Description
Book SynopsisThe authors provide practical, research-informed, guidelines and detailed lesson plans that improve learning of chemical, physical, biological, and Earth & space sciences. The context for learning is the myriad of exciting opportunities provided by informal science institutions such as zoos, museums, space centers and the outdoors. Many such institutions seek to educate the public and inspire budding scientists. Visits outside school help students relate science to everyday life, providing strong motivation to learn science for all abilities. This book shows the key to making such visits effective, is when they are linked to classroom learning using a learning management system, drawing upon modern students’ fascination with digital technologies and mobile devices.
Trade Review"The need to enhance the quality of the learning of science that takes place in formal educational contexts (schools) is now recognised world-wide. The value of other contexts as such- for example, museums, zoos, botanical gardens, and computer-based access to these- are gradually being identified and their contribution to the learning in formal contexts established. At the same time, the descriptors of the learning that may take place- free-choice, non-formal, informal – are being refined. This plethora of opportunities places great demands on science teachers, who have to address definite learning objectives in particular subjects –normally physics, chemistry, biology, earth science- and with specific groups of students. This volume gives practical advice, based on research, to teachers on how this may best be done. By using that advice, teachers will most effectively prepare students for the multi-model world in which the social media play an increasing part." - John K. Gilbert, Professor Emeritus, The University of Reading
Table of ContentsForeword David F. Treagust About the Cover List of Figures and Tables Part 1: What Research Has to Tell Teachers about Learning Experiences outside School (LEOS) Chapter 1: Enhancing Science Learning Chapter Overview Introduction Educational Context Research in LEOS Structure and Organization of the Book Assumptions and Terms Used in LEOS Writing and Literature Chapter 2: Formal, Informal, Non-Formal Learning & Free-Choice Learning Chapter Overview Introduction Theories of Learning Behaviorist Theories of Learning Constructivism Social Constructivism Sociocultural Theories of Learning Types of Learning Formal Learning Non-Formal Learning Informal Learning Chapter 3: Learning Experiences outside School Chapter Overview Introduction Ways by Which LEOS May Be Facilitated Learning Environments and LEOS LEOS: Implications for School Science Chapter 4: The Learner-Integrated Field Trip Inventory (LIFTI) Chapter Overview Introduction Learner-Integrated Field Trip Inventory (LIFTI) Chapter 5: Integrating Formal, Informal and Non-Formal Learning Using the Digitally-Integrated Fieldtrip Inventory (DIFI) Chapter Overview Introduction Blended Learning The Digitally-Integrated Fieldtrip Inventory (DIFI) Part 2: The Practice of Learning Experiences outside School Chapter 6: Learning Biological Sciences via Learning Experiences outside School Introduction Biological Sciences Reflections and Conclusions Chapter 7: Learning Chemical Sciences via Learning Experiences outside School Introduction Chemical Sciences Reflections and Conclusions Chapter 8: Learning Earth & Space Sciences via Learning Experiences outside School Introduction Earth & Space Sciences Reflections and Conclusions Chapter 9: Learning Physical Sciences via Learning Experiences outside School Introduction Physical Sciences Reflections and Conclusions Appendix: The New Zealand Curriculum and Science Curriculum Index
