scholarly journals ESTONIAN YOUTH WORK EXPERTS PROFESSIONAL GROWTH: CASES STUDY

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 213-224
Author(s):  
Maarika Veigel
Keyword(s):  
Professional Education ◽  
Professional Growth ◽  
High Mobility ◽  
Work Load ◽  
Impact Factors ◽  
Youth Work ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Youth Workers ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Structured Interviews

Estonian youth work (YW) has been in development almost 30 years. In the last more than 15 years the same trends have been observed in the studies in terms of professional development: the shortage of employees with professional education and workers high mobility. At the same time, the progressive decisions and regulations made in Estonia, on the field of European YW are exemplary. Thus, the prerequisites for professional YW were created and experts in the field have also developed.The aim of research was to give an overview of the stories of becoming as experts. Semi-structured interviews were compiled in 2019. Special focus was on the professional growth in the content of life story. The study revealed both – randomness entry into YW, but various supporting external aspects (active school life, supportive community, camps). However, the most important were the personal factors - motivation, consistency, entrepreneurship, courage, YW studies, participation in (foreign) projects, mission. Professional knowledge and skills supported mostly the development from a novice specialist into an advanced employee and expert. Commitment, autonomy were the main work-load impact factors. The desire to work with young people has brought some retired youth workers back to YW. Horizontal career was limited but usual. 

scholarly journals FORMATION OF YOUTH WORKER PROFESSIONALISM: PROBLEMS IN ESTONIA

2015 ◽  
Vol 68 (1) ◽  
pp. 84-96
Author(s):  
Maarika Veigel
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Professional Growth ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
National Curriculum ◽  
High Mobility ◽  
Professional Staff ◽  
Development Model ◽  
Youth Work ◽  
Youth Workers ◽  
Youth Worker

Youth field has been in constant evolution during the restoration period of Estonian independence, since 1991. The theoretical overview is about youth worker professionalism, associated with the developments in the European and Estonian youth field and in the context of the Berliner competency levels development model. It explains the expectations set for youth workers, to teaching and youth field institutions. Youth work is expected, like formal education, with more clearly defined educational goals, and it is emphasized that it is a non-formal education. An important aspect is enjoying of the activities and its educational elements. The National Curriculum for Basic Schools and Gymnasium (2011) sets the expectations that the non-formal education will give more support to students to complete the curriculum of formal education. Youth work in Estonia is an essential component of the educational system. Therefore, the professionalism of youth workers and their coping with new challenges is very important. Over the last ten years, major changes in the Estonian youth worker professionalism and in the aspects of professional development haven’t been mentioned. The answers are briefly: in Estonia youth worker profession has been associated with the development of youth field, but the staff preparation is very different and characterised by low working experience. Berliner presented development model of competency levels, treats the professional development as long-term, complex process, distinguishing between the five stages of development of the professional staff, which are also regarded in the context of the professional development of the youth worker. Youth work quality is dependent on the availability of professional youth workers and in order to gain it, the high mobility inside the sector should be reduced, a better situation and more support should be created for the formation of youth worker professionalism at the various levels of the professional growth. Key words: competency, professional level, professionalism, youth work, youth worker.

PERSONALITY FACTORS AS BASIC ELEMENTS OF THE ESTONIAN YOUTH WORKERS´PROFESSIONAL GROWTH

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 292
Author(s):  
Maarika Veigel
Keyword(s):  
Professional Growth ◽  
Professional Training ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Personality Factors ◽  
Youth Work ◽  
Youth Workers ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
High Expectations ◽  
Youth Centers ◽  
Key Topics

The article dealt with one aspect of the professional growth basic elements. The issue of the Estonian Youth Centers youth workers´ professionality has been relevant for many years, as employees often exchange. Expectations for youth work as a promotion of non-formal education are high. There is no research that explained the issues related to the youth workers professional growth, including personal factors. The theoretical framework of the research created Ruohotie, Tamm, Clarke and Hollingsworth concepts of professional growth. The purpose of this research was brought to the light youth work specialists´ opinions about the personal factors of the professional growth. For qualitative data collection semi-structed interviews were conducted with 35 Estonian youth work specialists in 2016-2018. The results showed that in eight key-topics important opinions were received. Most attention should be given further to the youth workers´ internal motivation, treatment and professional identity. Mostly were explained the high expectations to the youth work generally. Interviews revealed a different commitment to everyday work, that could have resulted from their different education and professional training or attitudes towards education. The needs for further clarification are: occupational and organizational elements of youth workers professional growth. 

scholarly journals The Social Impact of Digital Youth Work: What Are We Looking For?

