Youth and Tutoring

Introductory psychology students in small groups present some aspect of the course material to local elementary school classes. The project challenges undergraduate students to demonstrate the deep level of understanding required to be able to flexibly communicate the presentation material in an age-appropriate manner to kindergarten through fifth grade students.

Students will teach a series of enrichment classes to youth in after school programs at the Northfield Middle School.

For the ACE component of this class, student groups will conduct research projects for on-campus and off-campus constituents.  In addition, the entire class will assist with education-related research for a preschool in Northfield.

All children, adults, and families experience stressful life events. This seminar examines how stressors shape behavioral and biological development. For the ACE project, students will work with community partners to reduce stress-related risks and foster healthy development in the Northfield community.

In this course, students examine how schools and communities in the Twin Cities interact to provide support and developmental opportunities for school-age children. Through lectures, readings, discussions, field trips, and in-school and co-curricular placements, students gain an understanding and awareness of how race, class, ethnicity, national origin, and gender shape the complex character of urban youth and schools. Students spend one week in orientation activities on campus and two weeks in the Twin Cities. The last week of January Term is spent back on campus discussing the experience.

ACE Component: During the time in the Twin Cities, St. Olaf students participate as tutors and classroom assistants during the school day and then assist in various after-school and community programs.

How do humans learn language? How do they learn more than one language, as is the case for the vast majority of people living?  What enables or hinders language learning? Are bilinguals really smarter? These are just some of the fascinating questions addressed in this course which combines study of theory, fieldwork-based analysis of learner language, and pedagogical considerations, and includes a focus on both English and World Language learners. ACE course, 10-hour field experience. Required for ESL licensure and TEFL certificate, counts toward concentrations in Education, Linguistics. Prerequisite:  First Year Writing. Offered fall semester.

ACE Component: The course includes a 10-hour Field Experience (FE) component, where St. Olaf students will work directly with children and/or adults who are learning English or other languages and formally analyze learner language to better understand their SLA status and how to support their on-going language development.  Students will apply course readings and research strategies to capture and analyze developing learner language, connect their findings to pedagogical approaches that are helpful to the children and adults they are working with, and will reflect in writing on their experiences.

The course contains the following ACE elements: 2. Civic learning: Ability to apply academic knowledge and proficiencies (such as written and oral communication, teamwork, critical and creative thinking, information literacy, intercultural competency, quantitative skills, etc.) in service of a civic/community aim; 4. Civic reflection: Ability to describe and evaluate one’s civic/community aims and accomplishments; 5. Civic efficacy: Confidence in one’s ability to contribute effectively to civic and community endeavors; and 6. Civic action: Commitment to pursue civic, community and work roles that foster the common good.

Students have the option of partnering with community organizations through a Taking Action project. Students engage with community partners in projects that involve education, awareness, or fundraising related to global challenges that impact the local community.