The Docent Educator

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

The Docent Educator 4 xWfJffiiifc::: minds in moti The Docent Educator Vol. 2, No. 2j The Quarterly Journal for Dedicated Docents Winter 1992i Interdisciplinary Approaches Using your collection to examine only one subject area in isolation from others can diminish its significance and narrow routes toward stimulating interest. In this issue, we survey several ways that educators have broadened their programming by taking an interdisciplinary approach to teaching. Inside: Reaching Kids Through Literature A Garden as Classroom A Learning Through Art A A Cultural Legacy A Making New Connections A -- minds in motion = Revealing the Spectrum Publisher/Editor Alan Gartenhaus AV egardless of suitability or Such manufactured barriers are Associate Editor circumstance, the traditional modes of artificial and somewhat arbitrary. They Jackie Littleton teaching forged within schools tend to bear little resemblance to the powerful Editorial Assistant dominate education in museums, zoos, confluence of ideas, activities, and forces Molly Dempsey iind other auxiliary educational institutions. that combine to shape and affect For instance, many docents and staff everything in our world. Grapiiic Design educators instruct by lecturing. This Museums tend to reinforce these Shelly Baldwin form of teaching transferred to museums academic divisions when they classify in spite of the profound differences (and themselves as art, or history, or science. minds in motion considerable advantages) that teaching While this form of labeling is considered The Docent Educator © with original works of art, living useful and perhaps even necessary, it East 2011 Eleventh Avenue creatures, architectural treasures, historic need not limit the boundless potential Seattle, WA 98102-4109 USA artifacts, and scientific specimens offer inlierent in tlieir collections. when compared to teaching with Museum collections are most textbooks and blackboards. interesting, and have their greatest Consider, also, the commonly impact, when the full spectnim of their The Docent Educator welcomes accepted practice of teaching "academic implications is revealed. One way to unsolicited articles, announcements, letters to disciplines" in isolation from one communicate a broader r;mge of the editor, general correspondence, and another. This approach dictates that import;ince and value to the visiting advertising inquiries. The views expressed or science is taught during science class, public is to provide them with an imphed in this pubhcation do not necessarily and not during art; art is taught during art interdisciplinary view. represent the official position of the pubUsher, class, and not during science; and so forth. and efforts are made to present a variety of viewpoints for readers' consideration. The Docent Educator is published quarterly. The office and inailing address is: 2011 Eleventh Avenue East Seattle, WA 98102-4109 USA Are you photocopying The Docent Educator is available by The Docent Educator 7 individual and institutional subscripdon. While it is flattering that some museums find the information and ideas No part of this publication may be reproduced, or used in any manner, without presented in Tlie Docent Educator va.\uab\e enough to photocopy and the written consent of the publisher. distribute to their volunteers, they may be sowing the seeds of its undoing. All rights are reserx'ed. Vie Docent Educator is a specialized publication and, as such, is costly to produce. It requires a thriving subscriber base to succeed and continue Cover: There are numerous ways to explore working to professionalize docent teaching. things found in museums, zoos, and gardens. What route might these second graders be It is hoped that institutional subscribers will recognize and support this taking as they discuss this painting housed in urging all to subscribe, collect, and reference the Dallas Museum ofArt? publication's efforts by docents their own, personal copies of Tfie Docent Educator, so that this journal might photo: Nancy Walkup Reynolds remain healthy, strong, and reasonably priced. THE DOCENT EDUCATOR There are several methods of Any endangered species lesson The last part of the lesson might developing an interdisciplinary lesson. should begin with a definition of what involve hypothesizing, or making One is to consider your collection from the term "endangered" means. informed guesses. Learners would make an alternate academic vantage point. In Following this, learners would be shown conjectures about the sources of threats an art museum, for example, a lesson several different animals and/or plants to such diverse life forms living in so could be constructed that looks at the that are endangered. many different climates and terrains. evolution of art from a chemistry The lesson might continue with the Here, the conversation would flow perspective. Such a tour might examine: docent telling learners, "All of these through every discipline, and reveal the the availability and properties of dyes different life forms share the complexity and depth of the