How often have you needed to face a real-world problem in order to truly understand and learn? We recognize that life’s complexities cannot be solved in minutes, but instead require time to investigate. We are ultimately left with a decision to make and are able to utilize the direct knowledge gained through this personal experience to truly understand problems and the solutions. This is authentic learning.

Authentic learning is an integral learning approach incorporated in the guided tours of the Historic Triangle of Virginia: Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown. We recently spoke with Joni Carlson, a lead educator for Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, who has been guiding tours for 15 years. Joni sees the value of authentic learning, describing it as “one more tool that allows us to continue to give excellent and engaging tours, while allying with the teacher and what they are trying to accomplish in the classroom.”

Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum offer many programs that not only meet national curriculum standards but are also fun and engaging for students. Field trips to Jamestown Settlement let students experience the story of the first permanent settlement in America. They can visit the re-created town, fort, and 1607 ships. Other options include a government and leadership tour that shows how representative government was established here. The Yorktown tour explores life during the American Revolution and how our nation came to be. It’s a hands-on experience, including a trip to a Continental Army camp, farm, and museum gallery. Secondary school students can study our country's significant documents - the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution. 

As Joni wisely states, the programs and museums of the Historic Triangle tell a much larger story than Virginia; it tells the American story. “There are intersecting themes: discovering new worlds, migration of people groups, interaction with different cultures, how people lived, problems people faced at that time.”

“Our museums make memories that matter. New worlds, new people, new cultures ignite curious minds.” If you would like more information on how to ignite curious minds through a historical class trip, contact us here.

MyTour Fund

MyTourFund.com is a free fundraising website available to all STA traveling educators and students.