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Project Descriptions

New Directions in Audience Research Initiative

September 1, 2009 - August 31, 2012 | Professional Development, Conferences, and Networks, Informal/Formal Connections

The New Directions in Audience Research Initiative, initially funded by IMLS in 2009, is a special initiative of the University of Washington Museology Graduate Program. New Directions aims to train graduate students in Audience Research & Evaluation within informal learning settings through laboratory style coursework that integrates the strengths of professional and peer mentoring, fieldwork, academics and client-centered experiences. Audience Research & Evaluation is an ever increasing field and one that is integral to all aspects of museum practice. Students who participate in New Directions learn the value of effectively incorporating outcomes based planning and research-based practice into their chosen area of museum practice and become advocates for evaluation within the museum field. Primary partner sites include the Woodland Park Zoo, and the Pacific Science Center who's Evaluation staff assist student teams in designing, implementing and reporting on evaluation projects within their institutions as well as other affiliated partner sites. Past affiliated partner sites include, the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, EMP Museum, Frye Art Museum, Henry Art Gallery, Museum of History and Industry, Northwest African American Museum, Seattle Aquarium, and the Washington Park Arboretum.

Funders

IMLS

TEAM MEMBERS

  • SmallKris
    Principal Investigator
    University of Washington
  • head shot from backyard
    Co-Principal Investigator
    Woodland Park Zoo
  • 2013 06 05 IMG 3549
    Project Manager
    University of Washington
  • Discipline: Education and learning science
    Audience: Undergraduate/Graduate Students | Educators/Teachers | Museum/ISE Professionals | Evaluators
    Environment Type: Professional Development, Conferences, and Networks | Resource Centers and Networks | Informal/Formal Connections | Higher Education Programs

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