ABOUT THE MUSEUM'S EDUCATIONAL DESIGN

 

The Museum is a major educational institution (in the Cape Ann area) providing a variety of historical, scientific, and trades-related programs.  Through these activities people gain a sense of heritage, usable skills, and self-confidence.  To accomplish this, the museum offers programs that are renowned for innovative, exceptional, experiential learning.

 

Programs are designed around two major pedagogical themes:

Hands-on Activities
The number one comment from participating teachers about what they liked best is the hands-on activities.  Hands-on activities are sound pedagogical methodology.  We retain only 10% of what we hear, but 90% of what we hear and do.   Many museum programs only “include a craft” or “an activity.”  ESM’s programs are heavily experiential. The Museum, its grounds and artifacts are well suited for a participatory learning experience and provide abundant resources for use in this type of programming. 

Inquiry-led Learning
Guided self-discovery is a more effective teaching/learning method than standard lecture-memorization.  The pose-a-question-go-where-the-answer-leads-you technique creates an organic, engaging learning environment.  Instead of telling someone, they discover it.  This environment promotes the concept of a working, living museum.  Teaching and learning is a shared partnership between teachers and students.