Prof wants to bring `university experience' to Halton schools by Rachael Williams Metroland West Media Group 25 | Thursday, January 29, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com A Milton man who heads a childhood learning program at McMaster University wants to bring the university experience to schools in Halton. Marshall Beier, a political science professor at McMaster, organizes a program called Children and Youth University, designed to get kids aged seven to 14 excited about post-secondary learning. The kids come down to the Mac campus with their families and participate in a lively lecture with tons of interactive elements. Beier says he wants to expand the scope of the program, now in its fourth year. With the high volume of participants that come down to Hamilton from Halton, he's looking at schools not too far from home. "We are drawing huge numbers from Halton. I see friends from my neighbourhood at lectures all the time with their kids. The Halton Region really is a leader in promoting education," said Beier. Children and Youth University takes place one Saturday per month from September to May. Upward of 300 people, including the children and their families, head down to McMaster University to attend a lecture on a range of topics, including robotics, health care, history, music, architecture, archaeology and international relations, by various professors. "It's not the same thing you'd see in a normal university lecture where the professor is standing at the front and everyone is passively taking in the information. I prefer to engage people as already bearers of knowledge and creators of knowledge," said Beier. Dr. Katrin Scheinemann and Dr. Sandeep Raha, both from the Department of Pediatrics at McMaster University at the time, developed the program in 2010. It was designed to create a stimulating learning environment for kids in a university setting. It officially launched in 2011 and shortly thereafter, Beier came on board and assumed a leadership role. Since then, enrolment has doubled. "We encourage kids to think of university as more than just more school, but as an opportunity to get involved in the production and creation of knowledge," he said. An interactive experience The lectures are designed to be an exchange between the children and professor. There are interactive elements where kids can experiment with props, ask questions and go on the stage to engage with the professor. For instance, in a lecture called `Doctors Play with Dolls Too', medical training devices resembling adolescent children that could move and breath (valued at $60,000 each) were used as lecture aids. The children were able to perform injections and monitor the dolls' health. "We want to get young people excited about learning and discovery," Beier said. Beier has a daughter enrolled at Tiger Jeet Singh Public School in Milton and has had talks with the principal, Krista Benedetti, about bringing a similar program to Milton. "I think it's a great idea," she told the Milton Canadian Champion. The expansion includes modules that involve undergraduate and graduate students teaching kids in various schools in Hamilton and Halton. The university students would act as mentors. They would find unique ways to combine the provincial curriculum with the newest trends in research and development so that kids will be prepared for university. Milton resident Dirk Goettsche has two children, aged nine and 11, who have been in the program for three years. He said not only does it introduce kids to higher education, it also brings families closer together. Marshall Beier, associate professor of political science at McMaster University, runs the Children and Youth University program at the Hamilton campus and is looking to bring a similar program to Halton schools. | submitted photo "The kids and I bring it up at the dinner table -- we talk about what we've all learned. It really engages them in what future learning is all about." Beier said the key is that the professors don't talk down to the kids who attend. They avoid specialized language, involving them in an informal dialogue. "We give them opportunity, choice, participation and most importantly, a voice," Beier said. After the kids have attended at least six lectures, they receive a certificate that resembles a university degree. "The kids all think it's pretty cool," said Beier. The Children's Aid Society of Halton, the public and Catholic school boards, public libraries and the Halton police have promoted the program, saying it contributes to a decrease in teenage alcoholism, crime and mental health issues. Kim Graves, a Halton District School Board trustee representing Milton, said the program is "very interesting" and that bringing it to Halton schools could be done fairly easily, provided program organizers went through the proper channels to rent rooms and acquire funding, depending on the size and scope. Beier has received plenty of positive feedback and is in the process of establishing programs similar to the Children and Youth University in Hamilton and Halton. "We're still in the early stages but are certainly trying to make it happen," he said. Another lecture, on the impact of cholera on the developing world, was scheduled for Jan. 16 at McMaster University. Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired? Wellness and Corrective Care for All Ages · Early morning, late evening and Saturday appointments available · Advanced computerized scans for spinal nerve stress We've helped people suffering with: Low back and neck pain, headaches, fibromyalgia, digestive nerves, disorders, breathing problems, osteoarthritis, pinched nerves, sciatica, infertility, allergies, poor posture and more. · Special interest in caring for infants and children · Pregnancy care · X-ray facilities on-site New patients welcome! T: 905-825-9529 · www.oakvillechiro.com 1500 Heritage Way, Unit 1, Oakville If you have spent your working life in noisy areas, you may be eligible for full coverage. Even if you are now retired, you may apply for benefits if your hearing was damaged due to long term noise exposure in the workplace. We are authorized vendors for WSIB, DVA, ADP, ODSP and NIHB. We are experienced in the application process with a very high success rate. The first step to better hearing is a hearing test. Custom ear protection (sleep molds, swim molds and musician's plugs) are available. DIAMOND If you've forgotten what fair, professional service feels like, call us and prepare to be amazed! SATISFACTION GUARANTEED! Fabio De Rango Pharmacist/Owner Voted Oakville's Favourite Pharmacist & Pharmacy · Patient Counselling · Complete Diabetic Care · Home Visits · Consultations · Free RX Delivery DE RANGO PHARMACY INC 478 Dundas Street West | 905-257-9737 Canada Post Call (905) 465-3277 (EARS) to book your complimentary hearing test ($60 value, Age 55+) DE RANGO PHARMACY INC 2501 Third Line | 905-465-3000 Open til Midnight | 7 Days a Week OAKVILLE 2419 Marine Drive www.shoppersdrugmart.ca