Elementary, College Students Teach Each Other
Education majors from Minnesota State University Moorhead are learning to be teachers, and the elementary students are learning their science and social studies curriculum concepts in a fun and interactive way as part of the cooperative learning exchange happening at McKinley Elementary School on Tuesday, Sept. 27.
Under the guidance of John Benson and Abigail Bremer, MSUM Department of Teaching & Learning education professors, the MSUM students have planned activity stations in various classrooms at McKinley that teach concepts dealing with government, economics, geography, and history that align with third, fourth, and fifth grade science and social studies curriculum standards.
The college students have also incorporated 21st Century skills along with Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) skills into the activities available to the elementary students. As the McKinley students rotate through all the curriculum activity stations they will also be learning:
- Critical Thinking – Problem Solving/Solution Finding: Explain Solution Ideas
- Collaboration – Leadership & Initiative: Participation and Deadlines
- Communication – Effective Listening: Questioning and Taking Turns
- Creativity – Openness and Courage to Explore: Perseverance
McKinley Principal Cheryl Janssen feels this learning exchange that occurs between the soon-to-be teachers and the young students also presents other valuable lessons. “The elementary students experience a connection with our community by working with the MSUM students, and it also fosters a visible understanding of continuing their education towards a career.”
This Cooperative Learning Exchange event was held on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2016 from 9 to 10:40 a.m. at McKinley Elementary School (2930 North 8th Street, Fargo).