March 27, 2024
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March 27, 2024
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Linking Northern and Central NJ, Bronx, Manhattan, Westchester and CT

At Yavneh Academy, great emphasis is placed on both professional development and student empowerment. At a recent in-service for early childhood and lower grade teachers, the educational technology department took the bold step of combining these two beliefs into one by inviting middle school students to provide integration and instruction of iPad Apps to the teachers. This “experiment” was wildly successful as the students introduced a number of useful creative apps to the teachers.

The students prepared for the session by researching how each of their chosen apps can be integrated into lower school classrooms. They went so far as to prepare sample lessons and curricular ideas for the teachers. An onlooker in the room could feel the excitement and respect was shared between the students and teachers. Each time the timer indicated that it was time to move to the next session, the teachers were so engrossed in their learning that they had difficulty breaking away.

Eighth grade student Seela Langer was one of the students who participated in this venture. She wrote about her experience that day:

Recently, the tables were turned at Yavneh Academy. During a professional development session for Pre-K, kindergarten, first and second grade teachers, it was Middle School students who taught their former teachers about apps and websites on the iPad. Based on the concept of speed dating, the students were given five minutes to explain a chosen app. The teachers rotated from student to student to learn how to use these apps in their classrooms.

“I taught this student and now this student is teaching me!” exclaimed a second grade teacher.

“The kids were spot on with whatever was thrown their way!” said one teacher who participated.

During each five minute period, the teachers were taught the uses of an app. They were given a booklet, and pen to take notes.

“Yavneh’s own take on a ‘flipped’ classroom.” The students were given a few days to prepare, with the iPads that have been distributed to each individual student in the Middle School. The students created examples, how-to videos, handouts, or whatever they thought was needed to enhance their presentation.

For the Middle School students who participated, this was a new experience that allowed them to reverse roles with some of their former teachers. The teachers were eager to learn, and interjected their own ideas to the presentation. This wasn’t a lecture format; rather it was an informative conversation. As the students explained each app, the teachers voiced lesson ideas and thoughts which could be brought into their classrooms.

In the beginning, many of the students were nervous, but the receptiveness of the teachers quickly erased those feelings. They felt accomplished being able to help the teachers and in turn the younger students. This was a way to expand their own experiences, while additionally contributing to professional development of the teachers at Yavneh Academy. What a great opportunity, and though the point of the day was to teach the teachers, each participant created a legacy for him/herself.

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