Procedure

This task consists of five parts.

The first part provides a brief introduction to human needs based on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. This is linked to the general goal of youth work, which is to support young people in leading self-determined lives.

The pyramid is presented in broad terms with a description of its levels–physiological needs, safety needs, social needs, individual needs, self-actualization–and any questions are clarified.

In the second part, participants divide themselves among prepared tables in the room and work together at each table in three rounds.

• Round 1: Participants fill in the pyramid levels of the first pyramid with examples of the respective need. Physiological needs include sleep, hunger, etc.
• Round 2: Participants translate the second pyramid into digital form – what could be written on each level? Examples for the social needs level could be social media, for safety needs, data protection issues, etc.
• Round 3: Participants consider what support youth work can offer at each level. To do this, they fill the third pyramid with examples and specific offers. Participants are encouraged to do research or share their personal experiences.

In the third part, the groups transfer their pyramids from round 3 to a digital whiteboard. Each group has its own pyramid. When they are finished, they work with the other groups to compile the pyramid from round 2.

In the fourth part, the participants look at the pyramids of the other groups and can mark questions or points for discussion with comments or Post-it notes and add their thoughts.

In the fifth part, questions and discussion points are clarified in a plenary session.

Preparation

• Depending on the number of participants, several tables are set up in the room – each table has at least one Maslow pyramid as a template.
• For the third/fourth part, a digital whiteboard must be prepared for the seminar. A pyramid template should also be inserted here for each group. For round 2, it makes sense to insert a large pyramid template.

Notes on moderation

• There are already a number of examples of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs adapted to digital requirements on the internet – depending on the group, it may be useful to show one or two examples to make the task easier to understand.
• The use of the whiteboard tool can of course be omitted and replaced by an analog gallery walk.

Interesting sources

• For inspiration, take a look here: The new Maslow pyramid
• Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is also described in detail on Wikipedia:
• Maslow’s hierarchy of needs – Wikipedia