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This podcast has
51 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
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No
Date created
2018/05/09
Latest episode
2026/07/21
Average duration
52 min.
Release period
39 days
Description
“Talking Youth Work” is a series of podcast interviews to Youth Work experts and practitioners that have a say when it comes to Innovation in Youth Work. Hosted by Anita Silva and Rui Branco.
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Check latest episodes from The Talking Youth Work Podcast podcast
Leadership and the New Generations with Ivan Ivanov, season 4, episode 11
2026/07/21
Hello dear listeners,
In this episode we talked with Dr. Ivan Ivanov a professor of international politics from North Macedonia, and the Director of the School for Young Leaders, an intensive international programme that helps young people learn leadership skills, now in its 17th year, with over 650 alumni around the world.
Ivan grew-up believing young people have enormous potential but learned that potential doesn't turn into influence on its own. It needs opportunity, encouragement, and someone willing to take young people's ideas seriously.
He defends that younger generations are curious and want to learn and participate, but they show up in their own ways. Growing up in the midst of economic crises, a pandemic, and constant uncertainty, they become pragmatics. That’s not a flaw but maybe more of a survival strategy. Ivan argues for a "new pragmatism", supporting young people in having ambitious values paired with honest, realistic paths toward them. “Idealism without action is performance; pragmatism without values is opportunism”.
We talked about hierarchy and how structures give us accountability. But young people are far less willing to accept authority just because of a title. They want competence, consistency, honesty and a leader that can listen. Leadership training many times focuses on public speaking, Ivan said, but rarely teaches young people to ask good questions or hear someone whose experience differs from their own.
There as a theme that kept coming back during the episode, fear versus hope: how much of today's political language runs on fear, and how fear is exactly what stops us from listening to each other.
His advice to youth workers was simple and a little uncomfortable: stop letting young people "choose the colour of the poster," and start giving them real budgets, deadlines, and room to fail and reflect.
Ivan left us with something youth workers can take as inspiration: technology can inform young people, but it will never teach them how to be human. That's still our job.
School for Young Leaders
International Center Alliance Of Civilizations
For any ideas, comments, or suggestions, feel free to email us at [email protected].
This episode is part of the Inception of Learning project, funded by the Erasmus+ Youth Programme, which supports youth workers, trainers, and educators in the context of Generation Z and Generation Alpha.
#YouthWork #Leadership #IvanIvanov #SchoolofYoungLeaders #GenZ #GenAlpha
Understanding Motivation in Young People with Dr. David Yeager, Season 4, Episode 10
2026/05/13
Hello dear listeners,
We are back with another conversation that will make you look at young people (and at yourself ) quite differently!
In this episode we talked with Dr. David Yeager, professor of psychology at the University of Texas at Austin and author of the book “10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People”, and we explored what really drives the motivation of young people and how adults can become more effective in their lives.
A central idea that David brought to our conversation was that young people are not disconnected or irrational, they are deeply sensitive to status and respect. Not in a superficial, social-media-likes kind of way, but in a profound, evolutionary sense: the need to be seen as competent, valued, and capable of making wise choices.
When adults fail to honour this need, they lose their influence before the conversation even begins.
David challenges what he calls the "neurobiological incompetence model", the widespread belief that teenage brains are simply too driven by hormones and impulse to think clearly.
He argues this model is not only inaccurate, but actively harmful, as it leads adults to adopt a communication style he calls grown-splaining: imposing adult logic onto young people and blaming them when it doesn't land.
The alternative he proposes is what he calls the mentor mindset, holding high standards while offering genuine support, and believing, truly believing, that young people are capable of meeting them. As he reminds us, a young person will do extraordinary things for an adult whose opinion they care about.
In a world where sophisticated marketing algorithms are competing for young people's attention far more effectively than most educators, David's message is both enlightening and hopeful: human connection remains irreplaceable. No AI, no app, no perfectly crafted campaign can substitute for a trusted adult in a young person's life.
You can check David's book 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People.
For any ideas, comments, or suggestions, feel free to email us at [email protected].
This episode is part of the Inception of Learning project, funded by the Erasmus+ Youth Programme, which supports youth workers, trainers, and educators in the context of Generation Z and Generation Alpha.
#YouthWork #MentorMindset #DavidYeager #Motivation #GenZ #GenAlpha
Youth Participation with Gen Z, Elena Avramovska , season 4, episode 9
2026/04/16
Hello dear listeners,
In this episode, we talked with Elena Avramosvska, a researcher with over 10 years of experience studying democracy, political participation, and gender equality, with a special focus on Generation Z across Europe.
The conversation was rich, nuanced and at times surprising. Elena challenged the common narrative that young people are simply apolitical or disengaged. The reality, is far more complex: Generation Z is not uninterested in politics, they are deeply disillusioned with the politics they are getting.
They feel unrepresented, and when something truly resonates with their lived experience, they can mobilise quickly and powerfully.
One of the most striking findings from her research is how socioeconomic anxieties have overtaken climate change as the dominant concern among young people across Europe. Housing, job insecurity, healthcare, and even pensions are now top of mind (yes, pensions) reflecting a profound and somewhat unexpected sense of long-term uncertainty.
As Elena explains, this generation feels they have done everything right, (finished their education, found work, tried to be good citizens) and yet the system doesn't seem to be holding up its end of the bargain.
We also explored the growing gender divide in political attitudes. Young women are moving towards more progressive positions, while young men lean increasingly towards the right. Yet beneath this apparent polarisation, Elena finds something more hopeful: both groups share the same diagnosis. They see the same broken system, the same economic insecurity. Where they differ is in how they interpret what that means for their own lives, and what should be done about it.
Authenticity, Elena notes, matters enormously, young people can tell when they're being talked about rather than talked to.
For youth workers, her message is clear: stop thinking about how to "activate" young people and start thinking about how to genuinely connect with their real, everyday concerns. Trust is built locally, one meaningful relationship at a time.
It was a truly inspiring conversation — we hope you enjoy it!
Here is the link to the study about gender divides among Gen Z.
For any ideas, comments, or suggestions, feel free to email us at [email protected].
This episode is part of the Inception of Learning project, funded by the Erasmus+ Youth Programme, which supports youth workers, trainers, and educators in delivering high-quality learning experiences for young people in the context of Generation Z and Generation Alpha.
#YouthWork # ElenaAvramovska #PoliticalParticipation #Democracy
Bridging Generations Through Reflection with Paul Meunier, season 4, episode 8
2026/03/25
Hello dear listeners,
We know you missed us, you don’t have to play tough, we missed you too!
In this episode we talked with Paul Menier, Executive Director of the Youth Intervention Programs Association (YIPA), and we discussed how we can support the next generation in a fast-paced world.
A clear idea that our guest left us was that effective youth work begins with the practitioner’s own self-awareness. He argues that we cannot separate the youth worker from the work, as our own integrity and life journey are our primary tools.
Another important takeaway was that technological shifts, like social media and AI, are shared human experiences. Instead of viewing the struggles of Gen Z and Gen Alpha as unique "problems," Paul encourages us to recognise that adults are navigating these same hurdles together, and everyone is struggling at some point.
Despite the rise of AI and digital connection, he argues that the biological and emotional nuances of human relationships cannot be replaced.
Paul advocates for a shift away from over-pathologising youth behavior and toward understanding the environmental context. Many behaviors often labeled as "mental health disorders" are actually survival-mode responses to a young person's environment.
Sometimes we can forget that the goal of youth work is to model healthy relationships and provide mentorship that helps young people navigate their own development.
Our guest left us with a lot to think about, and decision makers must reflect that, for youth work to be effective, leadership must prioritise and protect the space for practitioners to reflect on their practices.
Ultimately, Paul offers a hopeful vision: by staying grounded and curious, we help young people lead meaningful lives of integrity.
You can check Paul’s book “Relationships Are Everything: What Youth Workers Teach Us About Leadership”.
