Learning Outside of the classroom:

Libraries, Museums, Education Centers, and Fine Arts Centers and Events

Nicole White

Arizona State University

TEL430: Learning Outside the Classroom

Janel White-Taylor

Lesson 3 Investigation

February 8, 2018
 Learning in Libraries

In the summary report of IMLS Learning in libraries which focused on the benefits of

learning in libraries and discussed efforts to keep up with shift in types of learning experiences

that libraries offer within the communities and the resources that aid in such learning experiences

stated, “Through the collections, services, and spaces they provide, libraries offer us a lifelong

opportunity to gain the knowledge, skills and experiences that will enrich our lives.” During a

forum, many library enthusiasts gathered to share their theories and ideas of the benefits of

learning within the library. One attendee stated “If there’s anything we’re trying to do in this

library and the library world, it is to build a learning culture. The achievement gaps are getting

bigger, the access questions are getting bigger, but the most important thing is…the creation of

an imaginative world for children and…adults that opens their minds to the world.” (Crosby

Kemper, Kansas City Public Library). In the article 21st-Century Libraries: The Learning

Commons Beth Holland shares her vision of libraries becoming learning commons. “Libraries

become a different kind of learning destination when schools reimagine them as open,

transparent spaces that invite student communication and collaboration.” (Holland, 2015)

“Printed books still play a critical role in supporting learners, but digital technologies offer

additional pathways to learning and content acquisition. Students and teachers no longer need a

library simply for access. Instead, they require a place that encourages participatory learning and

allows for co-construction of understanding from a variety of sources. In other words, instead of

being an archive, libraries are becoming learning commons.” (Holland, 2015) “The libraries of

the 21st century provide a welcoming common space that encourages exploration, creation, and

collaboration between students, teachers, and a broader community. They bring together the best

of the physical and digital to create learning hubs. Ultimately, libraries will continue to inspire
 students to construct new knowledge and meaning from the world around them.” (Holland,

2015) Another article Benefits of Learning Commons which focuses on the benefits of Learning

Commons (Libraries) shares these benefits of Learning commons

 Learning commons promote global and cultural understanding as students collaborate with

their local and broader community to investigate and create solutions to complex problems

 Learning commons emphasize active and collaborative engagement and encourage the co-

creation of knowledge by all learners

 The virtual aspect of a learning commons (a VLC) promotes more efficient use of technology

for creation and sharing of knowledge as well as enabling 24/7 access to resources and shared

collaborative space for all students

 Research shows improved student achievement and literacy development for students who

have access to quality school library services, which include learning common

Museums

The article Integration of Play, Learning, and Experience: What Museums Afford Young Visitors

examines how child based museums offer richer learning experiences for children through a

variety of experiences “According to Semper (1990), museums teach individuals to play

because play is the basis of exploration, observations, discovery, and

experimentation.” (Henderson, T., & Atencio, D., 2007) “Both teachers and children

engage in (Henderson, T., & Atencio, D., 2007) “Children’s museums and, more

specifically, children’s science museums are valuable resources for supporting

inclusion, teacher development, and field trips.” (Henderson, T., & Atencio, D., 2007) “It

is through a partnership where schools and museums work together to combine the
benefits of both the museum environment and the classroom setting that optimal learning

experiences can be afforded to children.” (Henderson, T., & Atencio, D., 2007) “What

children do in museums appears to have a lasting impression …” (Henderson, T., & Atencio, D.,

2007)

Fine Arts

In the article The Importance of Art in Child Development by Grace Hwang Lynch, Lynch

explains the benefits of fine arts in the development of children. “Although some may regard art

education as a luxury, simple creative activities are some of the building blocks of child

development. Learning to create and appreciate visual aesthetics may be more important than

ever to the development of the next generation of children as they grow up.” (Grace Hwang

Lynch) The article also discusses the impact fine arts have on the young children’s cultural

awareness “As we live in an increasingly diverse society, the images of different groups in the

media may also present mixed messages. “If a child is playing with a toy that suggests a racist or

sexist meaning, part of that meaning develops because of the aesthetics of the toy—the color,

shape, texture of the hair,” says Freedman. Teaching children to recognize the choices an artist or

designer makes in portraying a subject helps kids understand the concept that what they see may

be someone’s interpretation of reality.” (Grace Hwang Lynch) In the article Powerful Feelings:

Exploring the Affective Domain of Informal and Arts-Based Learning it states “The arts engage

our senses, provoking strong, affective responses for both the creator and the witness of art. Our

emotions can provide a catalyst for informal adult learning beyond traditional, cognitive ways of

knowing.” (Randee Lipson Lawrence According to the article “Whole Brain Learning: The Fine

Arts with Students at Risk,” it states that “the human brain can change structurally and
functionally as a result of learning and experiencing, whether for better or for worse” (Respress,

2006).
 References

Hill, C., Proffitt, M., & Streams, S. (2015). IMLS Learning in Libraries (Rep.). Kanasa

City, MO: Kansas City Public Library.

Henderson, T., & Atencio, D. (2007). Integration of Play, Learning, and Experience:

What Museums Afford Young Visitors. Early Childhood Education Journal, 35(3), 245-251.

doi:10.1007/s10643-007-0208-1

Holland, B. (2015, January 14). 21st-Century Libraries: The Learning Commons.

Retrieved February 08, 2018, from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/21st-century-libraries-

learning-commons-beth-holland

Lawrence, R. L. (2008). Powerful feelings: Exploring the affective domain of informal

and arts-based learning. New Directions For Adult & Continuing Education, 2008(120), 65-77.

Lynch, G. H. (2012, May 25). The Importance of Art in Child Development. Retrieved

February 08, 2018, from http://www.pbs.org/parents/education/music-arts/the-importance-of-art-

in-child-development/

Respress, T., & Lutfi, G. (2006). Whole Brain Learning: The Fine Arts with Students at

Risk. Reclaiming Children & Youth, 15(1), 24-31.