I have been asked to supply some references concerning the display of
science in museums;
the notion of the non-exhibit and subsequent use of models or film as
representative of the object; the problems of displaying and interpreting
science subjects, which are often complex in nature; and the visitor
experience of galleries that often include a number of interactives.
Any suggested references will be gratefully received.

ac

-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
Behalf Of Dale Jones
Sent: 02 August 2001 03:44
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Informal Learning Environments Research Proposals


Invitation from the Informal Learning Environments Research Special Interest
Group of the American Educational Research Association

Submit a proposal to participate in an interactive poster session featuring
research on learning from informal learning environments

It is not too late to send in additional proposals for an interactive poster
session featuring research on the learning that occurs in and from informal
learning environments. Investigations exploring learning in the home, in
community-based organization activities like scouting and Boys and Girl's
Clubs, museums, zoos and botanical gardens, the work place and from reading,
watching and interacting with education-related material/television/Internet
are of interest. This interactive poster session will feature perspectives
on informal learning and present research findings documenting the role that
informal learning environments play in promoting people's interest,
knowledge, understanding and connection to a wide variety of topics.

Potential Topics
Proposals addressing these potential topics will be reviewed for the poster
session:

1. Relationships between learning and the physical and social environments
of many informal settings.
2. Applying theoretical learning strategies, such as constructivist learning
theories and  conceptual change to informal settings, or developing theories
specific to informal settings.
3. Defining and measuring informal learning, e.g. family learning in museums
or the home.
4. Dynamics between informal and formal learning settings.
5. Play and curiosity as components of learning.
6. How the characteristics of informal settings influence behavior and
learning, e.g. how do children explore in exhibits in museums or in summer
camp programs that allow for open-ended exploration?
7. Explicating and/or illustrating design elements that contributed to
learners' involvement and engagement in informal learning.

Please submit your proposals by August 1st to Lynn Dierking, Informal
Learning Environments Research SIG Program Chair via e-mail.

Lynn D. Dierking, Ph.D.
Associate Director
Institute for Learning Innovation
166 West Street
Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 268-5149
FAX (410) 268-2179
[log in to unmask]

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