AIHA to Select Participants for Special museum Learning Seminar and Curriculum Development Project

The Albany Institute of History and Art is sponsoring “Object Lessons: Museums and Schools Teaching Together”, a 5-day summer seminar (July 8-12, 2001) for 30 regional school educators that focuses on the value of using museum collections in education.  30 “fellows” will be selected through an application process.  There is no fee for applying.  Fellows must be educators in Capital Region schools.  Half of the available slots are reserved for the City School District of Albany, a co-sponsor.   Interested educators must apply by April 13 and will be notified by May 4. 

The selection of the 30 participants will be based on a strong statement of purpose and a range of grade levels and discipline specialties. Selected fellows will receive a $500 stipend and materials for their participation that includes developing a pilot lesson.  The seminar will include workshops presented by successful museum/school partnerships in New York State and provide practical curriculum models to replicate.  “Object Lessons” is supported by the Empire State Partnerships Initiative, funding is provided by the New York State Council on the Arts and the New York State Department of Education.  The Greater Capital Region Teacher Center is also a co-sponsor.  

Students gain valuable lessons when they learn to use the “primary sources” held by museums. The “Object-based” learning that occurs in museums stimulates interest and helps to build connections between what they read about culture and the material reality of the past.  Museums and the collections they hold are becoming increasingly valuable as resources in assisting students to better understand and grasp the information taught in the curriculum.  The Albany Institute is expanding the use of museum learning in the Capital Region.  Since 1996 the Albany Institute has worked with the Albany School of Humanities, a magnet elementary school, to make museum learning an intricate part of the school’s program.

This has resulted in a model program that can be shared with others.  School educators interested in “Object Lessons” should contact the Albany Institute’s Education Department at 518-463-4478 to receive and application form.