4     Training Activities

Brief to trainer

There are four activities in this module. It is essential to include the first as it provides participants with background information on the course: its rationale, objectives and contents, as well as details of the international and local debates and their conclusions on judicial ethics.

The other three activities concern self-awareness of values, ethics and decisions. The exercises involve each participant reflecting on how they process information, what their values are, where these came from and how they apply them. Although these exercises may relate particularly to each individual’s life, both personal and professional, they have direct bearing on how that individual practises his or her profession as a magistrate. They also provide insights into how other people have different backgrounds and value systems. This understanding will result from the group discussions arising out of the final two exercises.

It is important for the trainer to choose at least two of these last three exercises to present on the course because of the valuable insights they give. You may be reluctant to tackle sensitive or private issues such as these because you and the participants may have little experience of working in these areas. However, it is strongly encouraged that you take a chance: the results will be worth the risk!

Training activities     Total time 4 hours 10 minutes

4.1    Background information on the course and this module

• This first activity covers the background to the programme. This is done through a lecture-style presentation (see Lecture Outline)and overhead transparencies (OHT) outlining objectives and contents of the course.
• You will need to adapt the contents section in OHT 4A and 4B, according to the modules that you will be presenting on your particular course
• OHT 1 is a model that shows important issues relating to values and ethics for magistrates and how these interlink with the course modules. It is a good idea to give participants a printed copy of this model as a handout.
• It is important that you motivate participants during this session through your own enthusiasm for the subject. Tell them about the sort of activities included in the course, and also that many of the situationsthat are used for role-plays and case studies are derived from the actual experiences of their colleagues.

4.2 Self-awareness diagnostics survey and background information

• The activity includes a questionnaire and a lecture/discussion (see Lecture Outline) on the importance of self-awareness.
• The questionnaire is designed to give participants some idea of the level of their own self-awareness.
• Stress that surveys such as this one, they are not particularly scientifically validated, but show tendencies which should be helpful for them to begin to understand their behaviours.
• No group discussion is included with this exercise. It is a short introduction to the concept of self-awareness.

4.3 Value clarification exercise: personal values and decisions

• Please include this activity! It is extremely worthwhile.
• This activity comprises a number of stages where participants reflect on their life decisions and values and how these are related. Three worksheets with clear information are provided for participants to record their individual information. They also discuss these in small groups.
• On first reading, the exercise may appear complicated, but, in reality, it makes sense during the performance of it, and the outcomes are very satisfying and illuminating for both trainer and participants. 
• Discussion of the issues that arise has shown, on past occasions, to be extremely helpful for the participants, and they have agreed that this is one of the most enjoyable and educational of all the activities. 
• The process steps explain each stage clearly for the trainer.

4.4 Value clarification exercise: awareness of influences

• This activity is similar to the previous one in that participants have to examine their own values, but this time it is in relation to the political and social events that inform their particular world.
• It is interesting for them to compare their life experiences with others on the course. There is ample time to do this during the small group and plenary stages. 
• The trainer explains the background to the exercise before it takes place. 
• Once again, each stage needs to be carefully explained as the trainer takes participants carefully through the exercise.

Handouts for participants