Evaluating Teaching and Learning Strategies at the Eden Project

Abstract

This research paper focuses on 'teacher-led' primary school visits to the Eden Project in Cornwall, England. It considers the objectives of school visits and the aims of the Eden Project. The strategies used by the Eden Project to convey their messages are investigated and effective strategies for learning are evaluated, based on observations and interviews with children. Whilst the Eden Project is the most spectacular resource to teach children about plants and our relationship with them, the research highlights that teachers need to carefully consider the strategies they use to realise the full potential from their visit. The research indicates that teachers might use and develop effective strategies which include good preparation, high adult to pupil ratio, informed mediation, learner-orientated rather than task-orientated learning and an understanding of interactive learning.