The value of educational visits to the Institute for energy technology : a case study

Abstract

Learning which takes place in informal settings is different from that experienced by students at school. Students who visit science centres tend to experience affection towards science which may in turn encourage them to take up science related careers in the future. This dissertation focuses on the value of school visits to the Institute for Energy Technology in Marsaxlokk based on an analysis of a number of visits to the Institute. Students' knowledge and perceptions about renewable energy were examined before and after visiting the Institute in order to perform an evaluation of their learning. The visits were observed and accompanying teachers were interviewed about their views of the visit. The study shows that the visit to the Institute for Energy Technology was a positive learning experience for the students. Their views and ideas about energy technology become more specific and detailed; students became aware of various aspects of these issues. Based on the outcomes, a number of recommendations were made to the Institute which should improve the educational value of visits.