Providing support to young people through groupwork

Authors

  • Jane Westergaard

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1921/gpwk.v20i1.690

Keywords:

<i>Personal Learning and Development (PLD)</i>, <i>FAAST model</i>, <i>focus</i>, <i>aim</i>, <i>activities</i>, <i>structure</i>, <i>techniques</i>, <i>groupwork</i>

Abstract

A key outcome of support work with young people, it is hoped, is increased self awareness and autonomy on the part of the recipient. Engagement in one-toone interventions with youth support workers can enable this process to take place. However, a valuable alternative approach to the work exists, which focuses on helping young people to enhance their personal learning and development (PLD) in a group interaction.

This chapter will explore how youth support professionals can facilitate PLD effectively in a group context. It focuses on the following:

• Identifying what ‘personal learning and development’ means

• Examining how groupwork can enable young people to learn about themselves, develop greater self awareness and make decisions about their lives

• Evaluating ways in which being part of a group can lead to positive outcomes for individuals

• Analysing the role of the youth support worker in facilitating PLD in the group context

In addition, the chapter offers a model to inform the planning, preparation and delivery of PLD groupwork with young people.

References

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Published

2012-12-20

How to Cite

Westergaard, J. (2012). Providing support to young people through groupwork. Groupwork, 20(1), 87–102. https://doi.org/10.1921/gpwk.v20i1.690

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Section

Articles