It is a hot and muggy day and a group of seven friends and relatives decides to visit the zoo. This digest focuses on how learners process information and how professional staff and visitors can promote learning at the zoo. Though zoos have always tried to provide quality viewing of animals and appropriate identification signage, educational television programs and wildlife publications have increased the flora and fauna literacy levels of visitors, as well as heightened their curiosity and interest. Learning is most often viewed as something we do in school or in a formally organized setting. However, educators know that when children are tested for academic achievement in the spring and again in the fall, scores increase for some children.
Informal environments are rich resources for learning throughout our lives.
Although zoos, aquariums, museums, and nature parks are defined as informal learning environments, they offer both formal and informal educational opportunities. Formal experiences occur in the form of classes, workshops, day camps, or tours and usually require a special fee to cover the cost of a professional teacher or leader. Visitors are not held accountable for learning outcomes and may walk away from any experience they decide not to pursue. Thus, each visitor designs his or her own learning experience through choice and commitment. Appealing to visitors from different educational, social, and cultural backgrounds is a challenging but worthwhile goal for informal educators.