Adolescent Learning in the Zoo: Embedding a Non-Formal Learning Environment to Teach Formal Aspects of Vertebrate Biology

Autor/inn/en	Randler, Christoph; Kummer, Barbara; Wilhelm, Christian
Titel	Adolescent Learning in the Zoo: Embedding a Non-Formal Learning Environment to Teach Formal Aspects of Vertebrate Biology
Quelle	In: Journal of Science Education and Technology, 21 (2012) 3, S.384-391 (8 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	1059-0145
DOI	10.1007/s10956-011-9331-2
Schlagwörter	Control Groups; Animals; Student Attitudes; Recreational Facilities; Educational Environment; School Holding Power; Teaching Methods; Outcomes of Education; Pretests Posttests; Retention (Psychology); Animal Behavior; Theories; Time Factors (Learning); Adolescents; Evaluation Methods; Biology; Science Education + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Animal; Tier; Tiere; Schülerverhalten; Freizeiteinrichtung; Lernumgebung; Pädagogische Umwelt; Schulumwelt; Teaching method; Lehrmethode; Unterrichtsmethode; Lernleistung; Schulerfolg; Merkfähigkeit; Tierverhalten; Theory; Theorie; Adolescent; Adolescence; Adoleszenz; Jugend; Jugendalter; Jugendlicher; Biologie; Naturwissenschaftliche Bildung
Abstract	The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of a zoo visit in terms of learning and retention of knowledge concerning the adaptations and behavior of vertebrate species. Basis of the work was the concept of implementing zoo visits as an out-of-school setting for formal, curriculum based learning. Our theoretical framework centers on the self-determination theory, therefore, we used a group-based, hands-on learning environment. To address this questions, we used a treatment--control design (BACI) with different treatments and a control group. Pre-, post- and retention tests were applied. All treatments led to a substantial increase of learning and retention knowledge compared to the control group. Immediately after the zoo visit, the zoo-guide tour provided the highest scores, while after a delay of 6 weeks, the learner-centered environment combined with a teacher-guided summarizing scored best. We suggest incorporating the zoo as an out-of-school environment into formal school learning, and we propose different methods to improve learning in zoo settings. (As Provided).
Anmerkungen	Springer. 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-348-4505; e-mail: service-ny@springer.com; Web site: http://www.springerlink.com
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2017/4/10