Learning in the Museum examines major issues and shows how research in visitor studies and the philosophy of education can be applied to facilitate a meaningful educational experience in museums.
Hein combines a brief history of education in public museums, with a rigorous examination of how the educational theories of Dewey, Piaget, Vygotsky and subsequent theorists relate to learning in the museum.
Surveying a wide range of research methods employed in visitor studies is illustrated with examples taken from museums around the world, Hein explores how visitors can best learn from exhibitions which are physically, socially, and intellectually accessible to every single visitor. He shows how museums can adapt to create this kind of environment, to provide what he calls the 'constructivist museum'.
Providing essential theoretical analysis for students, this volume also serves as a practical guide for all museum professionals on how to adapt their museums to maximize the educational experience of every visitor.

Learning in the museum

This essay considers the question of why we should teach science to K-2. After initial consideration of two traditional reasons for studying science, six assertions supporting the idea that even small children should be exposed to science are given. These are, in order: (1) Children naturally enjoy observing and thinking about nature. (2) Exposing students to science develops positive attitudes towards science. (3) Early exposure to scientific phenomena leads to better understanding of the scientific concepts studied later in a formal way. (4) The use of scientifically informed language at an early age influences the eventual development of scientific concepts. (5) Children can understand scientific concepts and reason scientifically. (6) Science is an efficient means for developing scientific thinking. Concrete illustrations of some of the ideas discussed in this essay, particularly, how language and prior knowledge may influence the development of scientific concepts, are then provided. The essay concludes by emphasizing that there is a window of opportunity that educators should exploit by presenting science as part of the curriculum in both kindergarten and the first years of primary school.

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Should Science be Taught in Early Childhood

(1996). Bridging the Gap Between Formal and Informal Science Learning. Studies in Science Education: Vol. 28, No. 1, pp. 87-112.

Bridging the Gap Between Formal and Informal Science Learning

This study explored high school and teacher-training college students' knowledge of light, vision and related topics before and after commonly practised instruction. This knowledge was analysed and interpreted in the light of premises for the construction of alternative knowledge by learners of optics. A hierarchical structure was suggested to represent the collective conceptual knowledge of students in terms of facets and schemes of knowledge. ‘Abundance’ and ‘gain’ coefficients permitted quantitative description of the spread and alteration of the facets and schemes. In place of confronting misconceptions individually, schemes provide a basis for the design of more effective methods of instruction to challenge the fundamental patterns of alternative knowledge. Student misconceptions identified in other studies were included for comparison. On the basis of the study, suggestions are made for modifications in curricula to improve optics instruction.

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Learners' Knowledge in Optics: Interpretation, Structure and Analysis.

The role of science museums in science education is changing. This article examines the science museum literature in light of the new emphasis for museums to become a unique partner with schools and colleges to enhance science literacy. Museums provide opportunities for students to be active participants in learning by manipulating real objects in a stimulating setting thus enhancing conceptual learning in the classroom. Both components of learning are important for understanding of complex science concepts. Much of the literature pertaining to learning in museums is anecdotal and craft wisdom, indicating that more collaborative research efforts are needed in the area of science education in museum settings. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Karen Rice

Papers

Shadows and anti-images: Children's conceptions of light and vision. II

Pinholes and images: Children's conceptions of light and vision. I