problem. and pigments; the qualities and uses of 'endangered' status in common. Using Some responses, like natural selection, adhesive media like egg albumen, oils, your powers of observation and your predator/prey relationships, or the health and acrylics; or differences in the ability to make comparisons, develop a of ecosystems would be fairly "science- characteristics of the metals used to list of everything that's different about oriented." Others, such as the economics create photographic prints. these creatures." of pollution, population and urban In an historic home, this method A wide variety of answers could growth, social customs, and agricultural might result in a tour that explores the follow, depending upon the endangered patterns are the domain of the social form of a building's design from the species presented. They might include: sciences. Still others, like fashion or iVl view of physics and engineering. Or, in some are large, others are small; some approach the subject of aesthetics. a botanical garden, such a lesson might are mammals, others are reptiles or An interdisciplinary approach when shift the focus from botany to art by amphibians; some fly, others walk; some teaching can reveal the full spectrum of examining the visual effects of particular live in warm climates, others in cold; your institution's collection. At the same juxtapositions and arrangements in some live on land, others <ire aquatic; time, it serves to enfranchise the many landscaping, or how hybridization some live among humans, others far different interests and orientations of satisfied a desire for alternate sizes, from civilization: and so forth. your visitors. As an added bonus, an shapes, and colors. Following this, docents might ask interdisciplinary approach can be a fun Another method of developing an learners to interpret, or extract meaning and stimulating way to reinvigorate your interdisciplinary approach is to from, the wide range of differences they own enthusiasm for your institution's incorporate a theme that is broad enough found. Interpretations might range from permanent collection. to enfranchise other disciplines as well as "there are endangered species in all parts the one of primary concern to your of the animal kingdom" to "there are institution. Consider, for example, the threats to life forms in just about all theme of "endangered species" in a zoo environments and geographic areas of Alan Gartenhaus or natural history institution. the world." Publishing Editor The Docent Educator One year (4 quarterly issues) only $20 Two years (8 quarterly issues) only $38 (outside the U.S. , add $4 per year for additional postage) Name Address City/State/Zip Institutional Affiliation New Subscriber Renewal Mail with your check to: The Docetit Educator 201 1 Eleventh Avenue East Seattle, WA 98102-4109 THE DOCENT EDUCATOR I I Reaching Kids Through Literature A..sk most first graders what competition and wins with an exquisite docents from museums of every they'll find in a museum and they'll say — and, obviously, very small — discipline see the museum through the with assurance, "Dinosaurs!" I used to sculpture which astonishes the panel of eyes of their fourth through sixth grade wonder why "nuiseum" equalled "dinosaur" human judges. visitors. Children who have read the for our youngest visitors until I chanced Reading either of these picture story will enjoy finding works by the upon a small, very bright, and infinitely books to a group of 5- to 8- year-olds artists mentioned in the book and will mischievous monkey named George. as they visit the fire engine exhibit in a enthusiastically speculate on the "Curious George" is the principal history museum or the sculpture gallery possibilities of living in the museum they character in a series of books for of an art museum brings these adult are visiting. (Docents might want to primaries. This simiiin alter ego allows exhibits into the children's world. alert Security!) first graders to go places and do things, Reading a story can create a mood, In addition to stories that tiike place and it is with George that many of them introduce an exhibit, or merely provide in museums, docents can enrich their first visit a museum. The monkey's a place to rest for tired little bodies. tours through the use of topical fiction. curiosity demolishes a dinosaur exhibit "Story time," which is already a familiar Excerpts read from any of the Little and gets George kicked out on his and valuable part of their school day, House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, helps demystify the museum experience for example, will put people into historic for first-time visitors. exhibits. Although principally about the ^^Docents can I Museum fiction for older children settling of the American Midwest, these Ciumot, of course, be read in its entirety, books mention artifacts found in most enrich their tours but can be referred to or recommended. history museums and provide excellent through the use Often, someone in the audience will descriptions of the uses of home and have read the book and will be excited to farm implements from our pioneer era.
