Our volunteers bring a real world perspective to the youths in our community, based on syllabi and materials that JA provides. As a volunteer, you will facilitate discussions and activities, add your personal experience where appropriate, and encourage teamwork and leadership skills with your class.What are some benefits of volunteering?
Volunteers can improve communication skills, increase coaching talents, enhance leadership/supervisory potential and feel good about helping a school and youths in their community. Company benefits include demonstrating their commitment to education and youth, and presenting a positive image of their company to the community.
What is the role of JA volunteer?
Be committed and make yourself available for the duration of the program
Facilitate the JA syllabus, using available materials
Facilitate a minimum of one activity per visit (as per the syllabus provided in the JA program kit)
Follow through on promises made to teacher, class or school
Exchange mobile and work numbers with JA and your volunteer partner
Maintain consistent communication with the classroom teacher or teacher-in-charge and the JA office
Communicate schedule changes to JA office
Secure a class roster early on in order to prepare certificates Complete the program evaluation at the end of the program
Last, but not least: have a fun and rewarding experience!
What is included in each Session Plan?
JA will provide you with a comprehensive Program Kit that includes a Volunteer Guide and all the activities for the class so that you can focus on planning and delivering each session. This Kit includes a Volunteer Guide which describes each session plan in detail:
Overview – a summary of each session.
Objectives – identifies the knowledge students will gain from each session.
Concepts and Skills – these are listed for each session.
Preparation – offers volunteers advice for getting ready for each session.
Recommended Time – each session should take approximately 60 minutes.
Materials – lists the materials needed for each session. All materials are provided for in your Program Kit.
Presentation – serves as a guide for sessions and discussions, ensuring a smooth presentation of objectives. Margin notes suggest alternative teaching strategies, define key terms, and provide Prompting Questions.
Summary and Review – this helps reinforce objectives prior to the conclusion of each session. Extended Learning Opportunities – enrich session objectives as optional activities.
Commitment
Volunteer commitment could vary from three days (two hours per day) to a weekly visit of one hour each for 6 weeks, depending on the school schedule.
Ground Rules and Key Teaching Tips
Based on its experience, JA will present you with a few specific ground rules regarding interaction with teachers and students. In addition, JA has amassed a range of teaching tips to assist you in your contribution. Whilst each session provides further input, the points below are the most important.
Before each session
Be prepared for each session by reading through the volunteer guide, especially the activities;
Follow session plans and activities developed by JA, but add your personal experience and relevant examples where appropriate;
Remember: this is not a lecture series.
During each session
Arrive on time and be consistent, setting a positive examples for your students;
To start off your first session: share your background and experience with the class;
Call the students by name, move around the room and involve as many students as possible;
Ask for teacher’s assistance in dividing the class into groups and class management;
Provide positive feedback to an incorrect answer;
Don’t talk down to students;
Reinforce positive behaviour.