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Keep up with our Summer Research Interns - read the "Tremonthly" summer science report.
It's Great Smoky Mountains Photo Contest time again! Read the rules here
Evaluating Tremont's Impact
Learn why your school's visit to Tremont will be "more than just a field trip."
Interpretation: A Teachable Art
February 8 - 10
July 7 - 9
Interpretation: A Teachable Art provides rudimentary knowledge regarding the theory and
p
rinciples of environmental interpretation, how to communicate effectively, and how to develop meaningful interpretive programs. Expect fun, hands-on activities and participatory education as we progress from learning about good communication to actually teaching. See below for pre-class homework activities and readings necessary for this course.
Goal:
The goal of this course is to provide students with a basic knowledge of interpretation and education and their application.
Specific objectives of this course are:
1. To provide the student with a basic understanding of the principles, theories, and
methods of environmental interpretation;
2. To develop an appreciation of the importance of good communication in interpretive programs.
3. To provide the student an opportunity to develop skills in planning and presenting
interpretive programs;
4. To provide an opportunity for the student to become acquainted with and to interact
with organizations and practitioners involved in the field of interpretation.
5. To provide the student with an opportunity to visit, observe, and evaluate selected
interpretive services.
Upon completion of this course, the student will have:
1. An understanding of the methodology used in effective interpretive programming.
2. Planned one meaningful interpretive program (for either children or adults or families) that will be
presented to a group.
3. An understanding of how interpretation can be used to give the public knowledge of natural resources
and the public’s role in the stewardship there of.
Required Text:
Conducting Meaningful Interpretation
by Carolyn Widner Ward and Alan E. Wilkinson ISBN# 1555915302
This text can be found on Amazon.com for approximately $50.00 (new). (Although we usually try to keep student costs down by providing copies of articles and book chapters, we feel that this entire text is exceptional enough to justify owning it.)
Pre-class Homework
To prepare for the class please read the following chapters in Conducting Meaningful Interpretation:
Chapter 1 – Interpretation from Past to Present
Chapter 2 – Conducting Meaningful Interpretation
Chapter 3 – The Foundation of Interpretation: Communication
Chapter 4 – Planning for Success
Chapter 5 – A Basic Structure: Program
Chapter 6 – The Basic Program: Talk
Chapter 7 – Taking the Talk on the Road: Walk
Chapter 9 – For the Young at Heart: Children’s Interpretation
Chapter 11 – Essentials for All Programs: Critical Concerns
Take time to answer the Questions and Exercises at the end of each chapter for a good review (no, you do not have to turn in your answers).
July 2008 Interpretation Workshop Schedule:
July 7 - 9, 2008| 3:00 pm - 5:00pm | Check-in and get settled |
| 6:00 | Supper |
| 7:00 | Welcome and Introductions |
| 8:00 | Campfire with Ken |
| 9:00 | Evening Assignment |
Tuesday, July 8 |
|
| 8:00 am | Breakfast |
| 8:45 | Beginning Discussions - Interpretation |
| Review of interpretation definitions, principles, communication techniques | |
| Activity: Program planning strategies | |
| 12:30 | Lunch |
| 1:30 | Interprative TriBond |
| 2:30 | Teaching Demonstration and Discussion |
| 3:30 | Review and Discussion |
| 4:30 - 5:30 | Break - Time to Relax! |
| 5:30 | Supper |
| 7:00 | Wildlife of the Smokies Presentation |
| 8:00 | Interpretation - Programs |
| Program types, demonstration activities and developing mini-programs | |
| 9:00 | Evening Assignment |
Wednesday, July 9 |
|
| 8:00 am | Breakfast |
| 9:00 - 10:00 | Student Program Materials Prep |
| 10:00 - Noon | Student Program Presentations |
| 12:30 | Lunch |
| 1:00 | Remaining Student Program Presentations |
| 2:45 | Wrap-up and Evaluations |
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