Informal Learning in Museums, Zoos, and Aquariums Certificate

Full Certificate Courses (these 3 Core courses must be completed to be awarded the certificate)

·       Personal Dimensions of Informal Learning:  Explores fundamental roles in the psychology of learning including identity, motivation, interest, prior knowledge and experience, choice and control, and how they all interact in supporting lifelong learning. This Self-Paced course has rolling enrollment and opened on February 12, 2024, contact Chelsey Lynne @ Chelsey.lynne@oregonstate.edu

·       Sociocultural Dimensions of Informal Learning: Learners will evaluate how social stratification, social structure, interaction, social institutions, and cultural background influence the science of learning. This Self-Paced course has rolling enrollment will open April 1, 2024. Email Chelsey Lynne @ Chelsey.lynne@oregonstate.edu for more info.

·       Physical Dimensions of Informal Learning: Explores both macro-environmental factors such as space, crowding, novelty, and behavior settings, and microenvironmental factors such as exhibition, program and instructional design elements, real objects (including animals and plants), and different media on learning. This Self-Paced course has rolling enrollment and will open May 13, 2024. or contact Chelsey Lynne @ Chelsey.lynne@oregonstate.edu

Electives (excellent additions to your informal teaching)

Within the framework of the certificate are two very complementary electives that we highly recommend but are not required for the certificate. Discounts do apply for those who have enrolled in the certificate, contact Chelsey Lynne @ Chelsey.lynne@oregonstate.edu for more info.

• Strategies for Communicating STEAM ideas in Public Spaces: Focus of this course is to dialogue about science effectively through using stories and narratives to communicate and enhance understanding for general and specific audiences. Our goal in this program is to draw upon a wide array of stories from science and other perspectives to work towards building a bridge to engage diverse audiences in informal public learning spaces. Next course, TBA.
• Developing Evaluation Studies for Informal Settings: focuses on the development and use of assessment instruments and evaluation used in informal learning environments. Students investigate types of evaluation and assessment tools used to evaluate an informal learning setting (program/exhibition/experience.) Next course, TBA.
• Developing Curriculum for Informal Settings: focuses on the analysis and design of curriculum to engage learners of all ages and backgrounds in an interdisciplinary informal learning setting. Students investigate and use a framework constructed for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of informal learning design while meeting curricular goals and synthesizing best practices. Next course, TBA.