Training the "Wizards": A Model for Building Self Efficacy and Peer Networks Among Urban Youth Workers

• NCJ Number: 236635
• Journal: Child & Youth Services Volume: 32 Issue: 3 Dated: July-September 2011 Pages: 200-223
• Author(s): Laurie Ross; Suzanne Buglione; Jennifer Safford-Farquharson
• Date Published: September 2011
• Length: 24 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article explores the professional development of youth workers.

Abstract

This article presents a community's efforts to address the professional development needs of frontline youth workers. A coalition designed a 13-week Youth Worker Training Institute to increase youth workers' knowledge, skills, self-efficacy, and professional networks. After the Institute, participants reported feeling more skillful, connected to other youth workers, confident, professional, reflective, and being more powerful change agents. Based on results from this formative evaluation, the authors suggest that it was multiple teaching and learning strategies that promoted reflection, peer learning, and networkingthat contributed to youth workers gaining knowledge and skills that in turn increased their confidence and sense of self-efficacy. (Published Abstract)