Recommended publications
  • Index of Educational Terms 2Nd Edition Now with Farsi
    INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION RESEARCH FOUNDATION ® Index of Educational Terms 2nd Edition now with Farsi 1969-2019 Celebrating 50 years of service Index of Educational Terms We are pleased to present this 2nd edition of the Index of Educational Terms, as part of IERF’s 50th anniversary celebration. This handy resource can trace its beginnings to the 1979 publication of The Glossary of Foreign Educational Terms. Developed by Theodore Sharp, IERF’s co-founder, The Glossary focused on a selection of languages from Europe and Latin America. The Index of Educational Terms, compiled by IERF evaluators, provides glossaries from 11 major languages around the world, including Arabic, Chinese and Russian. This new edition, which now also includes Farsi, is intended as a handy tool for admissions officers, credentials analysts and registrars, the Index of Educational Terms focuses on the most commonly used terms found on international academic records. We are grateful for the enthusiastic feedback we have received over the years, since its first release in 2012. I would like to give special thanks to the following individuals for their hard work and for making this possible: Editors: Emily Tse Alice Tang Contributors: Liana Amelova Andrej Molchan Andrea Ben Zion Maryam Rawson Daniel Borhanian Irene Romo Joshua Everett Amy Santiago Matthew Fisher Traci Wells Victoria Haydenko Alvin Yin I-Hsing Lin Nina Zhao Finally, I would also like to express my appreciation to our colleagues, Ujjaini Sahasrabudhe and Herman de Leeuw, for their kind support and feedback.
    [Show full text]
  • 2018-19 Sco Student Catalog Web
    CATALOG 2018 / 2019 Board of Trustees No person shall, on the basis of race, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation or Douglas C. Clark, OD Chair national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of or be subjected to Amanda Brewer-Lord, OD ’97 Stacey J. Meier, OD ’84 discrimination or harassment under any program or activity at Southern College of Optometry. Alumni Council Representative David Cockrell, OD ’81 The college is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Wil McGriff, OD Steven L. Compton, OD ’78 Faculty Representative This edition of the Southern College of Optometry catalog is effective for the academic Ryan H. Powell, OD ’02 Kailey Soileau, ’20 James D. Sandefur, OD ’65 Student Representative year 2018-2019 and contains information current as of July 2018. Inasmuch as changes may Carla D. Sanderson, PhD be necessary from time to time, this catalog should not be construed as constituting a contract Dave Sattler between the college and any person. Lynn T. Shaw, Jr. A. L. Spivey, III, OD ’67 Stuart Thomas, OD ’84 Leticia W. Towns, FACHE Cristie Upshaw Travis, MS For information: Terry L. Tucker, OD ’84 Southern College of Optometry • 1245 Madison Avenue • Memphis, TN 38104 Christopher W. Wroten, OD ’02 (901) 722.3200 • (800) 238.0180 • www.sco.edu The College ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 2 Doctor of Optometry ....................................................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Optometry Handbook 2018-2019
    NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY NOVA 2018–2019 Student Handbook COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY 2018–2019 STUDENT HANDBOOK COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY Nova Southeastern University Student Handbook Nova Southeastern University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist, and doctoral degrees. Policies and programs set forth in this handbook are effective through the academic year 2018–2019. Changes in the content of the student handbook may be made, at anytime, by the university, division, or college administration. Adequate notice of anticipated changes will be given to the student, whenever possible. This student handbook supersedes all previous handbooks, documents, and directives where they may be in conflict. The student handbook is the governing document for all program-related information. Please become familiar with the policies and procedures listed within. Failure to read this handbook does not excuse students from the rules, policies, and procedures contained in it. The university recognizes that individual programs require different times for the completion of academic studies leading to a degree. Therefore, the time frame is a matter within the discretion of each academic program. All program/center catalogs, bulletins, and handbooks carry this information. Students should refer to their individual program’s or center’s catalog and/or student handbook for further information about academic programs, policies, and procedures. 05-001-18PGA
    [Show full text]
  • SACSCOC Resource Manual for Principles of Accreditation