For any ideas, comments, or suggestions, feel free to email us at [email protected].
This episode is part of the Inception of Learning project, funded by the Erasmus+ Youth Programme, which supports youth workers, trainers, and educators in the context of Generation Z and Generation Alpha.
#YouthWork #PaulMeunier #Leadership #Relationships
How to Support Learning with Dr. Barbara Oakley, season 4, episode 7
2026/02/24
Hello Dear Listeners,
In this episode we had the absolute pleasure (and a bit of a "starstruck" moment) of talking to Dr. Barbara Oakley, a professor of engineering, researcher, and the mind behind some of the most popular online courses on the planet, including the famous “Learning How to Learn” and “Mindshift”.
Youth workers, often pride themselves on creating engaging, social, and beautifully designed non-formal learning experiences, but Dr. Oakley poses a slightly uncomfortable question:
Are the methods we cherish really helping our learners retain information, or are they just distracting them from gaining true expertise?
The younger generations have been told to "Just Look it Up", and according to to Dr. Oakley that is a myth. We’ve often been told that in the age of Google and AI, memorisation is dead. "Why learn the multiplication tables when you have a calculator?"
Dr. Oakley argues that this approach actually cripples the brain. Without internalizing "neural schemas" we lack the internal "radar" to realize when something is wrong. If a student hasn't memorized basic patterns, they can't think critically about the complex outputs AI gives them. To truly innovate, you need a foundation that is "rock solid," built through the very thing modern education often avoids: repetition and practice.
In the youth work field, we talk a lot about psychological safety. However, Dr. Oakley warns against the misuse of "safe spaces" where young people are protected from any emotional distress or differing opinions.
True critical thinking, she argues, requires the discomfort of hearing conflicting views and opinions. When we create environments where young people are afraid to speak for fear of causing offense, or where they never learn to truly listen to someone they disagree with, we aren't protecting them we are leaving them unequipped for the real world.
This episode is an invitation to balance our love for creativity with the neurological necessity of discipline and foundational knowledge.
Whether you are a teacher, a youth worker, or a lifelong learner yourself, this conversation with Dr. Barbara Oakley will leave you with plenty of "food for thought" to chew on for a long time.
For any ideas, comments, or suggestions, feel free to email us at [email protected].
This episode is part of the Inception of Learning project, funded by the Erasmus+ Youth Programme, which supports youth workers, trainers, and educators in delivering high-quality learning experiences for young people in the context of Generation Z and Generation Alpha.
#YouthWork #LearningHowtoLearn #DrBarbaraOakley
Youth Participation with Gen Alpha, Andrés Falk and Marcela Guerrero, season 4, episode 6
2026/01/31
Hello dear listeners,
In this episode, we explored youth participation and democracy, and how children and young people are engaging with public life in new and challenging ways. We talked with Andrés Falk and Marcela Guerrero, Executive Director and Project Manager, respectively, at CoGlobal, whose work across Spain focuses on creating meaningful participatory spaces for children and young people.
CoGlobal has implemented methodologies such as school-based participatory budgeting, youth councils, and citizen assemblies. One of their initiatives is Ágora Infantil, an approach that involves entire classrooms over several months, empowering children to influence real local decisions - while ensuring they learn what it means to participate in practice.
The conversation addressed key challenges to participation with Gen A, including rising expectations for quick feedback, the impact of disinformation, and increasing polarisation around issues such as gender equality and climate justice. Despite this, both our guests were hopeful for the future of democracy and the role that Gen A can have. Their keen sense of justice, digital savviness, creative problem-solving, and rapid learning through exploration are powerful tools for participatory democracy, provided they are nurtured in supportive environments.
Finally, we reflected on the importance of rethinking youth work and participation altogether. What if we could redesign our democratic systems from scratch, unburdened by centuries of tradition? Andres suggests that such a radical reimagining might be necessary, especially considering the limitations of current institutions in engaging youth authentically.
Listen now and join the conversation on how participation can be reimagined with — and not just for — young people.
