In this study I explored the variety of educational opportunities
available in museums. Next, I examined the museum education programs
in the Portland, Oregon area and described what types of opportunities are
available to teachers. Finally, I made suggestions for teachers on how to
best access museum programs and for museum educators on how to best
reach teachers.
Interactions between schools and museums exist on a variety of
levels. From limited interactions to collaborative programming, schools and
museums have found ways to work together to accomplish their joint goal
of education. Museums offer self-guided or guided tours, curriculum
packets, teacher education programs, access to collections or informational
programs related to special exhibits. Some museums and schools have
developed deeper relationships in which each give and receive help
carrying out their missions.
I interviewed museum educators at nine museums in Portland and
the surrounding areas. I asked questions regarding the types of programs
available, especially focusing on programs suitable for school groups or
those that might be helpful to teachers. The programs available in the
Portland area vary by institution. Each museum, historic home or zoo offers
unique programs on a variety of topics. While history predominates,
science, math, social studies and art are readily available. Teachers should
be able to supplement nearly any classroom topic.
Teachers should take the time to get to know the educators in the
institutions. Overall, the key for an individual teacher seeking museum
education for students is to ask what is available. The programming at most
institutions is flexible, especially when there are traveling or temporary
exhibitions. Teachers should get onto mailing lists so they will be notified
when special or new programs are available. Also, teachers need to keep in
contact with the museum educators. Developing a personal relationship
will prove invaluable for a teacher who is trying to fill a gap in a unit or
supplement his or her curriculum. Museum educators will benefit from
time spent analyzing where their current programs meet state guidelines or
focusing planning on meeting specific state common curriculum goals
(CCGs) when designing new programs. Schools are reorganizing their
curriculum to meet state standards and museum personnel would be wise
to do the same. / Graduation date: 2000
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ORGSU/oai:ir.library.oregonstate.edu:1957/33217 |
| Date | 04 November 1999 |
| Creators | Scherer, Leigh Anne Whitney |
| Contributors | Hall, Roberta |
| Source Sets | Oregon State University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
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