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Children to help train teachers at USC
Education students at the University of the Sunshine Coast will put the theory that “children are the best teachers” to the test tomorrow (Tuesday 7 September).
Twenty-four children from Year 2 at neighbouring Siena College will visit USC to help 90 trainee teachers try out their skills in boosting literacy.
USC Lecturer in Education Carol Smith said the session from 10am would involve the Education students reading to the children, aged 6-7, before assessing the children’s reading abilities.
Ms Smith said this exercise was part of an ongoing program that provided a win-win situation for both the school and the University.
“The children find it very exciting because they get to visit the University, and their teachers gain feedback on how the children are progressing with their reading and oral language,” she said.
“Our students will be able to monitor the language growth of the children. They also will have an opportunity to have a close interaction with students when they’re not accustomed to doing that.”
Ms Smith said Education students would be matched with children from higher year levels as they progressed through their studies so they could witness the developmental continuum of language.
Tomorrow’s session will begin with USC’s Associate Professor of Education and author Michael Nagel reading to the entire group. Media is welcome to attend.
— Terry Walsh