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resource research Public Programs
In 1984, to begin addressing the issue of long-term learning in museums, [the authors] initiated a series of museum recollection studies. At the time, it seemed critical to understand memories of museums more broadly, to investigate their components, saliency, and persistence, both soon after the experience and long after. [They] began with a series of open-ended, ethnographic-style interviews, conducting the first 11 over a period fo two years. These early interviews proved so interesting and useful that [they] have continued to build on this line of research, as have many others. What does
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resource research Public Programs
This study investigated variables that influence the utilization of museums by African Americans. A sample of 333 African Americans from six Eastern U.S. communities were interviewed at home about their leisure activities; particularly, their use of museum-like settings. Key variables that influenced museum visits were income, education, the community in which individuals lived, childhood experiences and participation in church-related activities. Although SES, cultural differences and latent racism impacted present-day African American use/non-use of museums, historic patterns of museum use
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TEAM MEMBERS: Institute for Learning Innovation John H Falk
resource research Public Programs
Millions of people visit science museums every year (Kimche, 1978; Koran & Dierking-Shafter, 1982). Accordingly, a great deal has been written in the last few years about hte value of out-of-school learning experiences, museum experiences in particular, for enhancing scientific literacy (c.f. Kimche, 1978; Koran & Baker, 1978; Tressel, 1980; Falk, 1982a). In this paper, [the authors] will discuss some of the strengths and weaknesses of museums as agents for science learning.
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TEAM MEMBERS: Smithsonian Institution John H Falk John Koran Jr. Lynn Dierking
resource research Public Programs
A study to assess the impact of school field trips on attitudes, behavior, and learning was conducted with 196 third and fifth grade children. Half the children went on an all-day field trip to a nature center to learn about the biology of trees; the other half were taught the same lesson outside their classroom during their regular science period. As measured by pre- and posttests, field experiences resulted in significant immediate learning and 30-day retention for all groups. Observational measures revealed that student behavior varied as a function of age and environmental context. A model
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TEAM MEMBERS: John H Falk John D. Balling
resource research Public Programs
This landmark publication identifies strategies for determining the extent and content of museum learning and the visitor experience. Takes into account prior knowledge and experience; subsequent, reinforcing experiences; motivation and attitudes; culture and background; social mediation; design and representation; and the physical setting. Includes possible measurement techniques for the museum context, and recommendations for future research in museum training.
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TEAM MEMBERS: Institute for Learning Innovation John H Falk Lynn Dierking
resource research Public Programs
In this article, the authors argue that a museum's "impact" needs to be defined in a multi-dimensional way.
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resource research Public Programs
This study investigated visitors' and staff's perceptions about the communication of science in a traditional natural history museum. The research examined the science-related outcomes for adult visitors and explored visitors' and staff's ideas of science and how it is portrayed at the museum.
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TEAM MEMBERS: John H Falk Lynn Dierking Léonie J. Rennie Gina Williams
resource research Public Programs
The science museum field has made tremendous advances in understanding museum learning, but little has been done to consolidate and synthesize these findings to encourage widespread improvements in practice. By clearly presenting the most current knowledge of museum learning, In Principle, In Practice aims to promote effective programs and exhibitions, identify promising approaches for future research, and develop strategies for implementing and sustaining connections between research and practice in the museum community.
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TEAM MEMBERS: Institute for Learning Innovation John H Falk Lynn Dierking Kirsten Ellenbogen
resource research Public Programs
An article looking at field trip data from the National Museum of Natural History in New Delhi, India.
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TEAM MEMBERS: Smithsonian Institution John H Falk
resource research Public Programs
Six studies on school field trip learning are reviewed. Among the findings reported are those indicating that students' perceptions of the novelty of the trip affects what they learn, and that imposed learning will be inhibited in settings where novelty is either extremely great or small.
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TEAM MEMBERS: John H Falk
resource research Public Programs
Discusses the value of field trips to learning; emphasizes that the novelty of the setting can have positive effects on learning and behavior.
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TEAM MEMBERS: Smithsonian Institution John H Falk John D. Balling
resource research Public Programs
Published in Curator: The Museum Journal. No abstract available.
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TEAM MEMBERS: Institute for Learning Innovation John H Falk