10 Key Steps in Delivering Learning to Youth BSB40120

At Skills Strategies we work extensively with VET in Schools programs.  We have also been involved in an exciting project in the Middle East training trainers how to work with refugee youth.  I was recently asked for a set of maxims to support delivering learning to young people.  The list below is a start…….. 

 

1. Understand the emotive, cognitive, social and physical development of young people and use this information in the creation of curriculum and learning activities.
2. Behaviour management can be challenging.  Authoritarian management generally doesn’t work.  Be collaborative and focus on developing a community and engaging the learners in the decision making. 
3. Recognise the skills that they have learned in living eg leadership skills, survival skills and develop the skills they need to function as adults.  Ensure they can see the relevance.  
4. Understand the cultural requirements at this stage of their lives.  Understand their beliefs and values.  Ask them what they believe and value and show understanding and respect.  Build rapport and demonstrate an understanding of their needs.   
5. Curriculum should be developed to address their needs at this age.  Eg Risk taking can be an accepted part of young people’s lives.  Teach decision making around risk taking. 
6. Negotiate the curriculum.  Many young people don’t like to be “told”.   
7. Importance of peers.  Use collaborative learning strategies: Collaborative learning involves working in groups to solve problems or complete tasks. This approach promotes teamwork, communication, and critical thinking skills.  They will first need to be taught how to work in groups.  Group leaders and importance of everyone participating.   
8. Utilise active learning to keep them engaged. This can include group discussions, problem-solving activities, and hands-on projects.  Encourage the development of critical thinking and problem solving. 
9. Utilise delivery modes that are engaging for young people eg technology and mobile phones 
10. Use project-based learning.  Develop activities where they can engage in relevant content and make their own decisions eg running their own businesses.   

 

 

Do	Don’t
Negotiate what they want to learn (within reason)	Lecture
Negotiate the rights and responsibilities.  Make expectations clear.	Enforce unreasonable rules that they haven’t’ been warned about.
Explain the relevance of what you are delivering	Teach something just because it is what you learned and consider is important
Show respect for their lives and moderate anything not safe  Show respect for them as individuals and expect them to show you respect too.	Put them down for how they live
Use humour	Talk at them
Individuallise the learning to meet specific needs eg provide opportunities for learners to satisfy their own needs	Try and be their friend.  Building rapport , being friendly and building connections doesn’t mean you have to be their friend. You are still the teacher and need to maintain boundaries.
Use technology.  Get them to teach you about the technology they use.
Listen and respond
Share stories – theirs and yours