    RESOURCE MANUAL for The Principles of Accreditation: Foundations for Quality Enhancement Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges 2020 Edition RESOURCE MANUAL for The Principles of Accreditation: Foundations for Quality Enhancement 1866 Southern Lane Decatur, GA 30033-4097 www.sacscoc.org SACSCOC Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Third Edition Published: 2020 Statement on Fair Use The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) recognizes that for purposes of compliance with its standards, institutions and their representatives find it necessary from time to time to quote, copy, or otherwise reproduce short portions of its handbooks, manuals, Principles of Accreditation, and other publications for which SACSCOC has protection under the Copyright Statute. An express application of the Copyright Statute would require these institutions to seek advance permission for the use of these materials unless the use is deemed to be a “fair use” pursuant to 17 USC §107. This statement provides guidelines to institutions and their representatives as to what uses of these materials SACSCOC considers to be “fair use” so as not to require advance permission. SACSCOC considers quotation, copying, or other reproduction (including electronic reproduction) of short portions (not to exceed 250 words) of its handbooks, manuals, Principles of Accreditation, and other publications by institutions of higher education and their representatives for the purpose of compliance with SACSCOC’s standards to be fair use and not to require advance permission from SACSCOC. The number of copies of these quotations must be limited to 10. Representatives of institutions shall include employees of the institutions as well as independent contractors, such as attorneys, accountants, and consultants, advising the institution concerning compliance with SACSCOC’s standards.
    [Show full text]
  • May2020 Commencement Prog
    Welcome to the 120th commencement of Salus University. We have conferred degrees on healthcare professionals since our first commencement in 1922 as the Pennsylvania State College of Optometry (PSCO). Over the years the name of our institution may have changed, but the excitement and anticipation of commencement day has remained the same. Salus University was established by the Pennsylvania State College of Optometry (PSCO), later renamed to the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO), which was founded in 1919 to create a professional school of optometry on par with those of medicine and dentistry. That century-old legacy continues, as the University maintains and increases higher standards of education and clinical proficiency for the professions we serve. From 1919 to 1983, Optometry was the College’s sole program. In 1983, master’s degrees in Blindness and Low Vision Studies were Share your photos and introduced. In 2000, the Audiology program began, followed by Physician Assistant Studies in 2007. Today, Salus offers additional degree programs in Biomedicine, Occupational Therapy and congratulatory messages for Speech-Language Pathology. graduates on social media using Salus University is a diversified, globally recognized professional academic center of learning that offers a wide range of accredited #SalusGrad and don't forget to post-graduate degree programs. There are more than 1,200 Salus students and more than 14,000 alumni worldwide. tag @SalusUniversity. This is a day of great pride for our graduates as well as their families and friends. The faculty and staff of Salus University are proud of what our graduates have achieved during their time with us and hope you will join us in this celebration of their achievements.
    [Show full text]
  • Table of Contents
    Office of Academic Affairs Academic Organization, Curriculum, and Assessment Handbook 2016-2017 Contents Council on Academic Affairs .................................................................................................. 6 University Organization ........................................................................................................... 8 Determining College Status ............................................................................................................................... 8 Academic Department or School ..................................................................................................................... 10 Division ........................................................................................................................................................... 11 Additional Issues to Address ........................................................................................................................... 11 Withdrawing an Academic Unit ....................................................................................................................... 12 Academic Unit Name Changes ......................................................................................................................... 12 Alteration or Abolition of Units ....................................................................................................................... 12 Flow Chart: Establishing an Academic Unit/Request for Name Change ..........................................................
