Life Skills & Leadership Manual | Page 3 of 11(^)
reinforcing and applying themes. Some sessions require the use of previously used flip charts, handouts,
or participant-produced resources. These needs have been identified in the prerequisites and
preparation sections of each session plan.
There may be opportunities for facilitators to select specific sessions to address particular life skills
needs of participants. If these sessions are taken out of sequence, the facilitator should take care to
determine if any previous sessions’ concepts and skills are necessary.
Assessment methods are included in each session. No formal testing or other evaluation method is used
in this training.
Training Environment
The course is highly interactive facilitator-led training. The sessions are designed for up to 25
participants, but the course can be used with fewer or more participants, with appropriate adjustments
in material and space requirements.
The sessions are designed to be used in a variety of formal and informal settings, such as after-school
programs, youth club or community center programs, outdoor adventure programs, outdoor
“classrooms,” etc.
To make the training accessible worldwide, the assumption was made that typical classrooms have little
to no access to technology, but should have access to basic instructional supplies (paper, pens, pencils,
markers, or colored pencils, tape, scissors, glue, flip chart paper and/or black or white boards, etc.).
Suggestions are made within the sessions for low-cost or no-cost alternative materials, or for reducing
the amounts of paper used for instructional resources.
For room setup, it is preferable for participants to have worktables to conduct their small-group
discussions and other activities, although the sessions can be adapted to allow for situations where this
is not possible. In general, there should be ample space to configure small groups and teams around the
room as needed. Facilitator notes and suggestions are included when such adaptations might be
necessary.
Instructional Techniques/Methodologies
This course uses a range of methodologies that align with the principles of the experiential learning
approach. With an emphasis on interactivity among participants, the course incorporates the following
techniques and methodologies:
Individual exercises and reflections
Stories and scenarios
Small and large group discussions