Training Tip from Cindy Carlson: Making Your Training Youth-Friendly
If the youth are unexpected . . .
Be sure to greet them as soon as you see them enter the room. Introduce yourself and welcome them to the training. Without putting them on the spot, find out why they are there. If someone, such as a parent, “dragged” them and they really don’t want to be there, perhaps an alternate arrangement can be made. If they are looking forward to the training, tell them you are looking forward to their contribution.
When you do introductions, genuinely welcome them, but don’t make a big deal over their presence. They are most likely feeling and wondering the same things as the other participants—will this be a good experience, will others include and respect me, when is lunch . . . ?
When you go over ground rules/norms be sure to include a reminder for everyone about listening with an open mind. Another norm that youth like hearing is that there are no stupid questions!
During discussion give them eye contact to assess if they are ready to participate. Sometimes youth need encouragement to speak up in a room of adults, but they also don’t like to be called out if they are not prepared to speak. A statement like “We might want to get a young person’s perspective on this” or “Do any of the youth have anything to add?” can help to break the ice.
Hopefully your training design already includes a variety of activities to accommodate different learning styles. (The Search Institute designs you were trained in are created with various learning styles in mind and their highly interactive nature tends to work well with young people). Young people appreciate active learning environments, especially small group work and creative activities. Often they will want to be the reporter for their small group. Be sure to give clear instructions.
It is not uncommon for an adult to respond in a heavy-handed manner after a young person has made a comment. Many adults feel compelled to tell youth what to think and believe, and will use any type of opportunity to “educate” them. This often results in a “speech” by one of the participants directed at the youth. It is very important to diffuse this immediately as you would another situation where a participant is behaving in an inappropriate manner.
When the training is over, thank them for being there. Again, don’t make a big deal about them (no applause, please) but warmly acknowledge their contributions. It doesn’t hurt to ask them, on the way out, how you did as the trainer/facilitator. The feedback will be helpful in the future!
Now, if youth participation is expected . . .
All of the above tips are still very valid and will be even more helpful when you have time to plan. Plus you will have a chance to plan ahead to create a training that maximizes the role of youth. Remember, they alone are the experts in the room about what it’s like to be young in this time and that place. Their insights can be a valuable resource for your training.
Check out Training with Intergenerational Groups from the Essentials of Asset Building TOT curriculum or the book Get Things Going! for intergenerational activities and ice-breakers.
To bring Cindy to your community, contact our Training Specialists at 800-294-4322
