In 2019, I participated in the SENSE School projects as a trainer. I would consider myself fairly experienced with the topics of didactics and interactive learning, with underaged individuals. I have previously acclimated experiences in this area through my voluntary work, seminar organization, and internship. All of this has proven to, almost certainly, guarantee my success in this classroom setting.

To prepare us for this challenge, the SENSE Center equipped us with a backpack full of knowledge, during a three-day train the trainer workshop. This was all done by Jonathan Finke and Professor Annette Gisevius. Even though I had previous experience, I found that the intensive three-day training deepened my knowledge. I learned about different teaching styles and reflected thoroughly on my role as a trainer. In front of the pupils, I want to be someone who is at an eye-to-eye level, someone who respects the needs of the students and is willing to listen. I had the opportunity to discuss my personal worries and the possibility to practice some scenarios and workshops in detail. The training course itself gave me greater security when I was finally working together with the pupils, but it also taught me methods that contributed to my ability to connect with the teenagers.

I successfully managed to work with a group of students. I didn’t expect this experience to be challenging, but at the end of the day, I found it to be humbling and enriching. I would highly recommend the School-Projects to anyone who values personal challenges and who wants to learn about working with individuals on an even level.

Do you want to learn more about how Karls is encouraging students to run workshops in schools? Check out the SENSE Center!

Article by Leonard Graf von Plettenberg (Politics, Philosophy and Economics (B.A.), 4th Semester)