You don't have to be an expert on exhibition topics or have all the answers. In fact your best role as a teacher while at NYSCI is to show enthusiasm, model learning and ask questions. If a student asks you something you don't know, the best response is: "That's a good question. I don't know. Let's find out."

If you choose not to directly participate with your students and prefer to observe, here are some things you can look for that indicate they are learning. You may be surprised. Learning in a museum or science center is different from learning in a classroom.

Indicators of Engagement in Learning in a Museum

• Showing responsibility for and initiating their own learning
• Know what they want to look for/making choices
• Writing/drawing
• Talking to each other
• Deciding where and when to move
• Taking photos/video

• Actively involved in learning through observations
• Standing and looking/reading
• Exhibiting curiosity and interest by engaging with an exhibit
• Absorbed, close, concentrated examination

• Purposefully manipulating and playing with objects and ideas
• Handling exhibits with care and interest
• Using hands-on exhibits as intended

• Making links and transferring ideas and skills
• Comparing exhibits
• Referring to their prepared questions
• Comparing/referring to previous knowledge/experiences

• Sharing learning with peers and experts
• Talking and pointing
• Pulling others to show them something
• Willingness to be pulled to see others' interests
• Discussing display
• Asking each other questions
• Reading to peers

• Teaching and being taught
• Explaining to others
• Listening to explanations
• Reading to help others
• Being read to
• Testing others
• Being tested

• Responding to and seeking new information or evidence
• Evidence of changing views
• Evidence of discovering new ideas
• Evoking imagination/wondering aloud
• Talking to adults/experts

• Non-Learning behavior indicators
• Sitting
• Talking about non-display related topics
• Running/crying
• Wandering aimlessly

Source: Investigating Ways In Which Secondary School Teachers Can Facilitate Effective Conditions For Learning During School Excursions To Informal Settings Such As Museums.

University of Technology, Sydney Internal Research Grant 1999/2000

Janette Griffin, Faculty of Education