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Professional Development Workshops for museum educators develop techniques that invite open-ended experiences with works of art.
I begin by modeling best practices for inquiry-based teaching as I lead the group in an experience with a work of art. Afterwards, we analyze the strategies used. Educators are then invited to role-play. We practice listening, paraphrasing participants comments, and giving contextual information about artwork. Finally, we consider the benefits (and limits) of an inquiry-based approach to learning.
Workshops cover:
how to facilitate an open-ended inquiry-based conversation around a work of art where contextual information is shared in response to participants’ comments
how to encourage close-looking
how to incorporate “meta-thinking” into teaching practice
how to develop and invite gallery activities that extend meaning-making (including movement, drawing and writing activites)
how to select and sequence art objects
how to develop a theme-based tour for school groups
how to develop studio art activities related to gallery experiences (if applicable)
Finally, we explore the benefits of inquiry-based approaches to learning for students and teachers (promotes critical thinking, engages curiosity, invites personal connections to subject-matter…)
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