Method
A specific way to reach a learning goal. A discussion helps explore different points of view, a role play lets you step into another situation, a cooperation task lets you practise teamwork.
Resources
Non-formal education materials
In this section we gather non-formal education methods and teaching materials that we have developed ourselves or together with partners, as well as resources created by our friends and partner organisations. It is a place to find ideas and practical tools for working with children and young people.
Activity descriptions
Session plans
Worksheets
Question cards
Games and exercises
Methodological handbooks
The basics
What is non-formal education?
Non-formal education (NFE) is purposeful learning in which knowledge and skills are acquired by taking an active part, working together and reflecting on the experience.
It is based on the needs, interests and experience of the participants, encouraging participation and the chance to discover, try things out and reach conclusions for themselves.
Learning can happen through a game, a discussion, a creative task, a role play or by solving a challenge together. The conversation after an activity matters just as much - what we experienced, what we understood and how to use it in everyday life.
- Cooperation
- Critical thinking
- Communication skills
- Self-awareness
- Decision-making
Non-formal education approaches can be used both outside school and in lessons.
The concepts
What are methods and teaching materials?
Teaching materials
Help put methods into practice: activity descriptions, session plans, worksheets, question cards, games or handbooks with guidance on running and debriefing an activity.
Methodological materials
Explain the learning approach more broadly - why particular methods were chosen, how they relate to each other and how to build a coherent learning process.
Who it is for
Who will find these materials useful?
The materials are meant for anyone who works with children and young people day to day:
- Youth workers
- Teachers
- Career counsellors
- Mentors
- Social workers
- Youth leaders
- Parents
They can be used in lessons, youth centre activities, camps, one-to-one conversations, career education and at home. They help start a conversation about meaningful topics, build mutual understanding and make learning more engaging.
Tips
How to use the materials?
- 1Choose and get familiarChoose a material according to the topic and goal. Look at the stated target group, the description of how it runs, the time needed and the preparation.
- 2Adapt to the groupAdjust the length, complexity and flow of the activity to the age, needs and size of the group.
- 3Combine and debriefUse a single task or build a longer session by combining several methods. Leave time for a closing conversation so participants can share their experience.
Use
Free to use
Use it freely
You may freely use the materials published in this section in your work and everyday activities, without asking us or the material developers in advance.
Keep the credits
When using, adapting or sharing the materials, please keep the original credits to their authors and developers, as well as the logos and references to partners and funders included in the materials.
This is how we jointly recognise the contribution of the people who made them and help others find the original source.
Download
Open4Skills career guidance handbooks
Five non-formal career guidance handbooks developed within the KA220 Erasmus+ cooperation partnership project “Open4Skills”. They are meant for youth workers and career counsellors, and are free to download.
- Nr. 1Careers in today's worldUnderstanding careers in a changing worldPDF · 1.0 MB
- Nr. 2Self-understanding for career developmentExploring self-confidence, values, strengths and identityPDF · 1.0 MB
- Nr. 3Exploring career opportunitiesFrom curiosity to exploration: guiding young people through meaningful career researchPDF · 1.0 MB
- Nr. 4Career planningTurning self-understanding into clear next stepsPDF · 1.0 MB
- Nr. 5Putting careers into practiceFrom planning to action: managing transitions, work and lifelong learningPDF · 1.0 MB
The handbooks are in Latvian.