This is a reference for Sue Dudill

Youth exchanges: facilitating the process of communication in English

The training activity took place
in Blackpool, UK
organised by BIJ
14th to 19th May 2012

Aims & objectives

To improve the confidence of the participants to communicate in English when cooperating on a European level

To provide tools to enable the participants to communicate as effectively as possible with the given existing language skills

To provide and opportunity for the participants to practise their English in the specific context of youth exchanges

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

The countries that involved were Belgium (FR), Poland, Turkey, France, Hungary, Italy and Austria.

Training methods used & main activities

I used a lively mix of non-formal methods with which to engage with the group. This included pair work, small group and large group work. The Word Language Cafe provided the opportunity for group discussion on the topic of the Youth in Action Programme. Role play and filming were used to test that learning had taken place. Interactive workshops using realia, imagery and kinaesthetic methods to ensure that a blend of learning styles were included in the programme.

Outcomes of the activity

The written evaluations of the participants indicate that their confidence to speak in English had significantly improved and that their motivation to work on international projects such as youth exchanges had increased. Participants from this training course have subsequently followed me to other courses because I have been a trainer on them which is possibly testimony to the positive impact my delivery had on them.

Your tasks and responsibilities within the team

I was a full-time trainer and delivered the workshops throughout the week. I also developed the existing programme to sit within the framework of the Youth in Action Programme in a way that was a little more relevant.

I worked on this training for 5 Days days as a full time trainer.

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