ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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Let me explain why I asked the question about hands-on learning and
standardized tests.  I am working with a group of parents to create an alternative
educational program for kids with learning difference (eg, kids who learn best in
a multisensory, inquiry-based setting -- often kids with autism, ADHD, etc.).

Clearly, these kids learn well doing the kind of learning that is most often
found in a museum setting.   There are many other advantages: building gross
and fine motor skills; building teamwork skills; learning in a motivated
manner; exercising multiple intelligences; etc.  And, in fact, a successful
therapeutic approach for autism, nicknamed "Floortime," uses very much the same
principles as inquiry-based learning!

A possible down side, however, is that the learning these kids do with
gumdrops and toothpicks might be virtually impossible to translate to the required
standardized tests.  And even in an alternative setting (even a homeschool
setting!) these tests ARE required.  Furthermore, many of these kids are bright
and capable enough to attend college -- but not if they can't do reasonably well
on the SAT or ACT.

I'm hoping to determine whether there are tested techniques that actually
help kids to cross the intellectual gap between hands-on learning and
tests/verbalization of learning.  This would help tremendously in designing a successful
program.

Thanks so very much!

Lisa Rudy

Lisa Jo Rudy, Writer/Consultant
625 Chelten Hills Drive
Elkins Park, PA 19027
www.lisarudy.com
215-635-9735

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