    [Show full text]
  • American Degree Colours (1936–1961)
    Transactions of the Burgon Society Volume 17 Article 4 10-21-2018 Conforming to the Established Standards: American Degree Colours (1936–1961) Kenny Suit Milligan College, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://newprairiepress.org/burgonsociety Part of the Art Practice Commons, Higher Education Commons, and the Higher Education Administration Commons This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License Recommended Citation Suit, Kenny (2018) "Conforming to the Established Standards: American Degree Colours (1936–1961)," Transactions of the Burgon Society: Vol. 17. https://doi.org/10.4148/2475-7799.1144 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by New Prairie Press. It has been accepted for inclusion in Transactions of the Burgon Society by an authorized administrator of New Prairie Press. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Transactions of the Burgon Society, 17 (2017), pages 39–75 Conforming to the Established Standards: American Degree Colours (1936–1961) By Kenneth L. Suit, Jr Academic costume is dignified and effective just in proportion as it is correct in type and color. Unless it conforms exactly to the established standards, the use of it degenerates into meaningless display. [ … ] [Cotrell & Leonard] invite correspondence from any one who is interested in the adoption of the code, or custom, by any institution, particularly as we are entrusted with the arrangement of details, so as to avoid confusion, easily arising from independent action in the choice of colors representative of the degrees, or in the combination of colors in hood linings. Concerning Caps, Gowns and Hoods, Bulletin 17 (Cotrell & Leonard, 1902) cademic dress in the United States was first standardized by representatives from Columbia, New York, Princeton, and Yale Universities, who wrote the Intercollegiate ACode of Academic Costume in 1895.
    [Show full text]
  • JOINT DEGREES and DOUBLE DEGREES the Italian Experience
    DOC CIMEA 110 JOINT DEGREES AND DOUBLE DEGREES The Italian experience Carlo Finocchietti Maria Sticchi Damiani Translation: Richard Boyce July 2002 A 'joint degree' or a 'double degree' represent two possible outcomes to an 'integrated' course of study. An integrated study programme envisages a curriculum that has been jointly designed by two universities and is regulated by a specific negotiated agreement. Students who freely choose the programme undertake defined periods of study in both academic establishments in terms of duration and content. At the end of the courses and after the relevant joint examinations, the students are awarded either a single qualification jointly signed by the academic authorities of both institutions (joint degree) or the final national qualifications of both institutions (double degree). The study presented herein documents the development of joint degrees in Italy with effect from the reform of 1980 which opened the doors to integrated study programmes for universities and stimulated international university cooperation, both bilateral and multilateral. The study then concentrates on the reforms of 1999 and documents the potential for and actual developments in joint degrees with particular attention focused on the universities' internationalisation programmes. Finally, the study proposes a classification of the types of degrees awarded upon completion of integrated courses and formulates guidelines for the design of curricula and the organisation of joint courses. The study is completed by the summary data supplied by the Cimea database on double degrees and by numerous examples of experiences of joint courses and degrees. The Origins: Integrated Study Programmes A joint degree or double degree is always backed up by a collaboration agreement between two (or more) universities and an integrated curriculum which defines the study periods to be undertaken separately in the universities concerned.
    [Show full text]
  • Applied Baccalaureate Degrees in STEM and Technician Education: Program Implementation in Five Regions of the United States
    Applied Baccalaureate Degrees in STEM and Technician Education: Program Implementation in Five Regions of the United States Technical Report Julia Panke Makela Debra D. Bragg Erica Harwell Office of Community College Research and Leadership University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign October 2015 The Office of Community College Research and Leadership (OCCRL) was established in 1989 at the Abstract University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Our primary mission is to provide research, leadership, and service and assist in improving the quality of community college education for all learners. The contents The report provides a collection of five macro-level case studies, with each case including one to four of our publications do not necessarily represent the positions or policies of our sponsors or the University institutional case studies. In total, 11 institutional case studies are included, with the first two describing of Illinois. Comments or inquiries about our publications are welcome and should be directed to occrl@ 2-year institutions that implemented the community college baccalaureate (CCB) degree and three illinois.edu. This document can be found on the web at: http://occrl.illinois.edu/files/Projects/ab/ab- describing partnerships that involve community colleges and universities that confer either or both implementation.pdf associate of applied science (AAS) and applied baccalaureate (AB) degrees. The five macro cases are focused on the following regions of the country: Florida, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and the 2-state We want to thank the colleges and universities that opened their doors to our research team to enable region of Maryland and Delaware. The AB degree programs emphasize various areas of STEM and us to better understand the implementation and potential impact of Applied Baccalaureate (AB) degree technician education, including biotechnology, biotechnology sciences, energy management, engineering programs.
