Out and About in Edinburgh: an adult learners' course
Out and About in Edinburgh was a five week course, developed by the City Community Learning Team for adult learners from South Bridge Resource Centre, Edinburgh delivered at the National Museum of Scotland.
Over the five weeks, the group explored our galleries: Living Lands, Animal World and Animal Senses, took a Discovery Tour with a volunteer Guide and visited Scotland, A Changing Nation and Scotland Transformed.
The aim of the course was to give learners the opportunity "to increase their skills and knowledge while immersing themselves in some of the richness and diversity of the National Museum of Scotland."
The learners took photographs, used iPads for research and note-taking and group discussion to share their learning experiences.
Comments from the group
"Found out about different items, religions and beliefs."
"Wish we had more time there – wanted to see the sporting stuff."
"I enjoyed the company of other people."
"Looking at things and comparing to everyday items now, was interesting."
"It was interesting finding out about the textiles that came from India and Pakistan."
"I’d like to go back and read more about the flags."
"I know this is a short course but I wish it wouldn’t end."
We received invaluable feedback from the learners about finding your way around the museum and the importance of providing information in plain English.
This will inform and shape resources and future adult learning courses at the National Museum of Scotland. We will continue to work with South Bridge Resource Centre, City Community Learning Team, and look forward to welcoming learners back, to explore our new galleries opening this July.
City Community Learning Team: Tania Dignan Group Tutor, Lorrane Borwick CLD Worker, Karen Riddell CLD Worker.
If you are an adult learner or if you work with adult learners, we would love to hear your thoughts on how to use the Museum. We are keen to develop resources and activities to support your learning.