For any ideas, comments, or suggestions, feel free to email us at [email protected].
This episode is part of the Inception of Learning project, funded by the Erasmus+ Youth Programme, which supports youth workers, trainers, and educators in delivering high-quality learning experiences for young people in the context of Generation Z and Generation Alpha.
#YouthWork #GenerationAlpha #ParticipatoryDemocracy #YouthParticipation
Rethinking Gen Z with Alena Tomanová, season 4, episode 5
2025/12/24
In this episode, we talked to Alena Tomanová, Youth worker, innovator and researcher, currently the chairwoman of YouthWatch.
In our conversation, we explored what makes Generation Z, and the emerging Generation Alpha, so distinct from the generations before them. We reflected on how digital culture, instant access to information, and shifting social norms are influencing how young people learn, communicate, and imagine their futures.
Today, young people are surrounded by images, videos, and short-form content that can be consumed in seconds. This shift toward visual and fast-paced media has a real impact on how young people engage with the world. We talked about how this challenges educators and youth workers to move beyond simply delivering information and instead create spaces that encourage exploration, reflection, and curiosity, places where young people can leave and re-engage without judgment.
Flexibility came up again and again in our conversation. Young people today live in a world shaped by immediacy, where interests and commitments can change quickly. Rather than seeing this as a lack of commitment, we can see it as a natural response to the fast-moving digital environments they navigate every day.
We also spent time reflecting on intergenerational relationships. Misunderstandings and assumptions exist on both sides; adults can feel confused or concerned about youth culture, while young people may carry stereotypes about older generations.
Finally, we talked about how, in particular, Generation Z is questioning institutions and demanding change on issues like climate action, governance, and social justice. Rather than viewing this as disruption, we can see it as engagement. Their readiness to question the status quo holds enormous potential to drive innovation and create more inclusive futures—if we’re willing to listen and respond constructively.
For any ideas, comments, or suggestions, feel free to email us at [email protected].
This episode is part of the Inception of Learning project, funded by the Erasmus+ Youth Programme, which supports youth workers, trainers, and educators in delivering high-quality learning experiences for young people in the context of Generation Z and Generation Alpha.
Learning Trends in Generation Alpha with Ashley Fell, season 4, episode 4
2025/08/08
Hello dear listeners,
In this episode, we talked with Ashley Fell, a social researcher, TEDx speaker, and the Director of Advisory at McCrindle, an Australian-based research firm renowned for its work on generational trends. Ashley is also the author of two insightful books: Work Wellbeing and Generation Alpha, and she hosts The Future Report podcast.
Together, we explored the unique characteristics of Generation Z and Generation Alpha—two generations growing up in a world that is non-linear, visual, digital, and virtual. Ashley also explained how global events like 9/11 and the pandemic, have deeply influenced how these generations see the world, learn, and relate to others.
One key takeaway? These generations need trustworthy adults more than ever. In a noisy, uncertain world, full with information and misinformation, the role of youth workers, educators, and caring adults is critical. Ashley shared how we can support young people by encouraging them, equipping them, and entrusting them with opportunities and responsibilities that build confidence and agency.
We also talked about how Gen Z and Gen Alpha are deeply concerned with the environment. They’re connected, cause-driven, and eager to contribute. But to do so meaningfully, they need learning environments that make space for authentic connection, autonomy, and safety.
Ashley brought fresh insights into how technology is shaping learning behaviours - often in unexpected ways - and challenged us to think about how we can design balanced learning spaces that resonate with their digital realities while still offering opportunities for meaningful human connections.
Books mentioned in the episode:
Work Wellbeing Book by Ashley Fell and Mark McCrindle
Generation Alpha Book by Ashley Fell and Mark McCrindle
Generation Alpha Website
Future Report podcast
For any ideas, comments, or suggestions, feel free to email us at [email protected].
This episode is part of the Inception of Learning project, funded by the Erasmus+ Youth Programme, which supports youth workers, trainers, and educators in delivering high-quality learning experiences for young people in the context of Generation Z and Generation Alpha.
