On early Saturday morning, October 14th, student-ambassadors from the Academic Outreach Programme (AOP) gathered at the Polak Building at Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) for their first official training of the year. Following a warm introduction, the student-ambassadors were divided into two groups: experienced student-ambassadors, who had worked for the AOP previously, delved into the topic of ‘scaffolding’, while new student-ambassadors worked on another important theme: being a role model. This first introduction into this theme provided student-ambassadors with important insights into how they could assume this role and it’s associated responsibilities during their work for the AOP.
After these sessions, the student-ambassadors reconvened for a joint session on micro-aggressions. Through role-playing, potential scenarios were enacted, and the student-ambassadors received guidance on how to handle such situations during their work. Following lunch, it was time for the student-ambassadors to deliver their pre-prepared mini-lessons. To assist student-ambassadors in improving their teaching skills, various educators from Rotterdam were asked to join these mini-lessons and provide feedback.
Tonia Krijgsman of the Agnesschool: "It was very special to see that there are many student ambassadors who feel connected, see the importance and want to get involved in the Outreach programme. I was also positively surprised at the students' proper body language and confidence with which they stood in front of the group. I saw beautiful purposeful lessons after which they also gave each other valuable tips and positive feedback. As long as there are children who lack role models, knowledge of possible school routes and support options, opportunity inequality will persist. Through the Outreach initiative, our pupils receive lessons from students who are role models and attend a children's lecture in a lecture hall on campus. In doing so, we give them an introduction to theoretical education."
Another educator emphasized the importance of the open-mindedness that they observed among the student ambassadors that afternoon: "To learn from each other, it's important to be vulnerable and perceive feedback as a means to grow. After the initial ice was broken, the students actively sought critical assessments of their own areas of improvement. Together, we created a safe environment with the objective of identifying areas where enhancements could be made. Furthermore, there was a lot of laughter and enjoyment in the work."
The dedication of the student-ambassador to learn, inspire, and strive for improvement holds great promise. The team of the AOP is proud of her student-ambassadors and looks forward to the wonderful work they will do in schools and the city in the upcoming year!