The Interpreters Training Manual for Museums

Designed to make the training process easier and more effective, The Interpreters Training Manual for Museums helps institutions develop a customized training program for their interpreters―docents, volunteers, lecturers, educators, curators, and other staff who engage visitors in a dialogue. The book's emphasis is on social interaction―a critical component of museum learning; engaging visitors in a dialogue encourages them to participate in their own learning and develop deep connections to the institution. The Interpreters Training Manual combines group exercises, written and oral activities, and interactive lectures to teach interpreters―the staff and volunteers who deal directly with the public―how to facilitate meaningful conversations with visitors. Suitable for all types of museums―botanical gardens, zoos, parks, and living history sites―the book is based on the author's extensive experience in creating interpreter-training programs.