My Favourite Mistake

Aims & objectives

The aim for the training team was to ensure that this training course brought confidence and inspiration to youth workers to create powerful activities and projects with and for young people.
The objectives of the training course were:
- To reflect about mistakes, the role of mistakes in a learning process and our cultural perception towards mistakes.
- To explore a new approach of techniques and methodologies for learning from mistakes in a positive, constructive way.
- To explore how we can support young people we work with on dealing with mistakes for learning both in formal and non-formal settings
- To explore how a new approach to learning from mistakes is connected to different actions within the Erasmus+ programme

Target group & international/intercultural composition of the group & team

The final numbers to attend was 26 participants, representing the 18 following countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Switzerland, Spain.

Training methods used & main activities

Using non-formal education methods and activities (such as outdoor work, experiential learning and improvisational theatre), “My Favourite Mistake” provided an inspiring, active and creative space for the development of new ideas and for participants to explore possibilities in learning with mistakes. It also allowed participants to have the possibility to discover meaningful roles and to know different tools for their work with young people and in youth projects.
- Interactive exercises to support the group to get to know each other
- Outdoor activities to develop group building and reflective moments
- Improvisation theatre to explore mistakes and youth work reality
- Creative art to support exploration and reflection
- Discussions, brainstorms, sharing and debriefing in duo's or groups to share experiences, debrief and reflect on activities

Outcomes of the activity

The number of final participants (26) was a great group to work with. It allowed us as a trainer team to connect closely with them and to deepen the learning for each individual participant. It was a positive element for the training team in terms of adapting and developing each session to meet the learning needs of participants. A very lively and positive atmosphere was created and sustained throughout the training course.
As a trainer team we were glad with the overall training flow, and happy that we were flexible to adapt elements of the programme to suit the learning needs of participants when needed.
The opportunity to work in an international training team provided a strong and valuable learning experience for all of the training team members.

Overall it was a very positive learning experience for both trainers and participants.

Comments from participants:
“I actually loved every part of it. It was such an unexpected and innovative training method. Loved the playful theatre exercises, the reflection moments and tools, one word story … Everything really”.
“Facilities were great, organisation impeccable, especially at local level. A big thank you to the local team”.
“It was one of the most well organised TC's I have participated and the accommodation and meals were perfect. Thank you!!!”
" I think it was a well balanced and structural training in terms of program. We explored great variety of different issues. I believe there is a room for more editions of this training course in future."
"Perfect balance between activities/reflection time / free time because it helped me to keep concentrated and make the most of this course"

Your tasks and responsibilities within the team

I was one of three main trainers in the trainer team, responsible for the development of the training as well as the complete facilitation.

I worked on this training for 6 days as a full time trainer.