Increasing Student Retention and Engagement of Learned Concepts, While Fostering Connections to the Cultural and Ecological Significance of the Galapagos Islands Through Pre-Travel Lessons and Reflection

Student travel has the potential to provide once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Travel combines authentic experiences and exposure to multiple perspectives in a way unlikely to happen in the classroom. Authentic experiences answer the age-old question, “Why do I have to learn this?” The reason for learning becomes tangible in the moment. Broadening our perspective increases empathy, reduces bias, and improves problem-solving skills. Travel provides the opportunity to experience many perspectives different from those experienced in our daily lives. The impact travel can have on a student can vary based on the experiences before, during, and after travel. Through the use of pre-travel lessons centered around the science and culture of the Galapagos Islands and the use of reflection this capstone looks to answer the question, How can focused pre-travel lessons and reflection enhance students' retention of learned concepts, increase engagement, and foster connections to the cultural and ecological significance of The Galapagos Islands?