My teaching goal is to help students become self-directed learners. Self-directed learners are life-long learners who pursue new ideas and skills because they want to, not because they have to. They take control of their learning: making choices about what, when, and how to learn. My Museum Education students need to acquire this approach to learning because museums demand self-directed learning. Armed with personal understandings of self-directed learning, students can create opportunities for others; scaffolding visitors’ ability to navigate the free-choice environment of the museum.
My lectures are short (lecturettes) and serve as introductions to discussions and activities, so that students can take active roles in making meaning, individually and collectively. I guide students’ learning through some initial structures such as the syllabus, readings, assignments, and selection of guest speakers, but ask for input and encourage students to construct meaning and draw their own conclusions. I reward risk and creativity, for the 21st-century museum will be different from its predecessors and needs courageous and creative thinkers.
It was a pleasure to work with Cynthia this semester. Her positive attitude and good humor coupled with an extensive knowledge and ability to teach and communicate complex ideas effectively made her classroom a lot of fun. Her creative assignments coupled with detailed and prompt feedback were also much appreciated!
~ Student in Teaching and Learning in the Museum, Fall 2020.