NATURE INTERPRETATION 2 – GET PEOPLE TALKING
For good interpretation, get people talking.
The information below is not only useful for nature guides or teachers, but also for parents who want to be actively involved in the educational process of their child.
Our research showed that the most effective exhibits for learning were those which... encourage visitors to talk to each other about the exhibits, what they mean and how they relate to their life...
Therefore it is not the interpretation per se which leads to learning, but rather the discussion encouraged by the interpretation.
Head, Heart, Hands
Try to engage the mind, emotions and body of those you work with.
The 4 T's
Here, the model is based on active learning ideas and suggests that the following components of an experience lead to effective learning:
Touching - Sensory encounters & discovery/research
Talking - Discussion on these encounters with others
Thinking - Reflecting on the experience
Taking action - Doing something with the learning
Source: John Roff – Environmental Educator, Howick
Date: 13 Nov 2009
