TOY - Trainers Online for Youth
This is a reference for Nejc Benčič
The main aim of the training was to explore how gamification can be used as a practical method in youth work and to use this experience to develop a programme for a future youth exchange.
The objectives were to:
introduce participants to different approaches to gamification in youth work;
practically test different gamification methods;
explore how gamification can increase motivation, engagement and participation of young people;
explore methods for getting young people to know each other and building connections within a group;
strengthen approaches to active youth participation;
explore how mental-health-related topics and wellbeing can be integrated into youth activities;
reflect on which methods work well for different groups and situations;
adapt and combine the tested methods into activities suitable for a youth exchange;
jointly develop the basis of the programme for a future youth exchange in Idrija.
The target group consisted of youth workers interested in developing practical non-formal learning methods and using gamification in activities with young people.
Participants worked together to test different methods, exchange experiences and contribute to the development of a future youth exchange programme.
The international group included 15 participants from:
Italy, Czechia, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Austrai, Croatia, Greece, France and Slovenia.
The training was based on non-formal and experiential learning, with a strong emphasis on learning by doing and gamification.
The main methods included:
different gamification methods and game-based learning activities;
practical testing of games and gamified learning processes;
group challenges and collaborative tasks;
getting-to-know-each-other and group-building activities;
methods encouraging active participation of young people;
activities connected with mental health and wellbeing;
small-group work;
peer learning and exchange of experiences;
group reflection after testing different methods;
evaluation of which methods could be adapted for a youth exchange;
collaborative programme development.
The training provided participants with practical experience in using gamification and other non-formal learning methods in youth work.
As a result of the activity, participants:
tested a range of gamification methods in practice;
developed a better understanding of how gamification can support learning and engagement;
explored how games can be used to support group-building and interaction between young people;
tested methods that encourage active youth participation;
explored approaches connected with mental health and wellbeing;
reflected on the strengths, limitations and possible adaptations of the tested methods;
identified methods that could be used within a youth exchange;
contributed to the development of the programme for a future youth exchange in Idrija.
One of the main concrete outcomes was therefore the development of the basis for a future youth exchange programme, using the tested gamification and non-formal learning methods.
I worked as a trainer/facilitator during the training and was involved in the preparation and implementation of the learning programme.
My responsibilities included:
preparing and facilitating non-formal learning activities;
introducing and testing different gamification methods with participants;
facilitating activities aimed at group-building and getting participants to know each other;
facilitating methods that promoted active participation;
integrating elements connected with mental health and wellbeing;
supporting participants during practical experimentation with the methods;
facilitating reflection on the tested activities;
supporting participants in analysing which methods could be transferred to a youth exchange;
adapting activities based on participants’ feedback and experience;
contributing to the development of the programme for the future youth exchange in Idrija.