Today, we’re delving into a fundamental aspect of being a museum educator: being prepared for the unexpected.
Picture this: you’re facilitating a programme, and out of nowhere, something unexpected happens.
Perhaps a spontaneous discussion is sparked by an object not on your planned route, or you encounter a group with unique accessibility needs you weren’t aware of beforehand. Maybe a curious child asks about an exhibit that’s entirely new to you.
These moments serve as powerful reminders of the importance of readiness for the unexpected.
But what does being prepared really mean in our context?
It’s all about anticipating and navigating unforeseen challenges and opportunities that may arise in our ever-changing museum environment.
As educators, we interact with diverse audiences, each with their own perspectives and interests, making it essential to be adaptable and responsive to varying circumstances.
In this post, we’ll explore a range of strategies to equip ourselves with the right tools and mindset to handle these unforeseen situations effectively. From quick adjustments to fostering a proactive approach, we’ll dive into ways to ensure a fantastic experience for our participants and make our roles as museum educators both rewarding and fulfilling.
So, let’s get started and discover how to embrace the unexpected with confidence!
Pre-programme planning
Our ability to prepare for the unexpected begins even before our group walks through the doors of the museum. By taking the time to do some thoughtful pre-programme planning, we lay the groundwork for a successful and engaging educational experience.
Do a walk-through
Before your group arrives for their museum programme, take the time to familiarise yourself with the specific area where the programme will take place, even if you’re already familiar with it.
Do a walk-through to locate all the artworks or objects on your program and ensure they are where you expect them to be. Observe how busy the museum is at that moment and identify potential high-traffic areas.
Taking this step may seem simple, but it can save you from unnecessary worry later on. I recall a time when I skipped the walk-through before a tour and discovered, to my horror, that five artworks I usually worked with had been removed overnight.
I only found out when I was with my group, leading them through the space. It was an uncomfortable and stressful moment, requiring quick thinking on my feet.
From that experience, I learned the importance of always doing a quick walk-through before my programme. If time constraints didn’t allow for it, I made sure to have a plan B for every artwork in the museum. Having alternative artworks, objects, or activities readily available provided peace of mind and boosted my confidence in handling unforeseen situations. Being prepared in this way will help you feel more in control and ready for any challenges that may come your way during your museum programme.
Logistics
Logistics are paramount to the success of any museum programme. From coordinating group arrivals and handling personal items to ensuring smooth departures, attention to these details ensures a seamless flow of the programme.
While you may not have control over how the group arrives at the museum or the entry procedures, you can make a significant impact when the group is with you.
Being well-prepared with logistical arrangements helps reduce delays and distractions, allowing you to focus entirely on facilitating a memorable museum experience for your participants. By taking care of these practical aspects, you create a conducive environment for learning and engagement, ultimately enhancing the overall success of your programme.
Understanding the group
Clear communication with group leaders or chaperones during pre-programme planning is essential. This ensures that the group understands the programme’s objectives, guidelines, and logistics, and that the museum considers any special considerations for the group.
As a museum educator, you should use your introduction as an opportunity to communicate crucial information to your group. Referencing Episode 44, where the four elements of a good introduction are discussed, will help you structure your introduction effectively. This clear communication sets the stage for aligning expectations and enables you to tailor the program to suit the group’s specific needs and interests.
Having comprehensive upfront knowledge allows you to be better prepared for the program, ensuring a smoother and more engaging experience for everyone involved. So, take the time to communicate effectively and gather relevant information in advance to make your museum program truly successful.
In preparation for your museum program, gather as much information as possible about your group both before and during your introduction.
In advance can you gather information about age range, the group’s background, accessibility requirements, interests, prior knowledge. If this information is not gathered in advance or you only get a little bit of information , then you will need to use your introduction to find this out.
If you don’t have much information upfront, use your introduction to gather these details, especially if you only know broad categories like “adult” or “student group.”
Understanding your group’s background and other relevant information allows you to customise the program to suit their abilities, interests, and curiosity. This level of preparation ensures you are ready to deliver a tailored and engaging experience for your participants.
Being well-informed upfront enables you to adapt and create a memorable museum journey for your group, making the programme both meaningful and enjoyable.
Dealing with delays
When a group is delayed, which can happen frequently, take advantage of that time to adjust your program without it feeling like a compromise.
Work out an amended programme that still aligns with your intended themes and outcomes, ensuring a meaningful experience despite the reduced time you’ll have with the group. Flexibility and quick thinking in these situations allow you to make the most of the available time and deliver a valuable museum experience for your participants.
During your programme
During your program, being prepared means being flexible in your program design. While planning with specific learning objectives, be open to adjusting on-the-fly to meet the group’s needs and interests.
Design your programs with flexibility in mind, creating individual components that can be easily adjusted, expanded, or shortened depending on the group’s dynamics. Assess their engagement at each stop and be prepared to adapt the programme accordingly. Embrace spontaneous learning moments and be ready to delve deeper into topics that capture the group’s interest.
Handling unexpected questions and behavioural challenges requires active listening and empathy. Embrace unexpected questions as signs of engagement and curiosity. Redirect discussions back on track if needed, while finding connections between unexpected questions and core themes.
Addressing behavioural challenges requires tact and patience. If issues arise, try to address them privately to avoid singling out individuals in front of the group. Reinforce guidelines to create a respectful environment and seek help from others if needed. Practice active listening to understand the root cause of the behaviour and foster a respectful and inclusive environment.
Leading by example is crucial. Demonstrate respect for participants’ ideas and create a safe space for open dialogue. Encourage constructive discussions and manage conflicting viewpoints with a focus on mutual respect and learning from each other’s backgrounds.
Learning from past experiences
Post-program reflection is a crucial step in being prepared for the unexpected in museum programs. Take time to personally reflect on what went well and what could be improved. Evaluate your facilitation techniques, engagement strategies, and the overall flow of the program.
Engaging with your fellow museum educators is also valuable. Seek their input on your programs, drawing from their experiences and expertise. Celebrate the successes of your programs and acknowledge positive feedback for the impact you’ve made on participants.
Equally important is implementing improvements based on participant feedback and your own reflections. Continuously refining your programs ensures you deliver the best educational experiences for your audience.
By reflecting, seeking input, and refining, you’ll be well-equipped to handle the unexpected and create exceptional museum experiences for your participants.
To sum up
In this episode, we’ve explored strategies to enhance our preparedness when leading museum programmes. Comprehensive pre-program planning lays the groundwork for success, as we personalise experiences based on the group’s demographics and needs. Flexibility in program design helps us adapt to the group’s engagement and interests, while handling unexpected questions and behavioural challenges in a respectful and inclusive manner.
Learning from past experiences and visitor feedback empowers us to continuously evolve as educators. Embrace the unexpected with curiosity and adaptability, as the magic often lies in unplanned moments and unscripted interactions. Stay open to surprises and view them as invitations to explore new avenues of learning.
Being prepared for the unexpected means being agile and responsive, shaping the journey based on participants’ interests and curiosities. Embrace the unexpected and see it as an opportunity for growth.