Friday, December 13, 1968
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
9
After class, he teaches-
David Paden, KU junior and volunteer tutor, looks on as one of his third grade students wrestles with a mathematics problem.
Lawrence school children learn from KU students
By FRED PARRIS
Kansan Staff Writer
They may be third-graders, but they're also serious students
Pencils in hand, they determinedly assault the math problems before them.
Beside them, watching, is another student, this one from KU. Having finished a day of classes himself, he is now teaching others.
He is one of 16 KU undergraduates participating in Ballard Center's volunteer tutoring program for Lawrence school children.
The program, says its student teacher-supervisor David Paden, Lawrence junior, operates out of two local community centers; Ballard Center in North Lawrence and the East Lawrence Service Center at 10th and Delaware. Nine tutors work with about 30 children at each location.
Involving students in the second through fourth grades, the sessions are conducted each afternoon after regular classes. Mathematics and reading are the subjects now taught, with social studies under consideration for the future.
Relatively few of the student tutors are majoring in education. Among their declared majors are physics, engineering, math and psychology.
The best teaching ratio, says Paden, is one tutor for every three or four students.
Paden emphasizes that neither money nor academic credit are motivating forces for the tutors. The project is completely voluntary in every respect.
"With the normal, one to one tutor set-up, you have an artificial relationship," he says. "It's unlike anything the kid will face in the classroom or daily life."
By contrast, the small group allows students to work with their peers in a confidence building informality. Plenty of attention can be given to each pupil's work.
Unlike some "professional" tutors, the KU volunteers aren't satisfied with merely pulling their students up to a passing level. Radical improvement is expected, or failing that, visible effort by the pupil.
"The whole effort is based on the student's desire to learn," Paden says. "We try to use new and more interesting materials, as well as being enthusiastically interested in the child's successes."
Emphasis is placed on learning principles, not memorization, he adds.
"If the rules are learned, the rest will naturally follow."
The tutoring sessions are pragmatic as well.
"If a kid wants to count on his figures, that's okay. We want him to work the best way he can."
Occasionally, the program has benefits which reach beyond the original intentions, Paden says. One girl tutored in math also started writing in full sentences for the first time.
while additional student volunteers are welcome, they should realize what they are getting into, Paden warns.
"This is not an 'hour a week' fraternity service project type of thing," Paden says. "It's like taking a daily class at KU, only this time, the kids are teaching you."
If the program scares away the instant uplift crowd, it results in participation by dedicated activists. Some student-tutors not only teach their own classes, but take on extra tasks as well.
As to the ultimate question-
COUPON
TREAT A FRIEND AT MISTER DONUT
Bring in this coupon with a friend. Buy coffee OR hot chocolate, and a donut for yourself. Then we will treat your friend to the SAME, NO CHARGE. At
MISTER DONUT
523 West 23rd
842-9563
Expires 12-18-68
are the children benefiting Paden will only speculate.
"That makes it all worthwhile."
Patronize Kansan Advertisers
Patronize Kansan Advertisers
The new, popular place to eat in Lawrence . . . home of the ranch-fresh hamburger . . . where you get fast self-service and can enjoy your meal in your car on the go, or at leisure in Smaks dining room . . . Come in and try our Smakaroo . . triple toasted buns, two ranch-fresh hamburger rounds, covered with melty cheese, with mayonnaise, lettuce and a big slice of fresh tomato. You'll meet your friends here, just south of Allen's fieldhouse.
Remember HER at Christmas
A gift from The Alley Shop is the best way to remember!
Positions Open:
General Chairman
Publicity Chairman Secretary
On-Campus Publicity
Off-Campus Publicity
Arrangements Chairman
House Manager
Ticket Chairman
On-Campus Tickets
Off-Campus Tickets
Mail Order
Complimentary Block Sales
Inquire for application in SUA office