Learning in Other Contexts

Learning outside the classroom can deepen the understanding of a concept and it adds value to learning in a classroom. What is learned outside the classroom can be transferred into learning in the classroom.

New and different resources can be utilized when learning outside the classroom as children may be introduced to unfamiliar equipment or information. For example a trip to a local park or beach allows children to understand and appreciate elements in their natural environment i.e. seeing how sea water and sand react when they come into contact with each other, although some schools have sand pits they cannot demonstrate the natural existence of sand is like on a beach. This can be seen as one of Jean Piaget’s schema adaptation of ‘Accommodation’ where the original schema ‘sand pit’ is altered by the natural schema ‘beach sand’.

The National Waterfront Museum is a great example of learning in other contexts especially for children in Wales as the museum contain a lot of detailed information of welsh mining history and a lot more of welsh heritage.

What can children learn at the museum?

· British history

· Welsh history and culture

· Transformation of transportation (railway)

· The industrial revolution

· History of Sports

· History of music

The museum is targeted at all ages although the foundation phase and KS2 is more accommodated for. The museum offers interactive games and workshops, geographical maps and animation activities. The sensory approach is highlighted in the museum with plenty of interactive activities i.e.

· Hearing games – children hear a sound and have to guess what the sound relates too

· Scent games – children can open the doors of the smell board and guess what the smell is

· ‘Hands-On’ – the child uses his/her hand to direct the mouse

· The museum also caters for deaf children with sign language on videos

(National Waterfront Museum, 2006)

Although formal learning is taking place at the museum, park or beach etc. the child is un aware that learning is taking place as they are not in the conventional ‘learning environment’ i.e. classroom. What the child learns is also more likely to be remembered as they teacher can prompt them with ‘remember when we went to the beach… what can we remember from the museum?’ etc. this is known as informal learning as learning has taken place in an informal setting.

Learning about a certain topic can be made easier with an educational visit however learning outside the classroom offers the opportunity to attain skills that aren’t always achievable in the classroom environment. What skills can you develop outside the classroom?

· Cultural norms and values

· Motor skills

· Communication

· Cooperation

· Independence

· Rules and regulations

· Creativity

· Awareness and safety

· Exploration and experience

· Respect and appreciation of the environment

· Informal learning

Reference list

National Waterfront Museum, 2006. About the museum. [Online]
Available at: http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/swansea/about/
[Accessed 30 March 2013].