ERIC Number: EJ1223279
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1059-8650
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Available Date: N/A
Supporting Visitor-Centered Learning through Practice-Based Facilitation
Journal of Museum Education, v44 n3 p298-309 2019
Learning by engaging in the practices of a discipline (practice-based learning) provides museum visitors with opportunities to construct understandings that build on their prior experiences and interests. However, effectively facilitating such learning experiences is difficult. We present a framework that supports facilitators in providing practice-based facilitation, which begins with observations of how visitors engage with an exhibit and expands and deepens visitors' use of disciplinary practices. The framework includes two complementary tools developed through iterative design-based research situated in an interactive science center. The first tool links exhibit-specific observations of visitor engagement to STEM practices. The second tool provides three pathways related directly to the visitor's experience that inform facilitation moves. The framework and associated tools could be modified for institutions focused on other disciplines such as art or history by incorporating the practices that align with the ways professionals in those disciplines construct meaning, engage in analysis, and solve problems.
Descriptors: Museums, Experiential Learning, Exhibits, STEM Education, Hands on Science, Science Teaching Centers, Teaching Methods, Facilitators (Individuals)
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
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Author Affiliations: N/A