TEACHERS’ PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL USE OF INFORMAL LEARNING INSTITUTIONS: FOCUS ON A BOTANIC GARDEN
Author :
Abstract
The main purpose of this study is to explore the reasons why teachers do personal visits and take their students to informal science learning institutions, with a focus on botanic gardens. A questionnaire developed by the researchers was used to collect data from 149 Turkish elementary school teachers. The findings indicate that all of the following nine factors (Kisiel, 2005; 2006; Falk and Dierking; 2000; Falk, Moussouri & Coulson, 1998; Michie, 1998) to connect with the classroom curriculum, to provide students with a general learning experience and a new experience, to encourage students in lifelong learning, to enhance students’ interest and motivation, to provide a change in setting or routine, to provide enjoyment, to meet school expectations, to contribute to the socialization of students, and to enjoy the physical setting; were influential. Also, a significant relationship was found between teachers’ personal interest and the field trip experiences of their students.
Keywords
Abstract
The main purpose of this study is to explore the reasons why teachers do personal visits and take their students to informal science learning institutions, with a focus on botanic gardens. A questionnaire developed by the researchers was used to collect data from 149 Turkish elementary school teachers. The findings indicate that all of the following nine factors (Kisiel, 2005; 2006; Falk and Dierking; 2000; Falk, Moussouri & Coulson, 1998; Michie, 1998) to connect with the classroom curriculum, to provide students with a general learning experience and a new experience, to encourage students in lifelong learning, to enhance students’ interest and motivation, to provide a change in setting or routine, to provide enjoyment, to meet school expectations, to contribute to the socialization of students, and to enjoy the physical setting; were influential. Also, a significant relationship was found between teachers’ personal interest and the field trip experiences of their students.
Keywords
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