Science Learning In Informal Environment

In recent decades, wth the progress of the times, as well as the enhancement of the public on the cultural needs, together with many venues attach importance to the educational function, such as museums, science center. Hence, researchers gradually conduct some researches on science learning in informal environment systematically. Science learning in informal environments is normal especially in USA, specialized agencies and research teams have been set up there. In informal environments, which can demonstrate the different themes of cultural connotations as well as the participants of different ages. However, the number of domestic literature on science learning in informal environments is less.This thesis will collect, sort out and analyse the relevant literature about science learning in informal environments in USA. This study refers to the classify the informal environments, summarizes the characteristics of science learning and describes assessment of science learning in informal environments. Literature and cases-study are the main research methods of this thesis, tying to solve the following problems:1、In recent years, educators at home and abroad are increasingly concerned about science learning in informal environments. People recognized clearly that each scene in the daily life is likely to be a place of scientific studying; this informal-learning permeates every aspect of life, and have a major impact on the people’s development. Especially stadiums as one of spaces in informal science learning, many researchers conducted a number of studies which confirm it has great educational potential.2、In a piece of report from Research Council in2009, it points six strands of characteristics for the effectiveness of informal science learning environment:(1)to generate interest, excitement and motivation to learn;(2) to understand science content and knowledge;(3) to participate scientific reasoning;(4) the ability of reflecting science;(5) to use scientific language and tools;(6) the ability of developing scientific learner identity. These six strands establish the scope of framework of scientific learning in interest, knowledge and skills. It can also be used as a tool of assessing human’s scientific learning degree in different informal environment. This article will also draw on these six characteristics and review all kinds of relevant literature to explore the connotation and essence of science learning in informal environments from four levels in the diversification of the informal environment, the characteristics of science learning, its strategy and evaluation methods, etc.3、An analysis of studying a Museum-School cooperation discovered that as one of the most important stadiums, museum has a powerful educational function. And its resources of science learning are extremely abundant. Also this analysis pointed out that the interactive exhibits in the museum is beneficial to produce science learning and gain scientific knowledge, so museum education can break through the traditional learning ways of indoctrination and improve the quality and influence of museum education4、This research attempts to offer some experience and lessons for the development of venues in our country through reviewing how foreign venues is prompt learning on designing research.