Case Study 2

The educational

benefits of social tourism

with Family Learning

Adventures

From the Royal Society Conference Oct 25th 2012

SummarySummarySummarySummary

Holidays could serve as a valuable extension of the national curriculum for disadvantaged young people, new research has suggested. They provide a significant source of learning for children from low-income families who are otherwise stuck in ‘routine and mundane’ environments, according to a pilot study by Nottingham University Business School. The research, carried out for the Family Holiday Association, says the experience can improve youngsters’ confidence, decision-making, relaxation, attitude and ability to bond.

The research drew on Experiential Learning Theory (ELT), developed in the 1970s and 1980s by American educational theorist David Kolb which defines learning as “the process whereby knowledge is created through the transformation of experience” (1984: 41). The findings come after a major cross-party inquiry called for further research into the benefits of ‘social tourism’ and inform the Family Learning Adventures in Sheffield.

From the Royal Society Conference Oct 25th 2012

Kolb D. (1984). Experiential learning: experience as the source of learning and development. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice Hall

Approach: Family Learning AdventuresApproach: Family Learning AdventuresApproach: Family Learning AdventuresApproach: Family Learning Adventures

24 families from primary and secondary schools in Sheffield took part in Family Learning Adventures (FLA) at Castleton YHA

during 2011 and 2012. Families were referred by their schools (referring agents) and qualified for a supported break because of

their particular circumstances and/or economic disadvantage.

These Adventures were developed by schools in Sheffield and the YHA Castleton in partnership with the Family Holiday

Association and met the criteria of an educational break/visit for the pupil and their family. They offered an opportunity to:

•Be active and try something new

•Feel good and get to know other families from their school

•Spend time together as a family and enjoy learning together

The whole family took part in a planned programme of educational activities which incorporated a range of key curriculum

elements – language and communication skills, maths, geography, history, science – through practical and creative activities

such as crafts, archery, treasure hunt and a medieval banquet.

Families were asked to provide information before and after the break to measure changes in:

•well-being of the children and their parents/carers

•family bonds/relationships

•trust and the relationship between pupils, their carers and the school

•parental engagement in learning/family activities

•learning in school and academic performance

Study author Lilian Bos said: “Most tourists don’t choose ‘learning’ as a motivation for their holiday but learning can occur in

all sorts of unplanned ways.”

In that regard social tourism really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for some children, because it gives them a precious

chance to learn from a new environment.

From the Royal Society Conference Oct 25th 2012

FundingFundingFundingFunding

The Family Learning Adventure pilot was

funded in the following way:

•Transport to the location was provided free

of charge by a local bus company

•YHA Loosehill Hall offered a specially

discounted break which included two nights

accommodation, food and activities

•The Family Holiday Association paid this for

those families that were meeting the criteria

for financial support.

From the Royal Society Conference Oct 25th 2012

Measuring successMeasuring successMeasuring successMeasuring success

Dr Scott McCabe, the co-author said:

“Learning never takes a break – it doesn’t stop when the school bell rings.

“Our study shows how holidays can be considered an added value for education and can effectively function

as an extension of the national curriculum.”

KTP Research Associate Sarah Johnson provided children with a ‘Challenge Sheet’ to demonstrate their

learning and reflect on their feelings. ‘All ten features of a good learnerAll ten features of a good learnerAll ten features of a good learnerAll ten features of a good learner’’’’ and the ‘four areas of good four areas of good four areas of good four areas of good

learning behaviourlearning behaviourlearning behaviourlearning behaviour’’’’ were reported during the FLA which shows how it helps to promote learning and

develop the skills needed to learn.

‘‘‘‘ItItItIt’’’’s great seeing everyone trying out new activities, getting to kns great seeing everyone trying out new activities, getting to kns great seeing everyone trying out new activities, getting to kns great seeing everyone trying out new activities, getting to know families from the same school ow families from the same school ow families from the same school ow families from the same school

and have fun together while they are learning!and have fun together while they are learning!and have fun together while they are learning!and have fun together while they are learning!’’’’

Alistair Boyd, Castleton Losehill YHA

Castleton Youth Hostel has an excellent track record working with children and young people as part of

school-based residential learning experiences. The hostel has recently moved to nearby Losehill Hall and

offers extensive outdoor education resources, low cost but high quality accommodation and easy access to

the Peak District, a very different environment to the sprawling urban estates of industrial Sheffield.

From the Royal Society Conference Oct 25th 2012

Challenges and Lessons LearntChallenges and Lessons LearntChallenges and Lessons LearntChallenges and Lessons Learnt

Communication and planning can be challenging due to the pressure of everyday events and

make collecting information problematic.

Families who do not take regular breaks often lack experience in making independent travel

arrangements and lack confidence in dealing with new situations and environments.

Families really appreciated the time together and responded well to encouragement to try new

low-risk activities.

Convincing educational authorities of the benefits of a break to learning requires more work.

TOPTOPTOPTOP----TIPSTIPSTIPSTIPS

•Plan early: Begin discussions one year to six months in advance.

•Involve school staff from the start to ensure ownership.

•Clear eligibility criteria to target families at economic disadvantage.

•Avoid paperwork duplication and create a manual that meets all requirements.

From the Royal Society Conference Oct 25th 2012

Questions for the FutureQuestions for the FutureQuestions for the FutureQuestions for the Future

How can the Family Learning Adventures (FLA) partnership work with others

to evidence learning using a project book?

How can family holidays in term time be promoted as contributing to young

people’s learning and education?

For further information visit/contact:

www.FamilyHolidayAssociation.org.uk/holidays-matter

Thea Joldersma, Programme & Policy ManagerFamily Holiday Association

Thea@FamilyHolidayAssociation.org.uk

From the Royal Society Conference Oct 25th 2012