Learning & Development

As mere apprentices newly introduced to the youth social work industry, we viewed every learning and developmental opportunity with enthusiasm. We are grateful for the many avenues presented to us, giving us ample exposure in facilitation programmes with youths from single-parent families.

Development Opportunities &
Connections to Industry Landscape

Feedback from Industry / Community

Areas that went well | Areas for Improvement

AREAS THAT WENT WELL

6th January 2023

Environment

Setting of personal and group goals set a solid foundation for group to recognise and observe a safe space during discussions

Cohesive Activities

Setting of personal and group goals was a good buffer transition from light to heavy content
Fireside Chat was relatable and inspiring to the youths and youth workers. Pre-prepared questions were relevant and able to draw insights from guest speakers

Facilitation

Chief Facilitator managed time well and ended the session on time
Chief Facilitator lightened up the mood and made the session interactive with the youths with occasional jokes
Group Facilitators were able to bond and facilitate discussions within the group

9th January 2023

Environment

Youths were more responsive due to rapport built
Engagement were lively due to activities implemented

Cohesive Activities

Links to the activities relating back to real life context
Transition was smooth

Clear Visuals

One instruction per slide
Detailed instructions

Facilitation

Chief Facilitator managed time well and ended the session on time although session started late due to latecomers. Discerned appropriately which activities to cut short and which to extend to achieve the session's objectives
Group Facilitators were able to lead discussions and facilitate interactions within the group

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT

6th January 2023

Chief Facilitator can set standard, stronger and clearer goals at the start to set the space for youths
Chief Facilitator to observe attention span of youths and give breaks appropriately
Cut down timing for icebreaker - was a bit too draggy
Chief Facilitator and Facilitators can improve in communicating with each other and time-keep for better management of time allocated for each activity
Group Facilitators can improve in leading the group in sharing (eg. getting the group to share in clockwise direction) and be more observant in reading the youths' body language to know whether to probe further in discussions; use other forms of communication methods such as writing on post-it notes for those uncomfortable in expressing themselves verbally in a group setting
Group Facilitators can improve in discerning when to interject to ensure all has equal chance of expressing themselves
Some Fireside Chat mentimeter questions were not answered
Fireside Chat guest speakers sitting position was distracting as it was not a solid wall and had people moving in the background

9th January 2023

Chief Facilitator to use simple language when giving instructions
Group Facilitators to be more prepared in handling sudden outbursts by youths
Some content of the handbook may be too advanced - break down and explain the meaning of some words and concepts
Scenario-based Activity was overwhelming as youths had to imagine a lot as there were very few physical props and visual aids - can improve using a more hands-on activity