Purposeful Museum Programming Using Visitor Response Pedagogies

Purposeful Museum Programming Using Visitor Response Pedagogies offers museums of all sizes and genres practical, accessible, and inclusive programming ideas. Museums need to embrace a new model of educational programming, prioritizing and nurturing visitors’ personal responses to pieces while developing important skills in the process. By synthesizing research and teaching approaches in the field, this exploration demonstrates that museum programming grounded in effective theories of learning and emotional response is most impactful in building community among diverse learners, enhancing learning, and supporting social and emotional growth by validating visitors’ unique life experiences and perspectives. Grouped as Visitor Response Pedagogies (VRPs), programming that focuses on these elements and other transferable skills offers a new model in museum education that is adaptable at museums of all genres. The VRP A-Z Toolkit offers a multitude of ideas and highlights innovative responsive programs occurring at museums all around the world. This is the new “must-have” educational handbook for all museums seeking new ways to enhance their programmatical offerings.

Ames Morton-Winter received her Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Virginia, a Master’s degree in Education - Curriculum and Teaching from the College of William and Mary, and a Master’s degree in Liberal Arts - Museum Studies from Harvard University. She has spent more than two decades teaching History, English, and English as a Second Language in public schools and has worked with museums in many capacities, including as a volunteer, an educational consultant, and a board member. Her background in teaching and curriculum development, passion for museum collections, and love of teaching culminated in the creation of Visitor Response Pedagogies.