Donatas Petkauskas

is professional supervisor, coach and experiential learning trainer, having more than 15 years of experience in consulting various organizations and individuals, creating and conducting training course on national and international levels. Donatas has extensive experience in non-formal education, training of youth workers and trainers. He is working in the field of non-formal education since 2003, since 2004 he is a member of trainers pool of Lithuanian National Agency (currently an alumni).
  • Boyatzis’ Theory of Self-Directed Learning

    Why did I choose this tool? The theory of Self-Directed Learning by Boyatzis is an underused theory and should get more attention in the field of youth. I believe trainers should aim at making the learners independent rather than patronizing or providing them with all the answers. The tool is also great at supporting the personal and professional development of…

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  • Thinking about safety

    Why did I choose this tool? The safety often depends on the context and the topics that are or will be discussed. Therefore, there is no way of developing a complete list of what is safe of not safe for the group. This is the reason why I chose a few areas for you to reflect and brainstorm, what are…

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  • Incomplete list of ideas how to use the environment

    Why did I choose this tool? If you want to use the environment creatively, you have to start somewhere. Considering myself a less creative person, I always need some examples of what can be done in order to get me going. This list is a starting point to get creative with the spaces. How does this apply to being a…

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  • Truthful and non-violent communication

    Why did I choose this tool? I chose this tool as a way to expand the understanding on how important it is to be genuine with the group and not take the educational process as a theatre play of fake cheerfulness and fun games. I believe that the core of non-formal education comes from the relationship and interaction between the…

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  • Learning zones

    Learning zones

    Why did I choose this tool? Skill is something you develop by practicing. I believe it is a lot easier to start practicing when you have basic knowledge on how the skill can be practiced and what to keep in mind before and during this practice. These are the basic theories of learning that will give you an idea of…

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  • Addressing problematic behaviour

    Why did I choose this tool? I chose this tool as an alternative point of view, about how the difficult behaviour of participants could be approached, understood and handled. How does this apply to being a trainer? Maintaining a workable environment via a relationship with the participants of the course is beneficial for the atmosphere in the group that allows…

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  • Tips and tricks for preparing the working room and (not) including outdoors

    Why did I choose this tool? This tool is about creating a learning environment. Small things that should be taken into consideration. Small things that go unnoticed, but are crucial. How does this apply to being a trainer? Physical environment will affect working and learning of the group in one way or another. “Participants should be physically at ease, be…

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  • Questions to answer / things to search for at the venue

    Why did I choose this tool? These are the aspects of the venue that I “scan” before starting to work. Working in a training room can be very comfortable and it can be easy to control the stationery, flipchart, projector, chairs and tables for use. The aim of these questions is to start thinking outside of the box (training room)…

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  • Building knowledge on the safety regulations and developing a safety plan

    Why did I choose this tool? Safety in a training activity is a multi-layer concept that involves both physical and emotional safety of the participants and is crucial in order to have an educational process (of course the group might learn a lot about crisis management and first aid if someone falls down the cliff or a chair and breaks…

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  • Roles and attitude of the group leader group-wise

    Why did I choose this tool? This is a very short and simple theory to become more aware of how you are positioning yourself in a group and the educational interventions that you are choosing in the training programme. Some of them may come intuitively while it is important to maintain awareness and targeted choices. When combined with Tuckman’s Group…

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