SED 583 - Socio-Cultural Dimensions of Free-Choice Learning Intro to Module 4

In Module 4 we will be discussing the socio-cultural dimensions of institutions, moving beyond the nominal definition of them as organizations housed in buildings, to a socio-cultural definition in which institutions include all types of socially constructed organizations: families, museums, schools, communities, and society. Some of the questions we will discuss include: How do groups, communities and societies use and appropriate the resources of free-choice learning institutions to support their “institutional” needs, interests and identities? How have cultural institutions historically supported/inhibited the socio-cultural dimensions and outcomes of learning?  What strategies and approaches have they employed to try to be socio-culturally relevant?  Our special guest is Laura Huerta Migus, who took the helm as executive director of the Association of Children's Museums (ACM) this past June. Prior to that, Laura was Director of Professional Development and Inclusion Initiatives at the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) where she previously also held the position of Director of Equity and Diversity. Laura also served on the staff at ACM from 2004-2006, as a program officer for education and operations.  Laura Huerta Migus is a nonprofit professional with more than a decade of experience in professional development, technical assistance, and grant management with a special emphasis on informal learninglearning.environments and community change efforts.  She is currently working with institutions nationally to help them become more culturally competent and responsible so that they can be effective change agents in their communities.  I think it will be a great conversation!