Examining Out-of-School Learning Environments: A Study of the School at the Museum Program

• In Event: Design of Informal Learning Environments

Abstract

This study examined the impacts of a six-week intensive out-of-school, museum-based instructional program occurring during the school day. A quasi-experimental research design, with classrooms randomly assigned to treatment and control groups, was used for this study. Data sources included ELA and Math assessments and an attitudinal survey measuring personal and civic responsibility, future orientation, persistence, self-efficacy, and curiosity to learn. The findings suggest participation in the intervention does not interfere with student learning. For 5th grade students in math, there was a small positive effect; treatment students scored significantly higher than did non-participating counterparts. There were no significant differences between treatment students and control students in attitudes. Implications of findings and topics for future study will be discussed.

Authors

• Janet Sang-Mi Lee, Vital Research, LLC

• Courtney L. Malloy, Vital Research, LLC