Toolbox — For Training and Youth Work
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Simulation Exercise, Manual
TRACE is a cooperative card-based reflection game. It helps learners move beyond general comments and describe a specific experience, the meaning they made from it, the evidence of learning and a realistic next step.
Main learning outcomes
• Recall and describe concrete moments rather than evaluate a whole day in general terms.
• Recognise emotions, choices, assumptions, values, strengths and challenges in an experience.
• Name learning in the participant’s own words.
• Distinguish a claim about learning from the evidence that supports it.
• Use peer reflection without turning peers into judges or advisers.
• Plan a small transfer or next step, and build a written learning trail that can later support
Youthpass self-assessment.
What TRACE is not
• Not a psychological assessment or therapeutic intervention.
• Not a competition; it does not rank participants.
• Not an exam about Youthpass terminology.
• Not a replacement for a facilitator’s duty of care or for professional support.
• It does not automatically prove a competence has been developed; it helps a learner describe
their own evidence.
TRACE is a cooperative card-based reflection game. It helps learners move beyond general comments such as “it was good” or “I learned teamwork” and describe a specific experience, the meaning they made from it, the evidence of learning and a realistic next step.
TRACE can be used from approximately age 13 upwards, provided language and facilitation are adapted. It works with participants who have different reflection experience, language levels and learning preferences. Use stable small groups of 4–7 for daily reflection; divide large groups and give each a facilitator or prepared peer host.
SALTO cannot be held responsible for the inappropriate use of these training tools. Always adapt training tools to your aims, context, target group and to your own skills! These tools have been used in a variety of formats and situations. Please notify SALTO should you know about the origin of or copyright on this tool.
http://toolbox.salto-youth.net/5832
This tool is for
Youth Exchanges Daily reflection groups, midpoint review, final Youthpass preparation. Youth-worker training Professional reflection after methods, practice sessions, expeditions, simulations and team processes. Youth Participation Reflection on decision-making, civic action, responsibility, community impact and follow-up. Volunteering / solidarity Regular mentoring, individual reflection and learning documentation. Schools / adult / community Use the core deck without the Youthpass extensions. Trainer / facilitator teams Team reflection after sessions, programme review and professional development. TRACE can be used from approximately age 13 upwards, provided language and facilitation are adapted. It works with participants who have different reflection experience, language levels and learning preferences. Use stable small groups of 4–7 for daily reflection; divide large groups and give each a facilitator or prepared peer host.
and addresses
Social Inclusion, Group Dynamics, Intercultural Learning, Peer education, Evaluation
It is recommended for use in:
Youth Exchanges
Training and Networking
The tool was created by
Mateusz Górecki
in the context of
KA2 Small Scale
The tool has been experimented in
Training Course, Youth Exchange
The tool was published to the Toolbox by
Mateusz Górecki (on 29 June 2026)
and last modified
27 June 2026
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