PD for Paid Staff

Comment by Preeti Gupta on January 26, 2010 at 7:24pm

I have been pondering about the following. We know how to train our youth staff to do demos, carts, etc on the museum floor and assess them for presentation and content.

But, what if the goal of the interaction is really about creating dialogue and conversation with the visitor. Does anyone know of any assessments for certification that assess for successfully creating dialogue and conversation?

Comment by Marilyn Johnson on May 26, 2010 at 11:04am

I don't know of any certifications or assessments for creating dialogue, but we are trying to look at that with our Access Algebra project. We've been looking specifically for math talk around the exhibit and we have been building facilitation affordances into the exhibit components. We are looking specifically if trained facilitation leads to richer math talk. So I would also be interested in how better assessment might take place.

Comment by David on June 15, 2010 at 2:37pm

We're also currently a pilot site for the Lawrence Hall of Science PD program: Museum Educators Reflecting on Practice. It deveotes a significant portion to learning conversations, and I feel like it's one of the most valuable elemnts.

Comment by Maija Sedzielarz on February 5, 2011 at 2:28pm

I would like to know more about Reflecting on Practice.  How can I learn more?  I think it would be valuable to share with our staff here at SMM, but also I would hope to glean some for working with our volunteers, as well.  Or maybe it doesn't translate well in working with volunteers?

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