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 59-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alicja Pawluczuk ◽  
Gemma Webster ◽  
Colin Smith ◽  
Hazel Hall
Keyword(s):  
Digital Literacy ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
Evaluation Process ◽  
Youth Work ◽  
Youth Workers ◽  
Youth Engagement ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
The Social ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Digital Youth

Digital youth work is an emerging field of research and practice which seeks to investigate and support youth-centred digital literacy initiatives. Whilst digital youth work projects have become prominent in Europe in recent years, it has also become increasingly difficult to examine, capture, and understand their social impact. Currently, there is limited understanding of and research on how to measure the social impact of collaborative digital literacy youth projects. This article presents empirical research which explores the ways digital youth workers perceive and evaluate the social impact of their work. Twenty semi-structured interviews were carried out in Scotland, United Kingdom, in 2017. All data were coded in NVivo 10 and analysed using thematic data analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006). Two problems were identified in this study: (1) limited critical engagement with the social impact evaluation process of digital youth work projects and its outcomes, and (2) lack of consistent definition of the evaluation process to measure the social impact/value of digital youth work. Results of the study are examined within a wider scholarly discourse on the evaluation of youth digital participation, digital literacy, and social impact. It is argued that to progressively work towards a deeper understanding of the social value (positive and negative) of digital youth engagement and their digital literacy needs, further research and youth worker evaluation training are required. Recommendations towards these future changes in practice are also addressed.

scholarly journals ORGANIZATIONAL FACTOR AS BASIC ELEMENTS OF THE ESTONIAN YOUTH WORKERS´ PROFESSIONAL GROWTH

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 302
Author(s):  
Maarika Veigel
Keyword(s):  
Professional Growth ◽  
Professional Training ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Personal Characteristics ◽  
Organizational Factors ◽  
Youth Work ◽  
Youth Workers ◽  
Youth Worker ◽  
High Satisfaction

The issue of the Estonian youth workers´ professionality has been relevant for many years. Organizational factors are important in the youth worker´s professional growth. Youth worker is a promoter of non-formal education. Research explained the issues related to the youth workers professional growth, including organizational factors. The theoretical framework of the research created Ruohotie, Tamm concepts of professional growth and Hackman, Oldham job satisfaction characteristics. The purpose of this research was brought to the light youth work specialists´ opinions about the organizational factors of the professional growth. For qualitative data collection semi-structed interviews were conducted with 35 Estonian youth work specialists in 2016-2018. The results showed that in eight key-topics important opinions were received. Most attention should be given further to the beginner youth workers´ support for efficient and faster adaptation with work. Mostly were explained interviewees high satisfaction with team and colleagues. Interviews revealed a different commitment to work, which depends of the employee´s professional awareness and involvement in initiatives, that could have resulted from different education, professional training or personal characteristics. The quality of the feedback is important for the employee's professional growth. Individualisation of the work may create a threat to versatility. For further clarification: youth workers´ professional identity. 

Youth Work Service Providers' Attitudes Towards Computerized CBT for Adolescents

2012 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 265-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theresa Fleming ◽  
Sally Merry
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Social Service ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Youth Work ◽  
Youth Workers ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Youth Service ◽  
Group Settings ◽  
Human Contact ◽  
Service Staff

Background:Attitudes of social service providers towards computerized CBT (cCBT) might affect use of cCBT by their clients and may provide important insights that should be considered in dissemination. There is no literature exploring the attitudes of providers of youth work services towards cCBT despite the likelihood of them having close relationships with young people at high risk of mental ill-health.Method:Focus groups and semi-structured interviews were undertaken with a total of 40 providers (21 youth workers and social service staff providing alternative schooling, justice or other intensive youth work programmes to adolescents, 6 youth service managers, 2 trainers, 5 peer leaders and 6 trainees).Results:Participants considered supporting young people who were distressed to be an important part of their role. They were generally interested in cCBT, especially those who were more mental health oriented and those who saw a cCBT programme in action. Their greatest concerns regarding cCBT related to it possibly displacing human contact, while advantages were seen as its appeal to young people and its potential therapeutic power. They would utilize cCBT in a range of ways, with many wishing to offer it in group settings. Training and resources would be required for them to use cCBT.Conclusions:Many providers of youth work services would like to be involved in the use of cCBT; this might extend the reach of cCBT to vulnerable young people. They would wish to utilize cCBT in ways that fit their current approaches. Providers’ opinions need to be considered in the dissemination of cCBT.

scholarly journals OPPORTUNITIES OF IMPLEMENTING OUTDOOR EDUCATION IN YOUTH WORK: ON THE EXAMPLE OF TALLINN YOUTH CENTRES

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 363
Author(s):  
Maarika Veigel ◽  
Triinu Reedik
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Outdoor Education ◽  
Research Problem ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Living Environment ◽  
Youth Work ◽  
Youth Workers ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Outdoor Activities ◽  
To Receive

Nature as a natural living environment is important in the development of young people, but their lifestyle doesn’t support it. Youth workers have a major role in guiding young people to interesting activities in nature and outdoor, sharing relevant information as well as being an example. The research problem: what kind of opportunities were given to the youth, spending time in Tallinn youth centres, to participate in outdoor activities in the youth workers opinions and how to improve them? The aim of the research was to map the opportunities and needs to implement outdoor education in youth work in order to arouse interest in outdoor activities among the youth.For qualitative data collection semi-structured interviews were carried out (in February, 2015) in nine Tallinn youth centres out of ten. Therefore, the results can be generalized to all Tallinn youth centres. It was found that different opportunities for implementing outdoor education were used in Tallinn youth centres, but a large part of the potential is still unused. The workers in Tallinn youth centres feel the need to receive training about the methods, games and use of technical and interactive devices in carrying out outdoor activities for the youth.

