Learning

WELCOME!  The YouthLearn Learning section presents the philosophy and field-tested approaches of the YouthLearn Initiative in a user-friendly form that you can return to time and again.  These pages guide you through planning and implementation of youth programs, and feature teaching techniques and program examples of integrating project-based learning and/or technology.   Whether you’re a veteran or only just beginning your career as an educator, we hope you will find the information on these pages support you in your important work.

General Info

The growth of the Internet and related technologies is fueling enormous change across our entire society. These technologies have the potential to introduce new ways to encourage education, collaboration and community building, and they introduce a new set of skills that children must master if they are to achieve success in the New Economy. Read more >>

Planning

Successful out-of-school programs that incorporate technology require thorough planning—everything from program definitions and scheduling to lesson plans and learning goals. Yes, we all struggle with it, but the process doesn't have to be painful, especially if you use conceptual techniques instead of the bureaucratic documents we're all so used to. Read more >>

Teaching

Regardless of what topic you're teaching or the age of the kids you're working with, you'll want to make certain teaching techniques a standard part of your routine. By internalizing these fundamentals until you don't even have to think about them, you'll become a better coach, leader and teacher. Read more >>

Program Examples

At YouthLearn, we recognize that the good work practitioners are doing in established programs can inform and inspire others in the field, especially if the program activities, qualities, and strategies for success are well documented. Read more >>

Resources

To provide additional information, technical assistance, and examples - beyond what’s offered on the YouthLearn website - we have compiled numerous resources on a variety of themes and topics relevant to educators.  You can browse through all of these web links or search by key terms, such as staff development, storytelling, media literacy, curriculum, etc. Read more >>