Cross-Level Service-Learning: Enhancing Presentation Skills Through Peer Teaching in Year 2

You may be wondering what a cross-level Service-Learning methodology is. It is an educational approach where older students take on a teaching role to support younger peers in acquiring specific skills. We have already used this in the past because this method is a very effective one in that it fosters collaboration, reinforces knowledge, and builds confidence in both groups. A great example of this took place quite recently in a recent Language and Literacy lesson, where a group of Year 4 students guided Year 2 students into the mastering of the art of effective class presentations.

This methodology clearly promotes active learning, leadership, and collaboration:  The older students consolidate their knowledge by teaching, while the younger students receive guidance from relatable mentors. Additionally, the experience fosters a sense of community and mutual respect within the school. By integrating cross-level learning-service into our lesson plan, we created a more interactive, student-centred lesson where learning became a shared experience. 

Our Literacy Adviser asked a group of year 4 students to prepare a workshop-like presentation on how to structure a presentation, engage the audience, and use voice and body language effectively. The students created materials, including different slides and practical tips based on their own experiences and then conducted a short practice session.

During the lesson, our year 4 students explained presentation techniques and demonstrated both effective and ineffective examples. They provided hands-on short practice, encouraging their younger year 2 peers to deliver very short presentations and to receive constructive feedback from the rest of the class.

After the session, both, year 4 and year 2 students reflected on the experience. The younger students expressed they had learnt something new that would lead to a greater confidence in presenting, while the older students reinforced their own skills and gained a sense of responsibility. 

The success of this presentation skills workshop-like activity highlights how powerful peer teaching can be in developing confidence, communication, and cooperation, which in turn are essential skills for both academic and personal growth.

Both, the literacy teacher, Laura Fernandez-Borrella and the Literacy Adviser, Marina Hurtado, observed increased engagement, peer support, and development of oral communication skills.

How to present your work de Iria