Program Details
On What Define U participants learned during the program…
Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Having better study habits.
Listening, leadership and patience.
It helped me learn more about myself.
To focus and persevere.
Ways to better manage my life.
How to be a better leader.
Program Design
Define U consists of a series of lessons that allow students to absorb the information through hands on experiences, group discussion and individual reflection. Students walk away with the ability to practice and begin to master skill sets they can utilize in their academic progress and towards greater goals they have set (secondary school, college, career goals...)
The curriculum for Define U was carefully planned, developed, and tested to ensure that students gain an understanding of themselves, others, and are provided a “comfort zone” to be able to grow the skills necessary for their success. Techniques and examples are provided to students to ensure they leave with a better way to confront issues. For example, the lessons taught and then practiced by students regarding problem solving can be utilized in a math lesson or confronting teenage peer pressure issues.
THE FOUNDATION OF DEFINE U
Through experience and research by the Define U curriculum and facilitation team, Define U begins by building a strong foundation where students gain a better understanding of who they are, recognize their current inventory of skill sets, and begin to think about where they would like to go (goals).
Team Activities
Developing a sense of team and establishing trust amongs
t peers is a critical part of all their interactions. It is with this foundation, that they will be able to build steps for further development. Students learn key life and leadership skills by participating in interactive sessions. This allows them to strengthen their relationship with teachers and staff. It also allows them to continue to build positive peer support.
Individual Reflection/Activities
Students have dedicated time throughout the program to provide both individual and group reflection and responses to the skills. A session on what leadership skills are and how to use them is an example of one of the activities. Students are provided a Define U guidebook to record their responses and use as a reference in their school years to come.
(Sample page from tohe Define U student guidebook.)
Life Positioning SystemTM
The Life Positioning SystemTM (LPS) is a tool that allows students t
o recognize their strengths and talents in order to map out their future success. Sharing the concept of a GPS, the simple yet easy to follow steps allows for individual reflection time. Students find the questions and activities engaging prompting them to create goals and write down their dreams. Over 3,000 students from middle school to college students have been guided by the LPS in mapping out their future. The LPS owners manual is in booklet format and consists of 8 steps for students response.
