Date of Award
1990
Document Type
Practicum
Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Department
Center for the Advancement of Education
Advisor
Gary Perkins
Committee Member
Dr. Jean Harrell
Keywords
curriculum development, discovery process, early childhood, experimental learning, exploratory learning, kindergarten, marine education, observational learning, process education, program development, science instruction
Abstract
This practicum was designed to introduce kindergarten students to marine science through a hands-on process approach in a wetland environment. The primary goal was to immerse young children in science through active experimental learning rather than secondhand knowledge. The second aim was to offer young children the opportunity to study the wetlands and to see firsthand how fragile the world's ecosystems are so that they may realize the importance of maintaining them.
After the writer verified the need for this type of learning through surveys, she researched the literature, wrote her curriculum, created a teaching book, developed accompanying activities, held a teacher workshop, conducted pre-lab lessons in 22 schools, arranged field trips, and obtained student and teacher follow-up data. In addition, she encouraged the teachers to develop follow-up activities of their own, which she complied into a handbook which she duplicated and distributed a copy of to each teacher.
Results of this project were overwhelmingly positive. Analysis of the data revealed that both students and teachers benefited tremendously from this experience. Many teachers expressed their desire to see it continue as an adapted program at the science center so that all kindergarten students can benefit from this type of learning. None of the teachers wanted to give up materials designed by the writer because they felt they were so valuable as a classroom resource for the teaching of marine science with future classes. Participation was better than expected. Of 24 schools that originally volunteered to participate, 21 participated and 20 fulfilled all requirements for in-service credit.
Comments
Pages 88-93 not missing just miss numbered