#YouthWork #GenerationAlpha #GenerationZ #DigitalYouth #LearningDesign #McCrindleResearch
Psychological Safety in Learning Environments with Romy Alexandra, season 4, episode 3
2025/06/16
Hello dear listeners,
In this episode, we talked with Romy Alexandra, an expert in psychological safety and experiential learning. Her work with NGOs on youth leadership and human trafficking prevention highlighted the need for engaging, effective learning methods, leading her to experiential learning and psychological safety as its foundation.
Romy defines psychological safety, drawing from Dr. Amy Edmondson, as a shared environment where individuals feel safe to take interpersonal risks without fear of punishment or humiliation. This environment fosters vulnerability, inclusion, and innovation, which are essential for learning spaces. She emphasises that it’s not about comfort but about creating trust to navigate discomfort, enabling youth to contribute authentically.
We explored some of the misconceptions around these topics, such as assuming humour indicates safety. Romy cautioned that sarcasm or inappropriate humour can alienate participants, while humour often masks discomfort. Another pitfall is forcing vulnerability too soon, which can shut down the learning process. Instead, facilitators should offer choices and gradual engagement to build trust.
Romy also addresses generational shifts, noting that post-COVID attention spans are shorter, and younger generations use technology as a safety net. She advocates for new conversations to address these changes while grounding youth work in the core principles of experiential learning. In response to the common critique that younger generations are "too sensitive," Romy suggests approaching conflicts with curiosity, fostering dialogue to repair relationships rather than shutting down in the face of discomfort.
Find more about Romy Alexandra Resources and Articles
People and books mentioned in the episode:
Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
The Fearless Organization by Amy C. Edmonson
For any ideas, comments or suggestions, please email us at [email protected].
This episode was part of the Inception of Learning project, funded by the Erasmus+ Youth Programme. The project aims to support youth workers, trainers, and educators in delivering high-quality learning experiences for young people in the context of Generation Z and Generation Alpha.
#YouthWork #PsychologicalSafety #ExperientialLearning
Spaces of Unlearning with Juan Camilo, season 4, episode 2
2025/03/26
Hello dear listeners,
In this episode, we begin exploring the idea of unlearning, joined by Juan Camilo, a youth worker from Colombia who has been living in Iceland. Juan has a background in international education, cultural media communication, and religious studies. He is also an artist and educator who uses transformative pedagogy and non-formal education to promote human ecology and holistic human development.
Unlearning is the process of questioning deeply ingrained beliefs and assumptions. We discuss what unlearning means, how educators can approach it, and how we can create safe spaces for it—both for young people and ourselves.
In the context of Western civilisation, climate change, and social unrest, Juan suggests that unlearning can help dismantle harmful systems. He believes it is essential to recognise our interconnectedness with life and the environment rather than centring ourselves as humans.
Unlearning involves exploring different perspectives, letting go of ingrained assumptions, and using creative and playful methods. It requires courage to navigate uncertain spaces and emphasises the importance of community support. Juan also highlights the need to integrate ancestral knowledge into contemporary youth work to foster deeper connections with ourselves, our surroundings, and the larger community.
It was an insightful and enriching conversation—we hope you enjoy it!
For any ideas, comments, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected].
Holistic Trainer with Katya Sherer, season 4, episode 1
2025/02/16
Hello Dear Listeners,
We are back and we missed you! Did you miss us?
In this first episode of our fourth season, we talked with Katya Sherer about youth work trainers’ wellbeing.
Katya is a trainer, active in the youth sector since 1998. She began her journey as a volunteer and peer-to-peer trainer, later advancing to roles as a trainer and project manager for initiatives in youth work and human rights education. Currently, she works as a freelance trainer and consultant and serves as a board member of the International Youth Work Trainers Guild.
Trainers usually come to the field with a mission mindset and, sometimes, what started as service becomes sacrifice, at least on some area in their life, and it doesn’t have to be like that.
