Critical Reflection Academy

Aims & objectives

The Critical Reflection Academy aimed to develop a community of peers and to support educators to integrate critical reflective practice into their work.

Objectives of the TC:
- To explore the concept of CR and how it applies to participants' professional contexts;
- To introduce the four lenses model for CR in educational work;
- To support participants in critically reflecting on their current practice as educators;
- Provide space for networking and developing new project ideas;
- Co-plan an online peer-to-peer support programme and secure commitments from the group;
- Encourage the exploration of different aspects of CR through contributions to the casebook, using the group as a resource (explaining the bursary system, collecting and coordinating contributions to the handbook).

Target group & international/intercultural composition of the group & team

The participant profiles include educators and youth workers from various European countries (Germany, Ireland, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Albania, Bulgaria, Montenegro,Poland, etc) who are actively engaged in addressing migrant issues, intercultural contexts, or migration-related topics through their work. They have demonstrated experience in leading group workshops/seminars.

Training methods used & main activities

A self-directed approach was taken, with participants co-creating the program. The training explored the four-lens model for CR in education work. Additional sessions enabled networking, developing a P2P network, an Open Space, and planning contributions for the Casebook of critical reflection practices.

During the TC our team used methodologies such as: getting to know each other methods, networking technics working groups, case study based on the four lenses model for CR, open space, facilitating the group decision making process.

Outcomes of the activity

Critical reflection serves as a valuable tool for educators working with migrants and in intercultural settings, including the topic of migration. Critical reflection can assist educators in managing expectations and establishing support systems to mitigate vicarious trauma. Critical reflection facilitates educators’ reflections on the broader context, enabling them to comprehend how their work fits into a larger social framework.

Publication:
https://www.cge-erfurt.org/2023/12/21/critical-relfection-academy-residential-training-update-call-for-casebook-contributions/

Your tasks and responsibilities within the team

Hanna Aheyeva worked as a full-time facilitator together with Aiste Slajute (https://www.salto-youth.net/tools/toy/aiste-slajute.4432/)

I worked on this training for 3 days as a full time trainer.