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It is a challenge for as us adults not to interfere with our youth.
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There are many examples of how youth have effectively learned on their own.
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Let us encourage them to learn through community.
It has been over a decade since I started coaching youth. When I started, we used manuals and directed the curriculum. But as time passed the approach has evolved. It is now a more hands-off approach.
It is often a challenge for us as adults not to interfere. We feel obligated to teach our children. It is our duty, is it not? After all, that is how most of us were taught. When we were young, adults directed us. Since that has been our experience, we revert to that role model.
Well-intentioned parents will approach me and suggest we tell them what to do. However, when we leave them alone, they will ‘sort it out’ themselves. They can be more effective than an adult.
Recently a 15 year old joined the group. At that age, he was one of the older group members. His initial reaction was to start telling the others what they should or should not do. But he has since been learning to relax and let them sort it out. He both listens and observes better. He says “you should” less often now.
When you are older, it is difficult to not tell the participants what to do. I am getting better at it. But it is a challenge.
Sure, they need guidance. At the end of each session the session leader asks three questions.
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What did they do well?
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What could be improved?
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What was the best part of the meeting?
This is where we hear some good feedback and suggestions. It comes from them, not from an adult.
SOME CONSIDERATIONS:
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Support them to share their talents with others. Let them learn through community.
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Encourage your participants to stretch themselves in a risk-free learning environment.
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Encourage hands-on learning. Many of us learn by doing.
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Encourage them to engage in discussions. They can share their knowledge with peers. They get valuable feedback.
There are many examples of youth learning on their own. In this regard, educational researcher Sugata Mita has many presentations. He wants to ‘Build a School in the Cloud’, where children can explore and learn from one another.
What are your thoughts about what we can do to assist our youth in this regard?
How can we assist our youth to face their future with group coaching?
Please contact me to enter the discussion OR TO OBTAIN A FREE COPY OF THE GROUP COACHING PLAYBOOK.
Wishing you lots of love and laughter, as always.
Fred Jones
Victoria, BC Canada
Fred Jones