Thursday, October 11, 2007 2:00 PM – 3:00PM Eastern Time
| Dr. Karen VanderVen Professor Psychology in Education University of Pittsburgh Innovative Activities for Afterschool Programs |
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Both research and direct experience show that authentic activities, with associated content, skills, and challenge, are valued by children and youth. Activities that offer a new perspective, either an advanced aspect to a traditional activity, or exposure to a
completely new domain of activity, have great potential to involve children and youth and to contribute to many positive developmental outcomes. Skills in identifying, organizing and implementing innovative activities all contribute towards participants' attainment of maximum benefit. Be prepared to ask your own questions about innovative activities!
Dr. Karen VanderVen is Professor in the Department of Psychology in Education at the University of Pittsburgh. Prior to assuming her faculty position she worked with children and youth of all ages as an activity specialist. Among her current interests are play and activity, professional development, leadership, intergenerational programming, and the life span. She has been Senior Visiting Fellow at the Search Institute and a Visiting Scholar at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Dr. VanderVen has presented on activity programming and issues in professional development of staff working in out-of-school time at national school-age conferences. Among her hundreds of published works is “A multiple intelligence approach to school age activities” appearing in School Age Notes. A Pennsylvania Pathways certified trainer, Dr. VanderVen has conducted sessions on behavior issues and activities for regional after-school program staff and consulted to several after school programs. Dr. VanderVen has received several awards for her work on behalf children, youth, and families.
Youth Leadership
Thursday, September 27, 2007 2:00 PM - 3:00PM Eastern Time
Dr. Max Klau
Senior Manager
Leadership Development, City Year
Connecting with the Community
Thursday, November 8, 2007 2:00 PM – 3:00PM Eastern Time
Dr. Joseph Howell
Senior Fellow
AED Center for Youth Development