Free-Choice Learning Initiative
LEARNING HOW WE LEARN
As the name suggests, free-choice learning is all about deciding what, where, and how we want to learn over the course of our lifetimes.
In 2004, Oregon Sea Grant created a Free-choice Learning program to recognize and support research on the marine science learning that happens when people choose to visit science museums, zoos, and aquariums in their leisure time, making specific and conscious choices about what they learn.
In the five years since, the program has come to be recognized as uniquely innovative and successful in an ever-widening circle of influence and partners.
CREATING A STRONG, SYNERGISTIC PRESENCE
- At the Hatfield Marine Science Visitor Center, providing a venue for Free-choice Learning research, education, and professional-development opportunities and cutting-edge exhibits.
- On the Oregon State University campus, with graduate academic programs in Free-choice Learning available in three departments – Science and Math Education (SMED), Marine Resource Management (MRM), and Environmental Sciences.
- Along the west coast, as one of six partners developing education programming and research opportunities for community college students, faculty, informal science educators and marine education volunteers in Oregon, Washington, California, and Hawaii.
- Through national and international conferences, offering presentations on the latest free-choice research and findings from each of the above levels of activity and focus.
