Helping myself learn by teaching

All teachers know that students learn as much as they can about something in which they are interested. From early childhood show and tell to listening to high school student's talk about their cars, video games, music, etc., teachers can encourage their students to bring in information about their pop icons, hobbies, and other interests. Teachers can also use teaching technology as a vehicle for students to learn more about their personal interests

Imagine the elementary school child teaching others about the types of dinosaurs with the models s/he has brought in and the books, articles and/or photos purchased or taken from the internet. Middle and high school students have tutored younger children in art, music, academics, sports, and playing games.

The lesson plan is simple and must be specific for each teacher or parent educator. Set parameters for your children. Inventory their interests and resources. Where possible,after teaching them how to use the equipment, lend the students a camera to take pictures or a camcorder for the student to video his/her collection. Insist on accuracy so students check their science, math, spelling, grammar, facts, etc.

If appropriate, team them up to bring in materials, with parental permission, (teachers must be sure to duplicate, take pictures, scan into computers or otherwise protect from damage so students' possessions and objects can be passed around or projected for all to see). In some cases, the hobbies or material to be shared may be for younger or even older students and other classes. With identity protection (schools districts usually have protocols), much of the sharing may be appropriate for the school website or yearbook.

Best of all, when students love to learn and share, they often behave themselves into new ways of thinking, becoming better and kinder students with more interest in the people and world around them.