Optimising learning opportunities for students in complementary classroom and museum settings

Abstract

The purpose of this project was to create a unique educational experience in order to understand the extent to which excursions can be used to complement and extend classroom-based curricula. The project facilitated a genuine school-museum-university partnership to plan and implement curriculum that supports learning before, during and after museum experiences. A key focus was on developing strategies and designing curriculum that enhanced students’ learning of key knowledge and skills through targeted classroom teaching and museum experiences. The findings provide insights into teachers' and learners' perspectives leading to considerations for strengthening collaborative practice. The outcome is a set of principles for planning optimal integration of classroom and museum experiences.