out of school learning
Out-of-school learning (OSL) programs offer a unique space for children and youth to build relationships with adults. Research shows that through these relationships, children and youth can develop in positive ways and build skills to set them up for success in their future. Strong relationships are grounded in the moment-by-moment interactions that occur every day. Through Simple Interactions, we aim to enhance the positive interactions we see and to make more of them in OSL settings.
In partnership with the Allegheny Partners for Out-of-School Time (APOST), we’ve facilitated Simple Interactions with over 40 out-of-school learning programs in the Pittsburgh region. This includes a randomized control of the Simple Interactions professional development. We find that using the SI process has an impact on staff beliefs about the importance of relationships. Participants have also shared how SI has helped to develop a common language and to build community among program staff.
We also now offer the Simple Interactions Leadership Program (SILP) for afterschool and informal educators. The SILP is an advanced professional development experience intended for individuals with a passion for youth development. Participants engage in a series of strength-based workshops that help them identify ways to increase developmental interactions between adults and youth and positively supporting the social and emotional wellbeing of the youth they serve. Throughout the program, participants engage in the Simple Interactions process of watching videos of themselves and colleagues. In addition, they identify a practice technique of interest in which to deepen their expertise. The course also provides support for using the tools of social science to increase understanding about their topic of choice. Participants work as a cohort to strengthen each other’s work through feedback and review. Upon completion of the institute, participants present their work to key stakeholders. For more information, contact annie.mcnamara@stvincent.edu.
In partnership with the Allegheny Partners for Out-of-School Time (APOST), we’ve facilitated Simple Interactions with over 40 out-of-school learning programs in the Pittsburgh region. This includes a randomized control of the Simple Interactions professional development. We find that using the SI process has an impact on staff beliefs about the importance of relationships. Participants have also shared how SI has helped to develop a common language and to build community among program staff.
We also now offer the Simple Interactions Leadership Program (SILP) for afterschool and informal educators. The SILP is an advanced professional development experience intended for individuals with a passion for youth development. Participants engage in a series of strength-based workshops that help them identify ways to increase developmental interactions between adults and youth and positively supporting the social and emotional wellbeing of the youth they serve. Throughout the program, participants engage in the Simple Interactions process of watching videos of themselves and colleagues. In addition, they identify a practice technique of interest in which to deepen their expertise. The course also provides support for using the tools of social science to increase understanding about their topic of choice. Participants work as a cohort to strengthen each other’s work through feedback and review. Upon completion of the institute, participants present their work to key stakeholders. For more information, contact annie.mcnamara@stvincent.edu.