TOY - Trainers Online for Youth
This is a reference for Karlo Brunović
The aim of the activity was to increase the quality of
youth work of partner organisations in promoting
critical thinking through three
specific objectives:
● increasing knowledge and skills of partners' youth
workers related to critical thinking and conspiracy
theories;
● equipping youth workers with non-formal tools to
foster critical thinking through youth work;
● exchanging experiences of participating
organisations on how to use non-formal education
in promoting critical thinking among youth.
Participants were youth workers from Belgium, Bulgaria, Italy, Croatia, Estonia, Spain, Lithuania and Latvia, working with youth with fewer opportunities.
Firstly, I used the World Cafe method to spark initial discussions on critical thinking among the participants. To introduce the fundamental principles of analysis, I facilitated a "5 Questions Exercise" and conducted a workshop on a "Checklist for Reasoning" to help youth workers evaluate the validity of information.
Moreover, I used the "Percipio" game to allow participants to explore their perceptions and associations regarding complex social issues. To further deepen their knowledge, I utilized a Critical Thinking Card Game followed by a specialized workshop on Logical Fallacies to help them identify common errors in reasoning.
During the workshop on Solution Fluency, I guided the participants through a practical framework for applying critical thinking to problem-solving. I also incorporated several "Open Space for Exchange of Good Practices" sessions, where youth workers had the opportunity to share their own methods and successful experiences in fostering critical thinking within their organizations.
Additionally, I used the "Four Corners" method to give participants a chance to practice their argumentation skills, and I facilitated a role-playing exercise focused on resolving conflict situations. I also conducted a workshop on Role Playing in a Conflict Situation, where participants engaged in interactive simulations to learn how to navigate and resolve interpersonal or societal tensions constructively.
Judging by the evaluations from participants and the positive feedback from partner organizations, the training course was a success. By utilizing participatory and non-formal methods, we created a space where youth workers could effectively exchange skills, knowledge, and good practices in the field.
Throughout the week, participants significantly enhanced their citizenship competence by strengthening analytical skills, combating disinformation, addressing conspiracy theories, as well as by improving conflict management.
General info on the activity, including a digital leaflet "Think for Yourself: A Guide to Becoming a Critical Thinker" is accessible on Udruga Prizma's website:
https://www.udrugaprizma.hr/razor-2024.
I was responsible for overall preparation and implementation of the training course, including design of training programme and meetings with partners during their preparatory visit.
Besides conducting core training sessions, I also contributed to reflection sessions, including mid and final evaluation by motivating participants to share their impressions and reflect upon their learning.
After the training, I was responsible for producing a a digital leaflet containing basic introduction to fostering active citizenship among youth. Moreover, I was in touch with project partners to follow-up on their dissemination and evaluation activities.