Tips for Working With Apprentices

Build trust in your first lesson through setting community ground rules, getting to know the students' interests and opinions and allowing students to make a decision.

Learning by doing is an important concept for middle school aged youth.   Come up with an interactive way to get your point across.  At Citizen Schools, we refer to the learning triangle (left) to explain the most effective way to learn.  Apprentices refer to this as "top of the triangle."

Variety is very important to kids.  Try not to spend more then 20 minutes on one activity—unless the kids get really into it. Instead of having apprentices assigned to tasks for the entire session, have stations that they can rotate through in small groups. 

Use a ritual such as a very active game/activity for the beginning of the apprenticeship session.  Your team leader and this manual can help.

Keep track of progress towards WOW! and give the students long and short term goals to look forward to. 

Model your best work by bringing in professional examples of what apprentices are creating and letting them see you as a role model.

Guest speakers offer a great chance for apprentices to meet even more experts in the field.

Field trips are a great way for apprentices to see the authentic settings in which what they are learning is used.

Download printable Tips for Working With Apprentices

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