, and auditing, are the safeguards meant to protect a business’s financial assets and information against loss from error or fraud. Teach your students what these controls are and why they’re so important! LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. Each LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about internal...

Accountants provide an important service to society, and therefore, they have a duty to be ethical. With Due Care (The Role of Ethics in Accounting) describes the importance of ethics to all types of accountants. It focuses on the purpose of ethics in accounting as well as the benefits businesses receive from ethical accounting practices. This LAP also explains several key principles accountants should follow to maintain ethical behavior. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive...

Finance affects just about every aspect of a business. In this engaging LAP, students will discover the various responsibilities of financial managers and explore the relationship between finance and other business functions. In the Gray Zone, students will explore a challenging ethical dilemma commonly faced by finance professionals. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a...

Ethics are essential for success in finance. Money Morals (The Role of Ethics in Finance) takes an in-depth look at the role that ethics play in finance. It explains why ethics are so important to financial professionals and identifies factors that lead to unethical actions in finance. This LAP also discusses strategies that promote ethical behavior in finance. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a...

Just like individuals, businesses weigh risks and rewards when making important decisions. Teach your students more about cost-benefit analysis. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about cost-benefit analysis, a (So What?) discussion of why it's important to learn, ideas (Make it Pay!) for immediate...

Financial information is important for all of us – but especially important for businesses! Using this LAP, teach your students about the types of financial information businesses use as well as how they use it. In the activities, students will get hands-on experience with financial information, helping them better understand the various characteristics of quality financial information. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a...

Human resources management is a lot more than just interviewing and hiring! HR managers administer benefits, oversee training and development, ensure compliance, and more. This LAP shows students just how influential the HR function is in every business. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about human...

From handling sensitive issues such as discrimination and harassment to determining compensation plans and reward systems, HR managers often face serious ethical dilemmas. In this LAP, students will delve into the issues facing human resources professionals in today’s modern workplace, gaining an in-depth understanding of how ethics play a role in HR management. In the activity Hershey’s: An Ethical Chocolate Company, students will discover how a real-world human resources department uses an...

Being a leader means influencing, motivating, and empowering followers to be creative, learn new skills, and strive toward organizational goals. Teach your students how effective leadership can help a business to be more productive, its employees to be more creative and skilled, and its leaders to enjoy both internal and external rewards. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. Each LAP includes a student handout (with...

Marketing information is essential for business success. Businesses use marketing information to make educated decisions, solve problems efficiently, and plan for the future. And, where do businesses get this information? From marketing-information management systems. Marketing-information management systems are responsible for continuously gathering, sorting, analyzing, evaluating, and distributing needed marketing information. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all...

Seek and Find explores the crucial role that marketing research plays in business decision-making and describes the steps involved in the marketing research process. The importance of research identifying target markets, trends, preferred product features, and pricing is illustrated with examples from corporate giants Apple, Taco Bell, Lego, and Hershey. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student...

Decision making requires data. Marketers must determine who will buy a product, how they will promote it, how much it will cost, where they will sell it, and so on. Teach your students about the types of data that marketers need for effective decision making; where they locate data; how they use data; and how data usage can impact business. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. Each LAP includes a student handout (with...