A Comparative Study of the State of Ethics in Youth Work Practice in Jamaica, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cleopatra Monique Parkins
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Code Of Ethics ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Youth Work ◽  
Youth Workers ◽  
Ethical Practices ◽  
The United Kingdom

Even though youth work has played a critical role in fostering the holistic development of today’s youth, much controversy has surrounded the practice. Nevertheless, youth workers are slowly being accorded professional status, and a code of ethics has been developed in some jurisdictions. Some states are still to adopt this code; consequently the credibility of youth workers and the sector in general sway with the wind. This article presents a comparative analysis of ethical practices of youth work in Jamaica, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, examining current trends in observing ethics and addressing ethical issues. In the case of Jamaica, the researcher used the non-probability convenience sampling technique and collected primary data from a questionnaire administered to a sample of youth workers. The perspective of the ministerial arm responsible for youth work in Jamaica was also captured through an interview. In the case of Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, the framework of the profession and specifically matters pertaining to ethical practices were examined through the use of secondary data sources, which included reports on youth work practices in the selected countries. A mixed methodology was employed in analysing the data collected. The major findings of this study confirmed that advancing youth work as a profession is dependent on the acceptance and integration of a formal code of ethics, that youth workers must receive training on ethics and that a national youth work policy is important to guide youth work practice. In accordance with the findings, the researcher makes a number of recommendations and highlights notable best practices that may help with the overall professionalisation of the sector.

Why are companies still struggling to reach higher continuous improvement maturity levels? Empirical evidence from high performance companies

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 316-327 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Jurburg ◽  
Elisabeth Viles ◽  
Carmen Jaca ◽  
Martin Tanco
Keyword(s):  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Measurement System ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Basque Country ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Northern Spain ◽  
Content Type ◽  
High Performing

Purpose – Continuous improvement (CI) is regarded as a powerful approach to achieve business excellence. However, the implementation is not simple as it involves managing a considerable amount of tangible and intangible factors throughout the whole organization. The purpose of this paper is to fill the gap by presenting first-hand information about how companies really implement and organize their CI processes. Design/methodology/approach – The study was based on semi-structured interviews in ten high performing companies in the Basque Country, a region in northern Spain well known for its business quality. The objective was to analyze the state of their CI processes, putting special focus on how the organizational structure integrates with the CI processes and what are the characteristics of the corresponding measurement system. Findings – The study shows a lack of company-wide focus on CI, little written evidence of previous improvement activities, unclear improvement process owner, and poor use of adequate measurement systems to monitor CI. Practical implications – Managers should understand that is not enough to guarantee their own commitment and provide the structure, since in order to become learning organization, a different holistic approach towards the CI process must be adopted. Originality/value – While most previous work on this field have focused primarily on how to implement different techniques in order to achieve better productive performance, this study presents empirical research from a more holistic approach, assessing the characteristics affecting CI by considering strategy, structure, and the measurement system.

Experiences of newly qualified midwives working in clinical practice during their transition period

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (9) ◽  
pp. 524-530
Author(s):  
Heather Watson ◽  
Donna Brown
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Professional Growth ◽  
Transition Period ◽  
Learning Opportunities ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Clinical Environment ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Clinical Area ◽  
Care Environment ◽  
The Impact

Background With greater numbers of midwives being trained to counteract the predicted shortages, it seems that it is now more vital than ever to explore how newly qualified midwives (NQMs) describe their experiences in the clinical environment, the support they have received, and identify barriers to their development during the transition period. Aim The aim of this study was to explore NQMs experiences of working clinically during the transition from student to qualified midwife. Method Using a qualitative approach, eight NQMs participated in semi-structured interviews. Findings The findings revealed four key themes that sum up the NQMs experiences: expectations and realities of the role; creating conditions for professional growth; the impact of the care environment; and limitations to creating a healthful culture. Conclusions The clearly articulated journey that has been described by the NQMs demonstrated that there is both a need and desire to change, improve and develop the transition period for all new midwives working in clinical practice. Consideration needs to be given to more robust guidance, with some ideas for development, such as support forums for NQMs to meet up on a regular basis; advanced planned rotation with flexibility; a named preceptor/‘buddy’ in each clinical area; and a shared online forum to allow the NQMs to discuss and share experiences, and to signpost to any useful information or learning opportunities available.

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