Study Lab on Reflective Practices in education and training of youth work (E&T SNAC)

The StudyLab aims to inspire participants, encourage reflection on current processes and practices, and ultimately enhance training and educational opportunities for youth workers. Preparation and follow-up activities, extending beyond the residential meeting itself, are integral components of the overall process. The Study Lab activity will engage a small group of no more than 12–16 participants.

Objectives

• Critical analysis of the relevance of reflective practice in education and training of youth workers 
• Sharing and debating methodologies and approaches of reflective practice in education and in training of youth worker
• Providing a space for critically debating about transferability of methodologies and approaches of reflective practice in diverse context of  education and training of youth work
• Strengthening cooperation in education and training of youth work within the national context.

Methods and methodology

In this Study Lab we address reflective practice as a process of learning through and from experience to gain new insights into oneself and professional work, which includes examining everyday assumptions and critically evaluating one’s responses (Boud et al., 1985; Boyd & Fales, 1983; Finlay, 2008; Mezirow, 1981). Its aim is to revisit practice experiences and analyse them critically to improve future practice, integrating self-awareness, reflection, and critical thinking (Eby, 2000). In addition, some authors emphasise critical reflection as a deeper form of reflection rooted in critical theory, which moves beyond technical adjustments to examine discourse, power relations, and social issues, seeking transformative social action and emancipation (Brookfield, 1995; Fook, White & Gardner, 2006; Reynolds, 1998).

Profile of participants:

• You participate in youth work education and training as a lecturer, professor, trainer;
• You participate in developing education and training strategies and interested in discussing them at European – international environment;
• You are ready to reflect on your role as a youth work educator or trainer;
• You are willing to contribute to systemic change  in the further development of quality youth worker education and training.

INTENTION of the Trainers

The trainers intend to create a learning environment that fosters openness, critical inquiry, and professional growth among participants by modelling reflective practice throughout the process — not merely as a topic of discussion, but as a lived and facilitated experience during the Study Lab — and by facilitating deep engagement with both the theoretical and practical dimensions of reflection, supporting participants in connecting these concepts to their own educational and training contexts.

Trainers are the vastly experienced Kristi Jüristo (Tallinn University) and Federica Demicheli, both experts in youth work and youth policy, bringing extensive training experience as well as backgrounds in both academic and non-formal education.

The Study Lab starts at on 6.10.2025 at 17.00 (local time) and ends with dinner on 8.10, the next day (9.10) is travel day.
NB! Preliminary schedule is in attachment.
NB! The venue is on 3rd floor, there is no elevator!

What is the Strategic National Agencies Cooperation on Education and Training of Youth Workers (SNAC E&T)?

The SNAC E&T is active since 2022, it aims at reaching systemic impact on education and training of youth workers by recognising their competences and learning experiences. Current topics in EaT SNAC are the European dimension in education & training youth workers, civic/political education and training and its contemporary challenges, reflective practice, and the development of professional identity of youth workers. EaT SNAC focuses on establishing clear links in systems with the development of recognition and validation mechanisms and tools at the national and European levels. The National Agencies for Erasmus+ Youth and European Solidarity Corps that compose the steering group of the EaT SNAC are Belgium-Flanders, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, and Latvia, as well as the SALTO Training and Cooperation Resource Centre (SALTO T&C RC).