    [Show full text]
  • Table of Contents
    Academic Programs 3335-5-14 Powers (college faculties). 3335-5-27 Powers (faculty of the Arts and Sciences). 3335-5-30 Powers and functions (graduate faculty) 3335-5-34 Duties and responsibilities (Graduate Council) 3335-5-35 Committees (Graduate Council). 3335-5-41 Powers (University Senate). 3335-5-48.1 Council on Academic Affairs. 3335-9-29 Degrees and certificates. 3335-9-30 Requirements for an undergraduate baccalaureate degree. 3335-9-31 Requirements for a graduate degree. 3335-9-32 Requirements for a professional degree. General Expectations New program proposals, except for minors, should include an assessment plan. The plan specifies the program’s student learning outcomes, means of assessment, how outcomes information will be used, and a timeline for implementing the plan (see Appendix A). Proposals for changes to existing programs should address whether and how outcomes data inform the proposed changes. Program approval and changes to existing programs must adhere to state guidelines for Ohio public colleges and universities academic programs: https://www.ohiohighered.org/sites/ohiohighered.org/files/uploads/program-approval/Academic-Program- Review-Guidelines_070516.pdf. Once approved internally, program approval is required by the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE). Directions for submitting a request for approval of undergraduate degrees and degree programs by the ODHE may be found in Appendix B. For graduate degree programs, state guidelines and procedures for final approval by the Chancellor’s Council on Graduate Studies (CCGS) may be found in Appendix C, and at: https://www.ohiohighered.org/sites/ohiohighered.org/files/uploads/racgs/CCGS_Guidelines.pdf Program proposals flow through curriculum.osu.edu which supports a work-flow approval process (see Appendix D for the template).
    [Show full text]
  • Docent Manual
    Docent Manual © The Arboretum at Penn State The Pennsylvania State University 320 Forest Resources Building University Park, Pennsylvania 16802 www.arboretum.psu.edu Contents INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................................... 3 HOW TO GIVE A GREAT TOUR ................................................................................................................................ 4 OVERVIEW: HISTORY OF THE ARBORETUM AND PLANS FOR THE FUTURE ........................................................... 6 TOUR STOPS IN THE H.O. SMITH BOTANIC GARDENS ............................................................................................ 7 THE OVERLOOK PAVILION ....................................................................................................................................... 8 RIDGE AND VALLEY SCULPTURE ............................................................................................................................. 9 EVENT LAWN AND KATHRYN BOWER SMITH STROLLING GARDEN ..................................................................... 10 CHILDHOOD’S GATE CHILDREN’S GARDEN ........................................................................................................... 11 ANNUAL DISPLAY GARDEN & JOAN MILIUS SMITH ESPLANADE ......................................................................... 13 JOEL N. MYERS SUNDIAL ......................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Become a Docent at Tucson Botanical Gardens
    Become a docent at Tucson Botanical Gardens The next docent training course at Tucson Botanical Gardens will be held on Wednesday mornings from 9 a.m. – noon starting in February. This is an 11-week course and there is a fee for the course. There is a class size limit. What does a docent do? Trained docents at Tucson Botanical Gardens participate in specialized training sessions, lead garden tours, present educational outreach programs for adults and children, staff educational carts, implement horticultural therapy programs, teach Gardens signature classes, participate in training and planning for Gardens educational and outreach programs, and provide gardens’ information to visitors as a gardens’ interpreter. What do docents learn about? History of Tucson Botanical Gardens Botany for Gardeners Wildflowers Gardening for Birds and Butterflies Water Resources and Conservation Principles of Xeriscaping Desert Ecology Herb Gardening Ethnobotany Tour guide and presentation skills What’s expected of Gardens docents? Be members of the Tucson Botanical Gardens Complete training that is necessary for their area(s) of service. Contribute an average of 10 hours per month or more. Record volunteer hours on a monthly log sheet. Give accurate information and project a positive image when representing the Gardens to the public. Be dependable and meet all scheduled commitments. Agree to serve for at least one year, following completion of docent training. Complete at least 8 hours of continuing education (excluding travel time) per year by attending monthly volunteer meetings, field trips, and/or related classes and workshops. Participate in at least one special event during first year of service to the Gardens.
    [Show full text]