Description
Creating opportunities for informal interactions between learners and staff can help build trust and create positive relationships.
Why is this approach useful?
The moments of informal interactions between students and staff can create opportunities for young people to open up about their problems, and for staff to offer support. Such moments can contribute to building trusting relationships between the young person and members of staff, which can be key to the prevention of early leaving from VET.
Why is it a quick win?
Informal interactions can be promoted at a low cost. For instance, by reorganising the physical environment of a VET school or accommodating schedules to arrange for moments where staff and learners meet (e.g. by sharing the canteen and lunch breaks).
Activities outside the formal education and training programme such as artistic activities, sporting activities, youth exchanges, trips and other activities aimed at motivating young people, also facilitate informal interactions. The costs of organising these types of activities can also be low, especially by cooperating with local services and organisations, such as sports clubs and municipalities.
How to make this approach successful?
Any changes in the physical environment or schedules intending to promote informal interactions need to be discussed with staff and students. Teachers might perceive it as additional work; students might perceive it as an increase in control. It is important that any changes are the result of a process of dialogue involving both staff and students.
Informal interactions need to take place in a respectful environment where young people feel accepted and welcomed. VET providers have an important role in facilitating conflict resolution, and detecting and acting upon situations of discrimination and bullying.