Teaching Reflection: How We Support Students to Integrate Learning Laurie Jo Wallace; ljwallace@hria.org BEST Initiative, Health Resources in Action

AGENDA Welcome and Introductions Positive Learning Environment Background on Learning Theory The importance of reflection Types of reflection Activities that promote reflection Life Maps Concentric Circles Closing Circle Integrating refection into your program Pair activity and Group Report back Close

Review: What is Youth Development? Youth as resources not recipients The goal is not to fix youth, but to develop them Preventing problems does not by itself promote development Youth are at the table 4/6/2019

Youth Development PRACTICAL DEFINITION An approach by which youth develop the personal, social, academic and citizenship outcomes necessary for adolescence and adult life based on their capacities, strengths, and formative needs. 4/6/2019

Youth Development: Levels of Youth Participation (simplified) Adult-Led- Adults are the primary decisions makers. They can seek youth input and feedback but it is essential to communicate with the youth that the adult is the final decision-maker. Youth and adults may both may be involved with the implementing the work at this level.   Collaborative- Youth and adults are sharing the decision making and implementation. Youth and adults can plan and implement the work together and have a mostly equal vote in the decisions being made. Youth-Led- Youth are leading the effort at this level, but always with adult support. They might lead a smaller piece of a bigger project, facilitating decisions among themselves, and checking back in with the adults. Or they might lead an entire project. Youth must be prepared with the appropriate skills at this level so they are not set up to fail.

How Do We Learn? Tell me WHY Understand what makes me UNIQUE USE my EXPERIENCE Let me PRACTICE Let me SELF-DIRECT Give me a SAFE ENVIRONMENT Provide CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK Adapted from: Friesen, Kaye, and Associates, Instructional Techniques Workshop (2013) RMC Health – Bryan, R.L., et. Al., (2009). Health Promotion Practice, 10,557-563

BEST Practices in Adult Learning Freire's education theory “dialogue”, “praxis” and most importantly, the “pedagogy of hope.” Gardner's eight multiple intelligences theory multi-modal training methods (e.g., visual, auditory, and kinesthetic techniques) Understanding the Audience: literacy, language and cultural needs

Integrating Meaning: Reflection Making Meaning Self to Self Self to Others Self to the World Reflection as a Tool for Making Meaning Activities; Icebreakers; Closing Drawing; Role-play; Freeze Frame; Plusses/Deltas; Pairs/Small Groups

What is Reflection ? Reflection: Inner thought processes and self-awareness, and internal responsiveness toward broader societal issues. From the Holistic Student Assessment (HSA), the Clover Framework

Activities for Reflection Life Maps Concentric Circles Closing Circle

Strategies for Youth Reflection Involve youth in planning From the beginning of the project Engage a youth-adult leadership team Engage a youth advisory committee Involve youth in implementing Train youth to lead and facilitate Allow youth to lead and facilitate Involve youth in evaluating Ask them what works and what doesn’t Train youth in assessment work 4/6/2019

Build Relationships: Team Building Provide structures for one-to-one interaction Allow time for team-building Allow time to get to know them and listen Allow time for their creativity to blossom - sometimes outside the box Allow room for mistakes Have fun and laugh with each other! 4/6/2019

Core Principles for Working with Youth Listen to young people Stop yourself from taking over Encourage opportunities for leadership Hold high expectations Exercise understanding: Be patient Be Authentic Have fun 4/6/2019

Teaching Reflection: How We Support Students to Integrate Learning QUESTIONS? Laurie Jo Wallace; ljwallace@hria.org BEST Initiative, Health Resources in Action www.hria.org; www.youthworkcentral.org