Cooperative Extension Fact Sheets
Science And Math #5
Teens As Teachers
Younger children respond better to teen modeling than adults. With less of an age difference a quicker repore/relationship is established among the teen and youth. Teens can serve as mentors to the younger members. This reinforces learning in the teens, helps them learn the developmental stages, become organize, and become actively involved in helping their community. 4-H teens can count this leadership and service learning experience in their records for trips and scholarships as well as future applications to colleges and jobs. This is a WIN/WIN situation for both all involved: the group leader who serves as a coach gets extra help, the teen who develops their skills while helping in an after-school/ club setting, members get extra positive role models and the community has more opportunities available for youth. Some local retailers will provide certificates such as pizza, movie tickets… to recognize teens for their hours of service.
SERIES -(Science Experience & Resources for Informal Education Settings) , has incorporated this into their program to provide hands-on science to after school groups by training and utilizing teens. The following is some of what they have to say the subject.
- Cross-age Teaching. Current research emphasizes the value of social interactions for improving learning. The current national trend toward cooperative learning is an example of this trend. SERIES builds in opportunities for youngsters to learn science from each other - older teens interacting with younger learners to solve problems, record data, make references, and so on. The modeling that older youngsters provide is more effective than the modeling provided by an adult in a teaching role because the age differences are less and the time for personal, more individualized contact is increased. With less age and status difference, a truly two-way interaction starts faster and generates more enthusiasm.
- Apprentice Structure Another form of learning through social interactions is the apprentice structure of SERIES. This allows the novice to work side by side with the expert to learn the craft, the processes and the knowledge of "sciencing." The adult volunteers serve as "coaches" for the teen leaders and the teen leaders serve as "personal instructors" for the younger participants.
There are many experiences available to teens to learn about science and also share their knowledge / interest with others in doing leadership through teaching other 4-H youth and in participating in community service projects for their community. Do you have a passion for computers, the environment, or electricity? We have materials to help you learn or share your interest with others.
Submitted by K. Anderson
For more information please call 401.277.5255