The Study
This paper by Drs. Janet Alleman and Jere Brophy, professors of Education at Michigan State University, outlines ways that out-of-school learning opportunities can enhance the social education curriculum, expand the concept of homework, encourage family members to serve as resources for their children's learning activities, and enable students to see closer connections between social studies learning and their daily lives. Criteria for effective out-of-school learning projects are identified and examples are suggested. The paper is based on observations, the literature and personal/professional experiences.

The Findings
For out-of-school learning opportunities to be most effective, they should be: relevant to social studies goals, feasible, cost-effective, and appropriate for the age and skill levels of the students. Activities are most desirable if students and their parents find them enjoyable and meaningful, can accomplish several goals simultaneously, engage students in higher order thinking and represent authentic applications of learning rather than isolated skill practice or artificial exercises. The collaborative learning that occurs outside the classroom has the potential to improve in-class participation and increase parental and community understanding of and involvement in the social studies program. As students engage in interviews of or discussion with family members, they learn about family history and the thinking behind family decision making about meeting basic needs and wants. meanwhile, their parents are able to their experience-based knowledge with their children during social interactions that all parents find stimulating, enjoyable and supportive of family cohesion.

What It Means to You
Out-of-school learning opportunities can provide a valuable link between classroom instruction and life applications. Teachers may want to structure out-of-school activities related to such topics as: local history, conservation of natural resources, consumerism, historical events, home and community safety, cultural and ethnic customs, etc. By having students share information gained through out-of-school interviews, observations, surveys and discussions, teachers can exploit learning opportunities that are not cost effective or practical during school time. Such activities will also enhance the curriculum and keep it up to date. Out-of-school learning opportunities will have the greatest impact if students understand their purposes and can participate in debriefing discussions that focus on important conclusions and implications.

More Information
Consult Alleman, J. and Brophy, J. " Taking Advantage of Out-of-School Opportunities for Meaningful Social Studies Learning, (1994). The Social Studies, November/December, pp.262- 267.

<back to 1997 ed-research reports