Skip to main content

Knowledge Building as a Boundary Object in Formal/Informal Learning

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Inquiry into the Singapore Science Classroom

Part of the book series: Education Innovation Series ((EDIN))

Abstract

The literature on informal science learning indicates that many benefits can be derived from structured/nonstructured enrichment programmes or hobbies, but school science learning tends not to tap on the potential of these informal platforms. This disjoint in learning between formal and informal environments creates a boundary around each context that ignores the fluid and relational set of practices which transforms learning. The focus of this chapter is to propose knowledge building as a bridge between formal and informal learning environments to engender the use of resources from both contexts for science learning. Using the notion of boundary object and boundary crossing from the third-generation activity theory, this chapter describes a case study of how a “homework” task assigned to students set in the context of knowledge building could result in a hybrid space in which resources from formal and informal settings mediate the process of knowledge advancement.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Akkerman, S. F., & Bakker, A. (2011). Boundary crossing and boundary objects. Review of Educational Research, 81(2), 132–169.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Aubusson, P., Griffin, J., & Kearney, M. (2012). Learning beyond the classroom: Implications for school science. In B. J. Fraser, K. G. Tobin, & C. J. McRobbie (Eds.), The international handbook of science education (2nd ed., Vol. 2, pp. 1123–1134). Dordrecht, The Netherlands: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bamberger, Y., & Tal, T. (2007). Learning in a personal context: Levels of choice in a free choice learning environment in science and natural history museums. Science Education, 91, 75–95.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Edwards, R. (2005, July 5–7). Contexts, boundary objects and hybrid spaces: theorizing learning in lifelong learning. Paper presented at 35th annual SCUTREA conference, University of Sussex, England, UK.

    Google Scholar 

  • Engestrom, Y., Engestrom, R., & Karkkainen, M. (1995). Polycontextuality and boundary crossing in expert cognition: Learning and problem solving in complex work activities. Learning and Instruction, 5, 319–336.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Landa, M. S. H. (2008). Crossing the divide: A phenomenological study of early childhood literacy teachers who choose to work with children in high poverty schools. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, University of Maryland, College Park.

    Google Scholar 

  • National Research Council. (2009). Learning science in informal environments: People, places, and pursuits. Committee on Learning Science in Informal Environments. In P. Bell, B. Lewenstein, A. W. Shouse, & M. A. Feder (Eds.), Board on Science Education, Center for Education. Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Orion, N., & Hofstein, A. (1994). Factors that influence learning during a scientific field trip in a natural environment. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 31, 1097–1119.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Paavola, S., Engeström, R., & Hakkarainen, K. (2012). Trialogical approach as a new form of mediation. In A. Moen, A. Morch, & S. Paavola (Eds.), Collaborative knowledge creation: Practices, tools and concepts (pp. 1–14). Rotterdam, The Netherlands: Sense Publishers.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Paavola, S., & Hakkarainen, K. (2005). The knowledge creation metaphor – An emergent epistemological approach to learning. Science & Education, 14, 535–557.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Scardamalia, M. (2002). Collective cognitive responsibility for the advancement of knowledge. In B. Smith (Ed.), Liberal education in a knowledge society (pp. 67–98). Chicago: Open Court.

    Google Scholar 

  • Scardamalia, M., & Bereiter, C. (2003). Knowledge building. In J. Guthrie (Ed.), Encyclopedia of education (pp. 1370–1373). New York: Macmillan Reference, USA.

    Google Scholar 

  • Star, S. L., & Griesemer, J. R. (1989). Institutional ecology, ‘translations’, and boundary objects: amateurs and professionals in Berkeley’s Museum of Vertebrate Zoology 1907–1939. Social Studies of Science, 19, 387–420.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Suchman, L. (1994). Working relations of technology production and use. Computer Supported Cooperative Work, 2, 21–39.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tal, T. (2004). Community-based environmental education: A case study of teacher-parent collaboration. Environmental Education Research, 10, 523–543.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tal, T. (2012). Out-of-school: Learning experiences, teaching and students’ learning. In B. J. Fraser, K. G. Tobin, & C. J. McRobbie (Eds.), The international handbook of science education (2nd ed., Vol. 2, pp. 1109–1122). Dordrecht, The Netherlands: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jennifer Yeo .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2014 Springer Science+Business Media Singapore

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Yeo, J. (2014). Knowledge Building as a Boundary Object in Formal/Informal Learning. In: Tan, AL., Poon, CL., Lim, S. (eds) Inquiry into the Singapore Science Classroom. Education Innovation Series. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-4585-78-1_13

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics