Informal Learning and Field Trips

The author shows teachers how to incorporate constructivist philosophy and inquiry-based learning techniques for standards-aligned, off-site learning experiences and provides guidelines for developing corresponding classroom activities.

Leah M. Melber, Ph.D. brings fifteen years of experience within the formal and informal education sector. She has served on teams supporting the creation of exhibits, developed several professional development programs aimed at connecting classroom teachers with museum resources, and has authored curriculum to better bridge classroom and informal learning experiences. Dr. Melber holds a BA in zoology, an MA in education together with a multiple subject teaching credential in the state of California, and a Ph.D. in educational psychology from the University of Southern California. She has over twenty refereed publications exploring the dynamics of informal and formal education and how they can best intersect. She is currently an assistant professor within the Charter College of Education at California State University, Los Angeles.

Foreword by Doris B. Ash
Preface
Acknowledgments
1. Where to Begin? Planning for Field Trips
2. Active Investigators: Science Explorations
3. Language Alive: Language Arts Explorations
4. More Than Names and Dates: Social Science Explorations
5. 1, 2, 3, Go! Math Explorations
6. An Artistic Eye: Fine Art Explorations
7. Access for All: Everyone Can Go on Field Trips
8. Technically Speaking: Using Technology to Enhance Field Trips
9. Making Your Case: Information to Share With Administrators
10. When You Have to Stay on Campus: Alternatives to Off-site Field Trips
11. Learning for You: Teacher Resources at Informal Learning Sites
Conclusion
References
Index