| Summary: | This study evaluated an experimental program in informal learning,
“Light and Illusion,” developed by the Vancouver School Board in cooperation with the Arts and Sciences Centre of Vancouver. A mail questionnaire was developed based upon a review of the literature on informal
learning . The questionnaire was distributed to the Vancouver School
Board teachers who visited the workshop with their students. The study
was conducted over a three month period; 94 of the 150 questionnaires
sent out were returned (69% return ) .
The questionnaire sought to determine which teachers (grade level and
subject area) used the workshop, how teachers used the workshop, what
teachers liked and disliked about the workshop, and what suggestions they
had for future workshops. The results were reported as percentage
responses to the questionnaire items. In addition , a series of observations and recommendations were made. In particular the study showed
that 90% of the attending teachers were highly satisfied with the workshop
as a learning experience for their students. They commented
favorably on the quality of the exhibits , freedom of choice, and the
noticeable increase in student interest in science.
Elementary teachers rated the workshop more highly than did secondary
teachers, although both indicated they benefited by seeing their students
work in a novel environment. Teachers thought that further informal
learning workshops should be offered to students through the cooperation
of the Vancouver School Board and the Arts and Sciences Centre. === Education, Faculty of === Curriculum and Pedagogy (EDCP), Department of === Graduate
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