Trainers’ wellbeing is something that the “Holistic Trainer Project” addressed by looking at different areas that impact trainers’ lives.
. Physical Health - Through expert advice and practical tips, it helped trainers prioritise their health and vitality.
. Mental Health and Well-being - Mental health and emotional well-being is essential for resilience and success. The project offered resources to support trainers in managing stress, maintaining balance, and fostering mental wellness.
. Life on the Road - A big part of the life of international youth work trainers is on the road! We provide insights and resources to facilitate smooth experiences while travelling and working abroad.
. Legal Matters - The project offered guidance on navigating legal issues and ensuring trainers' work is safe, recognised and respected, by exploring contractual matters, taxation regulations, insurance, intellectual property laws, and other legal and financial matters
. Self-Management - The project supported trainers with strategies for personal branding, networking, and professional growth.
The International Youth Trainers Guild with other partners, created a lot of resources that can help trainers to have a more fulfilling and sustainable lifestyle, providing more impactful learning experiences and adding longevity to their careers.
Any ideas, comments and suggestions, email us at [email protected].
EduScrum with Mark Postema, season 3, episode 7
2025/01/29
In this episode, we had a conversation with Mark Postema, an EduScrum trainer who also teaches English and Physics. Edu what? You might say.
EduScrum is a framework that comprises tools and ceremonies aimed at creating a user-centered learning experience. It involves learners and a facilitator working together to achieve this goal, with the framework built on four pillars: transparency, adaptation, review, and trust.
During our discussion, Mark emphasized the significance of trust, which we believe is a fundamental aspect of both formal and non-formal learning experiences. Without trust, we cannot perform at our best. We also explored the boundaries between formal and non-formal learning, ultimately realizing that there will come a day when we will discuss learning in a broader sense. This recognition is key to personal growth, regardless of age, whether we are 14, 30, or 70 years old.
Collaboration is a crucial element within the eduScrum framework, highlighting that learning is a collective effort. There is no such thing as a "self-made learner."
EduScrum provides a well-structured set of principles that can guide us as we navigate the subjects we seek to explore. One excellent example is the use of planning poker, where we evaluate the "cards" we have to play with. The assessment of progress is conducted in a manner that prioritizes the learning process rather than just achieving a certain goal. It involves assessing our current position, determining where we want to be, and understanding how much work is required to reach our desired destination.
We genuinely enjoyed this conversation, as it was thought-provoking and inspiring to discover the similarities between EduScrum and other frameworks. However, we also recognized its unique qualities that benefit both ourselves and the young individuals we work with.
If you're interested in learning more about eduScrum, you can find a wealth of valuable information in the following links:
https://eduscrum.org/
https://www.nonformal-education.eu/metody/eduscrum/
Any ideas, comments and suggestions, email us at [email protected].
First published on Tuesday Jun 20, 2023
Queer Youth Work with Vika Matuzaitė, season 3, episode 6
2025/01/29
Hello dear listeners,
In this episode, we had the privilege of speaking with Vika Matuzaitė, a non-formal education trainer and facilitator, who enlightened us about the concept of Queer Youth and how youth workers can support Queer young people.
In today’s world, there can be significant confusion surrounding this topic, where gender, identity, and sexuality are often erroneously treated as interchangeable terms.
It also happens with other terminology. While the LGBTQI+ acronym encompasses certain aspects, the term ‘queer’ transcends gender and sexuality, encompassing a broader spectrum. Unfortunately, queer young individuals encounter numerous challenges stemming from the lack of understanding they often face, particularly within their own families and social circles. Society bombards them with messages suggesting that deviating from the norm is ‘wrong,’ leaving them feeling inadequate, isolated, and excluded.
Tragically, the queer population faces a higher risk of homelessness, addiction, and suicide. Therefore, it is crucial for everyone to gain a deeper comprehension of diversity and actively embrace the unique challenges faced by queer youth from a young age. Vika shared a poignant story about a 16-year-old who confided in her, expressing gratitude for being the first person with whom they could openly discuss their experiences of the world.
