You are here

Informal Learning and Field Trips
Share
Share

Informal Learning and Field Trips
Engaging Students in Standards-Based Experiences Across the K-5 Curriculum

Foreword by Doris B. Ash


November 2007 | 160 pages | Corwin

"A highly accessible work of immense value on all facets of informal learning opportunities. The focus on specific content areas is an excellent tool for teachers, and the inclusion of a section related to English Language Learners is especially welcome and unique."
—Robert Rueda, Professor of Education
University of Southern California

"This great resource demonstrates how to gain more meaning from field trips and includes a wealth of tips, suggestions, and rubrics to make it easy to assess student learning. This book shows that just as much—or more—learning can be achieved when not in a classroom setting."
—Mark Johnson, Principal and Curriculum and Assessment Facilitator
Glenwood Elementary School, Kearney, NE

Turn every field trip into a high-quality learning experience!

What youngster isn't excited at the prospect of taking a field trip? Enthusiastic students present teachers with the ideal scenario for creating meaningful out-of-the-classroom encounters and giving students the building blocks to help them become active participants in their own educational process.

This resource helps educators take full advantage of off-site educational opportunities by developing lessons that connect informal learning with content standards. Based on constructivist philosophy and inquiry-based learning, the book provides numerous sample lesson plans and technology tips, and includes:

  • Learner-centered activities for language arts, math, science, social studies, and fine art
  • Ways to support English Language Learners and special education students
  • Guidelines for developing corresponding classroom activities
  • Strategies for building partnerships with informal learning sites
  • Methods for bringing museum-type activities into the classroom when a trip is not possible

Informal Learning and Field Trips helps enrich students' lives as they explore the world outside the school grounds and gives teachers a prime opportunity to revitalize the learning experience.


 
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

"A highly accessible work on all facets of informal learning opportunities that will be of immense value to teachers. The focus on specific content areas is an excellent tool for teachers, and the inclusion of a section related to English Language Learners is especially welcome and unique."

Robert Rueda, Professor of Education
University of Southern California

"This great resource for both teachers and administrators demonstrates how to gain more meaning from field trips and includes rubrics that make it easy to assess student learning. This book proves that just as much, or more, learning can be achieved when not in a classroom setting."

Mark Johnson, Principal and Curriculum and Assessment Facilitator
Glenwood Elementary School, Kearney, NE

"Very useful in providing logistical advice, lesson planning ideas, curricular integration, and Internet resources. The particular attention to methods of implementing constructivist learning for each content area is especially helpful."

Pender Kimball, Director
REAL School, Windham, ME

"Provides straightforward, thoughtful, necessary information of which all teachers should be aware. The grade level activities with objectives, standards, and procedures are so thorough and easy to follow that they are a godsend to busy teachers."

Kael Sagheer, Former Teacher
Willa Cather Elementary School, Omaha, NE

"A solid resource for educators and professionals to helping K-5 students get the most out of a field trip. Step-by-step procedures, a wealth of resources, and wisdom garnered from hands-on, practical experience make for an invaluable supplement to any K-5 teacher's reference collection."

Library Bookwatch, March 2008
Midwest Book Review

"An excellent set of interrelated lesson plans using field trips as a foundation for exploring new experiences."

The Bookwatch, June 2008
Midwest Book Review
Key features
  • Explains how teachers can effectively integrate informal learning experiences into the curriculum to meet content standards
  • Shows teachers how to incorporate constructivist and inquiry learning into field trips
  • Offers suggestions for informal learning experiences in language arts, math, science, social studies, and fine art
  • Provides numerous sample lesson plans and activities

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 1

Foreword by Doris B. Ash


Select a Purchasing Option


Rent or Buy eBook
ISBN: 9781452294568

Paperback
ISBN: 9781412949804
$39.95

Hardcover
ISBN: 9781412949798
$73.95