The document discusses collaborative strategies between teachers and informal educators to enhance experiential learning for students beyond traditional field trips. Key suggestions include flexible planning, creating pre- and post-visit materials, and integrating curriculum connections. Effective collaboration expands learning opportunities, introduces diverse perspectives, and fosters a love for learning.

1. Teachers and site staff –
Ideas for collaborating
At THV’s 2009 institute more than 100 teachers EDUCATORS
and staff from museums, historic sites, and
parks discussed working together in ways that
go beyond field trips. Here are some ideas they Develop consistency so we know what to
had for making the most of their collaborations. expect.
Be flexible so you can respond to teachers’
INFORMAL EDUCATORS TO needs, e.g., grade, discipline, special needs.
TEACHERS
Help students ask meaningful questions by
Prepare students and create a context sharing what you and your staff ask about your
for the visit. Use pre- and post-visit place and collections.
materials including evaluations to extend
student learning. Tie programming to curriculum in creative
ways. Surprise us.
Integrate site experiences across
disciplines. Consider sharing more than exhibits.
Physical place
Aim to make experiential learning an Content and subject matter
ongoing feature of your classroom. We Animals and plants
can help. Artifacts
How you work
Treat site visits as major learning Equipment
opportunities not treats or rewards. Knowledge, expertise, and point-of-view of
your staff and volunteers
Continue, repeat, and extend
experiences. For instance, use technology Extend the experience by sharing technology
or do site activities at school, e.g., test resources, documents, oral histories, etc.
water from a stream on school grounds,
bring site staff to school, do journaling in Visit schools -- bring or loan documents,
the school yard instead of at desks. objects, artifacts, equipment, etc.
(Continues on back)
TEACHERS TO INFORMAL
4097 Albany Post Rd | Hyde Park 12538 | 845-229-9116, ext. 2035 | info@teachingthehudsonvalley.org | www.teachingthehudsonvalley.org
THV is a program of
Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area and Greenway Conservancy | Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Sites, National Park Service | Hudson River
Estuary Program, New York State Dept. of Environmental Conservation | Hudson River Valley Institute at Marist College

2. VALUE ADDED BY EFFECTIVE COLLABORATION
WAYS TO IMPROVE
COLLABORATION Makes education more meaningful. When students
handle, measure, or experience actual objects and
Share your context and passion phenomena, learning becomes experiential/hands-
and try to understand that of your on/authentic/inquiry-based and rooted in real-world
collaborator. understandings.
Communicate before and after Expands students’ capacity to make cogent arguments,
the visit. connections, and observations; to ask questions and
experiment; to use the scientific method; to engage in
analytic thinking; and to experience awe and wonder.
• Discuss context, curriculum
connections, and standards.
Exposes students to a broader range of styles and can
make it easier to address different kinds of learners.
• Agree on expectations, e.g.,
pre- and post-visit activities,
Introduces students to more types of expertise along
evaluations, and/or surveys.
with a wider range of facilities, resources, and equipment.
• Encourage students to Opens new career possibilities for students because they
communicate directly with see people doing other kinds of work.
sites and informal educators.
Exposes students to new voices and points of view.
• Exchange e-mail addresses
and phone numbers. Introduces complex concepts – such as appreciation,
preservation, stewardship, community, environmental and
• Strive for multiple visits (both historical literacy, and scientific and political awareness –
directions) and ongoing and helps to make them concrete.
contact.
Connects place and community with learning.
Respect each other and your
missions. Expands students’ boundaries.
Identify and strive to meet Supports learning standards because experience builds
mutual goals. skills and knowledge.
Involve and inform others, e.g., Helps students recognize that learning happens
students, parents, and everywhere.
administrators. Help your
stakeholders understand the Encourages love of learning by showing that it can be fun
importance of collaboration with and engaging.
others.
Changes the way students think about and experience
learning especially when teachers discover and learn too.
4097 Albany Post Rd | Hyde Park 12538 | 845-229-9116, ext. 2035 | info@teachingthehudsonvalley.org | www.teachingthehudsonvalley.org
THV is a program of
Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area and Greenway Conservancy | Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Sites, National Park Service | Hudson River
Estuary Program, New York State Dept. of Environmental Conservation | Hudson River Valley Institute at Marist College

3. Provides vivid references and
jumping off points.
4097 Albany Post Rd | Hyde Park 12538 | 845-229-9116, ext. 2035 | info@teachingthehudsonvalley.org | www.teachingthehudsonvalley.org
THV is a program of
Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area and Greenway Conservancy | Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Sites, National Park Service | Hudson River
Estuary Program, New York State Dept. of Environmental Conservation | Hudson River Valley Institute at Marist College