This example forces us to reflect on the essential role each of us plays in creating inclusive spaces where individuals can authentically express themselves and find acceptance for their experiences.
As someone’s grandmother wisely said, ‘We need create the space where people matter more than opinions.’ We encourage you to listen to this enlightening conversation and share your thoughts with us.
The EU LGBTI strategy: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52020DC0698
Youth worker’s resource: https://cara-friend.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/22307-CaraFriend-Youth-Worker-Booklet-LGBTQ-Final-screen.pdf
Working with kids with the topics of gender and sexuality (Compasito companion): http://ifm-sei.org/educational-resources-2/rainbow-resources/
A kick-start reading about queer theory: https://iconbooks.com/ib-title/queer-a-graphic-history/
Any ideas, comments and suggestions, email us at [email protected].
First published on Wednesday May 24, 2023
Esports in Youth Work with Jan Lai, season 3, episode 5
2025/01/29
Dear listeners,
In this edition, we had the pleasure of conversing with Jan Lai, an expert in international youth mobility, non-formal education, youth work, digital literacy, and online learning. Jan is a passionate and restless soul who enjoys a good challenge.
During our chat, Jan shared how he initiated an esports* team with a group of young people in his hometown, Cagliari, with a modest budget.
*Esports, short for electronic sports, is a form of competition using video games.[1] Esports often takes the form of organized, multiplayer video game competitions, particularly between professional players, individually or as teams. (Source wikipedia)
In addition to playing games, the youngsters were tasked with assembling the computers they would use to play. This undertaking was a unique learning experience for all involved, as they had to learn how to work together as a team to build computers from scratch. The project is recent but already a success, and the young people learned valuable skills such as teamwork, patience, and technical know-how.
Video games can be an excellent tool to engage young people in learning experiences that may not otherwise pique their interest when presented in a formal educational setting. Furthermore, gaming can serve as a platform for socializing and teamwork, where young people can work together towards a common goal.
By encouraging young people to step out of their comfort zones, learn new skills, and commit to something they are passionate about, they can become more motivated and interested in developing their abilities.
Other groups across Europe are also creating esports teams and organizing tournaments to compete, socialize and share experiences beyond virtual settings.
We hope you enjoyed this episode as much as we did.
Here’s the link to a publication about Participation with Videogames.
https://participationpool.eu/resource/exploring-participation-with-videogames/
Any ideas, comments and suggestions, email us at [email protected].
First published on Friday Apr 28, 2023
Learning environments with Snežana Bačlija, season 3, episode 4
2025/01/29
Hello dear listeners,
In this episode, we talked to Snežana Bačlija Knoch, an educational consultant in the European youth field and a facilitator of learning for nearly two decades. She loves to create encouraging and inviting learning environments, facilitate action-oriented value-based learning, and experiment with (and sometimes create) different educational tools and approaches.
We started by trying to understand what creates enriching learning environments. Is it the people? Is it the physical space? It’s a combination, for sure, but it's interesting to explore how the environments influence the group and vice-versa. It’s not the same thing to discuss diversity with a non-diverse group of people in a plain white room or having a diverse group that goes into town to explore and talk to people on the streets.
As mentioned in our episode about learning experience design, it’s important to “start with the learners in mind. Who are they? What do they know already? And how can we help them learn something new?” Now we might add: What environment will this need? What kind of space? What group of people?
Of course, in real life, there are spatial limitations, we don’t always have the training rooms that we would like to create the environment that would best suit the learning experience, but we can always be creative in how we use it, or explore the surroundings, find a park, a library, a coffee shop nearby, that will help facilitate the discussions and the learning that we are aiming towards.
Have you ever thought about the environments that suit your learning the most?
What kind of spaces and people help you learn the best?
Know yourself and bring the others with you. A very insightful episode, have a listen and let’s keep Talking Youth Work.
Any ideas, comments and suggestions, email us at [email protected].
First published on Tuesday Mar 14, 2023
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