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Learning beyond the four walls of the classroom: The potential of Cryogenics-Based Enrichment Programs (CBEP) in science education
Citation
Caleon, I. S., & Subramaniam, R. (2003). Learning beyond the four walls of the classroom: The potential of Cryogenics-Based Enrichment Programs (CBEP) in science education. In Research in and on the classroom: ERAS Conference 2003 Proceedings (pp. 510-532). Educational Research Association of Singapore.
Abstract
Though the bulk of students’ learning takes place in the classroom, it
should not be restricted in there. The rich experience from the bigger
classroom – the outside world, can complement and help to foster
learning inside the formal classroom. Such experiences are given
partial structure in the form of enrichment activities. In this paper, the
potential of cryogenics-based activities, that is, activities involving the
use of low temperature fluid such liquid nitrogen, in augmenting and
fostering learning among school students, is explored. The study was
based on a visit by a school group to Snow City for science enrichment
lessons. Results show that novelty is an effective stimulus for
promoting learning. Indeed, the field of cryogenics is a perfect
embodiment of novelty. The brain-based learning paradigm is used to
elaborate how novelty in the learning experience promotes outright
learning from the enrichment and how such learning can be utilized to
facilitate or reinforce formal learning. Aside from the cognitive gains,
cryogenics-based science enrichment programs are also shown to be
strong in the affective realm, an area that can resonate towards future
learning endeavors in the formal classroom and affect career decisions
of students.
Date Issued
November 2003
Description
This paper was published in the Proceedings of ERAS Conference held in Singapore from 19-21 November 2003