Challenging the Classroom Standard Through Museum-based Education: School in the Park

by Pumpian, Ian; Fisher, Douglas; Wachowiak, Susan

• ISBN13: 9780805856354
• ISBN10: 0805856358
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2005-11-03
• Publisher: Lawrence Erlbau

Summary

School in the Park is an innovative museum-based educational effort to engage students in their community during the school day. Since 1999 several hundred students have been educated each year in museums and the zoo in San Diego. This is more than a field trip, it is changing the way that education is provided. "Challenging the Classroom Standard Through Museum-Based Education: School in the Park presents the experience of School in the Park from the perspective of different disciplines--oral language, reading, writing, social studies, math, science, and the arts--to determine how students are learning content within museums and the zoo. It provides a number of examples, case studies, references, scenarios, and recommendations for teaching and learning outside of the traditional classroom. The perspectives of teachers, museum educators, and students are represented. Importantly, this book offers ideas that readers can use in their own communities, ranging from long-term partnering with cultural institutions to one-day trips, to ensure that students have authentic experiences with the curriculum. With the current increased focus on accountability and achievement, less attention and importance is given to community-based learning experiences. This book demonstrates the viability of merging formal and informal learning and using community venues as an extension of the classroom. All those interested in and charged with educating children will find this book useful in exploring powerful learning experiences that occur outside traditional classroom settings.

Table of Contents

Foreword	vii
George E. Hein
Preface	xi
Acknowledgments	xiii
2004-2005 School in the Park Teachers and Museum Educators	xvii
School in the Park---A Unique Learning Experience for Children and Teachers	1	(14)
Ian Pumpian
Susan Wachowiak
Douglas Fisher
Perspectives on Learning---Creating Optimal Conditions for Learning	15	(14)
Ian Pumpian
Maria Grant
Susan Wachowiak
Talking in Museums: When Vices Turn Into Virtues Exploring Oral Language Development	29	(14)
Diane Lapp
James Flood
Reading in the Park	43	(18)
Nancy Frey
An Authentic Context for Writing to Learn and Teaching Writing Intentionally	61	(18)
Leif Fearn
Nancy Farnan
Arts as a Centerpiece for Integrated Learning	79	(18)
Nan L. McDonald
Where Is the Mathematics? Everywhere!	97	(12)
Kate Masarik
The Opportunity to Learn Science Like Scientists: Museums Are a Good Idea	109	(14)
Donna Ross
Engaging Students in Social Studies Through Exploration, Documentation, and Analysis: Museums and Field Studies Can Bring Social Studies to Life	123	(24)
Emily M. Schell
About the Editors	147	(2)
About the Authors	149	(4)
Author Index	153	(4)
Subject Index	157