10
PRAXIS
Motivating the learners through the recognition of their own potential
During the TC, the participants were encouraged to point out what good qualities they see in each other. Pointing out their light led to their further empowerment.
A clip was also shown from the film 'Coach Carter' to showcase the importance of how showing our light is probably the most powerful thing to do.
Group building
Active participation
Engaging into the process
of learning
Active participation and motivation were found out to be fundamental in any learning or planning process. Strategies and tools how to actively involve the learners into the learning process, were shared from the youths' personal experiences.
Discussions were held where the youths discovered why the best results always take place when the learners are themselves engaged and actively involved in the process.
Furthermore, highlighting the learners' strengths is essential for them to open up and actively participate.
It was also outlined that the facilitator has to empower the learner by taking a step back and let the children/youths explore ways how to reach their goals themselves.
From the start of Praxis, a lot of activities were held to break the ice and build a friendly bond between the participants. Apart from these, many useful tips were given by the trainers on ways how to connect a group.
Furthermore, since this TC took place in a forest, there was very limited access to the outside world. This in turn, helped in the cohesion of the group.
Plotting and acting out a sketch
Familiarising with 'Erasmus +'
and creating projects
Participants were divided into teams and together they planned a play. It was made sure that everyone participated in this exercise. After planning everything, the trainers exchanged the plots with the different teams. Therefore each team had to accommodate to a plan that was not his and agree to change some parts if needs be. Finally, all the teams acted out this sketch.
Accommodating learning strategies according to specific needs
During Praxis, all of the participants presented their organizations in an NGO fair. This paved way for partner finding and connected future project making.
The trainer gave an overview of what to expect in the revised Youth in Action programme. And afterward, the participants formed teams according to their interests in the themes of new projects and planned some projects together.
During this TC, sessions were held in order to equip the participants with ways how to motivate children/youths to be engaged in what they're doing by accommodating the lessons to their likes and strengths.
'Building a city' and 'Plotting a sketch' were 2 such sessions. They also helped the youths to make use of their creativity and artistic skills, and were an excellent way of bonding.
Building a city
Infiltrating into foreign cultures
Applying non formal methods in a Finnish school
Different instructions were given to each team and with only non-verbal communication, each team had to decide and agree how to build a city made of clay.
The climax of Praxis involved the participants molding everything they've learnt and putting it into practice. This was done by dividing into teams, planning a lesson plan together and then they were given the chance of doing their session with Finnish adolescents using non formal teaching methods.
A interesting part of Praxis was the merging of different cultures into one. Thanks to an intercultural night, participants could taste delicacies from the various countries and present a presentation on their respective homes. In particular, they experienced particular aspects of the Finnish culture by visiting a school and a youth center, eating a typical Christmas dinner in a cook's home, trying out some sports in the snow and enjoying a classic sauna experience.
Results
Transforming ways to learn
As one can imagine, the outcomes of this TC were impeccable. Thanks to the professionalism of the trainers, and the commitment of the participants, Praxis was a huge success!
An article about this TC was also reported in a local newspaper. The bond and the sharing that took place within the team were extraordinary and therefore Praxis proved to be not just a finished project, but a springboard for further outcomes. The seed planted in Konnevesi, will continue bearing its fruit for many years to come! :)
In Praxis, participants outlined the differences between formal, informal and non-formal learning. Following this, a discussion was carried out on strategies that can be used to transform rigid formal methods of learning into more creative and useful ways to learn with the use of non-formal education.
Core
Praxis is the process by which a theory, lesson, or skill is enacted, practiced, embodied, or realised. "Praxis" may also refer to the act of engaging, applying, exercising, realizing, or practicing ideas.
Background
Aims of the Training Course
Praxis brought together 27 youths who all work in challenging environments. These participants came from Turkey, Romania, Denmark, Estonia, Malta, Great Britain, Italy and Finland .
All the participants had an interest in non-formal learning and Youth In Action Programme. Methodologically Praxis used a lot of group work, theoretical inputs, practical exercises, reflection and debriefing sessions.
- To acquire tools to increase sensitivity of what learning methods are needed to address different individuals
- To gain knowledge about youth work and how can theory be translated into concrete outcomes
- To learn more about Youth in Action as a tool for future projects; and find suitable partners
- To learn more about group dynamics and team building
- To understand better how non-formal methods of education can be of benefit in everyday practice
Training Course
in Konnevesi, Finland
25th November- 1st December 2013
Anni Juntunen
Clive Bonnici