NCJ Number
178613
Date Published
1998
Length
98 pages
Annotation
This book examines an interactive approach to youth-work practice, with the major thesis being that youth develop in moments and interactions.
Abstract
These moments and interactions are enhanced when workers have the capacity to guide, teach, learn, and be with youth in a manner that is sensitive to a youth's developmental capacities and readiness for growth as well as the multiple contexts within which interactions occur. Five essays are provided for reflection and discussion. The first essay provides definitions of youth development and youth work. Youth development is described as a "process of connection, discovery, and purpose." Youth work from an interactive perspective is a way of "being" as well as a way of "behaving." Youth workers bring themselves, their skill, and their knowledge to the moment and are sensitive to the needs of the youth and the contexts within which their interactions occur. Context and understanding-- essential elements in interacting with youth--are explored in the second and third essays. The fourth essay defines four themes -- presence, meaning, rhythm, and atmosphere -- in interactions. In the fifth essay, the themes are discussed, along with context and understanding, as a guide for daily interactions. Practice examples and a curriculum outline are provided for people who wish to teach and learn the interactive approach in university classrooms or inservice training sessions. 58 references and recommended readings