Reflecting on PracticeDiscussing current research on

how people learn

Lynn Tran, The Lawrence Hall of ScienceKristin Evans, Birch Aquarium at ScrippsDave Bader, Aquarium of the PacificSara Pelleteri, University of Texas Marine Science Institute Lauren Rader, Project OceanologyKathy McElroy, Monterey Bay Aquarium

Goals of this Session

• Initiate a discussion on current research about how learning happens & how to support learning.

• Share our experiences implementing the Reflecting on Practice program.

• Advance the conversation on how to elevate the quality & recognition of our practice through professional learning

Reflecting on Practice

• A professional learning program for informal science educators

• Implemented by informal educators for colleagues in their own institutions

• Developed at the Lawrence Hall of Science, piloted in 2009, field-tested nationwide in 2010

Quick Write

• How do you think learning happens?• Where do you think learning occurs?

Research Discussion• Form six equal groups. • Each small group will receive a set of research cards. • Each group member is responsible for facilitating a brief

discussion about the idea on their card. • Use the following prompts:

– Is there anything that anyone finds confusing about the ideas?– Are there any questions or issues that anyone may have about

the topic on the card?– How are these ideas useful for thinking about learning in informal

environments?– How can you use these ideas to inform your teaching?

Foundational Ideas on Learning

How learning happens• Learning is an active process

to construct an understanding of the world.

• Learning occurs in a complex social environment and learning is a social activity.

• Learning should be situated in an authentic context.

• Learning requires learners’ motivation and cognitive engagement.

Promoting better learning• Cognitive tools assist

constructive thinking.• Scaffolding is the help given to

achieve learner’s goals of the moment.

• Externalization and articulation is the process of expressing one’s unformed ideas and still developing understanding.

• Reflection is the act of thinking about the process of learning and thinking about knowledge.

Goals1. Build shared language and

understanding through knowing the literature on learning and teaching.

2. Engage practitioners in habits of reflections through observing their own teaching, as a means to develop their practice and make it public.

3. Nurture a tradition of continued professional learning among participants, and build a professional learning community.

The Program• 14 interactive, 2.5-hour

sessions in 4 modules– Learning, Reflection, &

Science– Knowledge & Understanding– Learning Conversations– Teaching with Objects

• Reflective tasks– learning journal– online discussions– collect, observe, & discuss

videos of your practice

• Institutional recognition & support

• Coaching Workshop• 2 facilitators & group of

educators• Implemented over 6-14

months• Connect with other

professionals

Module Overview• Module I. Learning, Reflections, and Science

– Learning Beliefs, Behaviors and Goals– Effective Reflective Practice– Nature and Practice of Science

• Module II. Knowledge & Understanding– How Learning Happens– Learners’ Prior Knowledge– Connecting to What Learners Know– Observing and discussing practice

• Module III. Learning Conversations– Communicative Approaches in Teaching– Analyzing Conversations– Observing and discussing practice– Facilitating Conversations

• Module IV. Teaching with Objects– Conversations and Engaging with Objects– Facilitating Interactions with Objects– Observing and discussing practice

Interactive Sessions

The interactive sessions are intended to engage participants in discussions and activities on the topic, specifically about:

– their beliefs and actions– the habits and traditions within their

practice and that of their institutions– practical implications of research

Reflective Tasks

Reflective tasks encourage participants to think about and critique their own thinking and practice, and include:

— making, observing, & discussing videos of their teaching with their colleagues

— creating tools to guide observations— writing in learning journals— being a critical friend

• Audubon Aquarium & Insectarium • New Orleans, LA• California Academy of Sciences • San Francisco, CA• Center of Science & Industry • Columbus, OH• Lunar & Planetary Institute • Houston, TX• Monterey Bay Aquarium • Monterey, CA• Mote Marine Laboratory • Sarasota, FL• New York Hall of Science • Flushings, NY• Project Oceanology • Groton, CT• Science Museum of Minnesota • Minneapolis, MN• Science World • Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada• Shedd Aquarium • Chicago, IL• University of Texas Marine Science Institute • Port Aransas, TX

ROP @ 25+ Institutions nationwide

Types of Institutions

• Natural History Museum• Botanical Garden • Science Center• Children’s Museum• Zoo• Aquarium

How to get the Program

• 2 educators attend a Coaching Workshop in Berkeley, CA– December 2012– $500 per educator

• Educators return & implement with staff & colleagues over 6-12 months

• Ongoing technical support available• Join the COS-RoP.net community• Contact lynn.tran@berkeley.edu