Project GPS: An Introduction
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Transcript of Project GPS: An Introduction
Project GPS: An IntroductionEd Bowers, Ph.D.Program Director
Chris Napolitano, M.A.Research Assistant
Mimi ArbeitResearch Assistant
Richard M. LernerPrincipal Investigator
Important recent projects
What are wetrying to do?
Project GPS Goal for youth: To improve the goal management—or intentional self regulation—skills of youth in mentoring programs, helping them to achieve their goals and develop positively.
Project GPS Goal for programs: To provide a research- and evidence- based, scientifically validated, flexible suite of tools designed to measure the longitudinal impact of programs on youth’s ISR and positive development.
Where does GPS Theory come from?Positive development happens when youth strengths are matched with contextual strengths.One of the most important youth strengths is ISR, or the ability to successfully select, work on, and adjust strategies for important life goals.
In GPS Theory, there are three main skills:G, P, and S
GGoal Selection
Selecting meaningful, realistic, long-term goals
Being selective and “investing energy” in long-term goals
Goals should have short-term stepsGoals should improve life in multiple
waysThe best goals benefit self and
community
PPursuit of Strategies
Developing a plan and sticking to itPracticing current strategies and looking
for new onesUsing strategies with persistent effort at
appropriate timesMonitoring progress to see if strategies
are working
SShifting Gears
Replacing strategies that aren’t working with new ones
Adjusting strategies so that they might work in the future
Looking for help from people and other resources
Moving on to new goals at the right time
GPS PYD
PYDPositive Youth Development
CompetenceConfidenceCharacter
CaringConnection
Contribution
Some measurement
challenges
Time intensive
Self report
Odd language
How do we measure GPS and PYD?
Rubrics–a universal
coding system
Scoring Guide for Mentor Rubrics
5 Consistent initiative;skill mastery
“I’ve got this.”
4 “On and off” initiative;skill competence
“I’m doing well, but…”
3 Emerging initiative;basic skill
“I really need your help.”
2 Lacks initiative;low skill
“Fine, I’ll do it.”
1 Lacks skill;pre-aware or disengaged
“I don’t care.”
Project GPS Tools
RubricsVideos
Activities
Videos
Namibiahttp://www.youtube.com/user/tuftsgps#p/u/15/tkRJvOiXeJo
Nuts + Bolts
Nuts + BoltsNow you need to:
Participate in trainingComplete your consent form
Identify the youth you will work withObtain consent (from the youth and guardians)
Nuts + BoltsAt your first Project GPS meeting with the youth, you
need to:Introduce GPS using Introductory Sessions A-DYouth and mentor both complete first rubrics
online
Nuts + BoltsAt later meetings with the
youth,you can:
Re-introduce GPSAsk about goals
Use activities and videos as desiredDo the rubrics online 2 more times
Go for the GOAL!
Project GPS:Hands-on Training
RubricsVideos
Activities
RubricsThere are several types of rubrics in Project GPS.Rubrics vary by who will complete them, what
they measure, and the age range of youth to which they refer
Today, we will go over the mentor-completed GPS rubrics for younger and older adolescents in detail.
Practice makes perfect!
VideosEach video shows a young adult exemplarWhile no single video covers each of the GPS
and PYD skills, all of the skills are discussed in at least one of the videos.
For example, one mentor might choose a video that highlights “Seizing the Moment” if the mentee struggles with knowing the right time to act.
Gabe http://www.youtube.com/user/tuftsgps#p/u/16/dqN6Ty8nZWY
Trevor http://www.youtube.com/user/tuftsgps#p/u/23/AjyGKyoPNyU
Beth’s story
Josh’s story
What tools can mentors useto boost GPS?
Use the Activities!Rubrics and videos may not always be enough to
promote GPS and PYD.Project GPS has a full suite of activities designed to
help mentors teach skills when mentees are having trouble.
Puzzle Pieces
Breaking down long term goals into short term steps
Breaking down a goal into small steps is like identifying the puzzle pieces that fit together
In this activity, youth will write or draw their goal on one side of cardboard, and then make puzzle pieces that represent each of the smaller steps towards the larger goal.
For example:Making the Honor Roll
Take notes during classStudy for tests and quizzes
Make a study groupAsk for help on things I don’t understand
Do homeworkAsk for extra credit
Now it’s your turn!
Pick a goal and start puzzling!
Road Map and Travel Log
Checking ProgressChecking progress towards reaching a goal can
be like keeping track of the stops along a road trip.
In this activity, the youth will create a “map” of the steps and strategies involved in reaching their goals.
They can use this map to check progress and revise action plans.
Develop a “road map” to a goal, listing all the steps along the way.In one color, make a route to your goal. This is
your action plan. In another color, following the route, list the actions you have already taken.
Be creative! Add detours, rest stops, scenic views or maybe even some deadlines.
TodayMake a roadmap that shows the
“journey” you will take while using Project GPS with your mentee.
Some stops along the way include… Complete consent forms Participate in training Identify the youth you
will work with Obtain consent from
matches and guardians Get ID number
Introduce GPS concepts and rubrics to youth with overview sessions
Complete the first rubric assessment, have youth complete their own assessment
Use activities as needed
• Complete the rubric assessment two more times, at roughly even spacing.
• Keep track of all activities you use in this process!
Reactions?
Project GPS benefits organizations
1. Provides measureable evidence of impact2. Identifies areas of strength and areas that
might need more attention3. Contributes to the development of materials
Project GPS benefits mentors
1. Provides user-friendly empirical information about youth development
2. Activities and videos complement and extend your efforts
3. Is a great opportunity to reflect and plan with youth
Project GPS benefits YOUTH!
1. Identifies areas of strength and areas that might need more attention
2. Provides a well-thought out plan to reach their goals, the motivation to pursue those goals, and the life skills critical to successfully achieving those goals.
Reflecting on the Day1. What happened?
2.So what?3.Now what?
1. What happened?What was one thing you learned today that you
will use if you implement Project GPS?
How do you see Project GPS fitting into your program?
2. So what?How do you think Project GPS can impact the
lives of your youth?
How do the goals of Project GPS relate to the goals of your program?
3. Now what?What are the next steps you need to take in order
to ensure an effective launch of Project GPS within your program?
Let’s hit the road!Remember to bring your GPS
Email us if you have questions or feedback at [email protected]
Look for materials to be posted by January 19 at http://stepitup2thrive.org/tufts/