A Powerful Message
Providing middle school students with the opportunity to teach sends a powerful message. It says to students, “You have knowledge worth sharing, you have a teacher’s trust, and you have an opportunity to support others’ learning and growth.”
But the impact is no less for the students being taught. They see their student teachers as role models with similar learning experiences, who can affirm them and also push them to reach higher.
The powerful effects of this peer education are evident during our Beaker Buddies program. The program encourages middle school scientists to help foster a deeper understanding and positive attitude toward Science within their elementary school counterparts.
As middle and elementary school students work alongside each other, smiles are abundant. Not evident in the photos, however, is the overwhelming generosity of the middle school students and and how thoughtful they are in supporting their peers. It is truly a win-win experience for all.
