Hi All!
Well, I finished my third week at the AC. Everything has been amazing so far!
I have had the opportunity to meet with the Director of the Education department. Once I got over the nerves, I was able to pick her brain and we ended up having great conversations about programs for people with Alzheimer's and, also, for medical students!
I have also had the opportunity to meet with the Visitor Experience Manager. All I can say to that is, WOW! I did not really understand what was involved with visitor experience. So, she pulled out the charts and statistics of the visitors of the museum. She explained how to survey the visitors and how that statistical information is used in correlation with the education department. The numbers show which audiences are coming to the museum (ex. teens, adults, dog-lovers, etc.) and the numbers also show which audiences are not coming to the museum. The museum educators can then see which needs are not being met and can brainstorm on how to reach those visitors. I had not given much thought previously to that sort of statistical information in correlation with a museum, so, it was a nice welcome into that category.
With my supervisor, the manager of school and community outreach, I have been observing and assisting with two major projects:
1. working with three community centers in Fort Worth, which started this last week
2. a new program with the Girl Scouts
So, you know those moments on a TV work sitcom when all of the sudden people get sick and then the newbie has to go and do a major presentation? Well, that happened to me. I had reviewed the lesson plans for the first session with a community center ages 10-13. I was prepared to observe and take notes. Then, the second teacher that is involved with the program was called away and I was given the opportunity to teach the art-making portion of the lesson to the pre-teens.
I remembered all those times I presented in class and tried not to be nervous, but nerves definitely kicked in when those 30 students were starring at me as I stuttered my way through the instructional phase of the art-making.
It was not the perfect first experience or impression I wanted to make, but, I learned a lot of what not to do. Just like when we present in class, I need to learn to breathe and if I have fun presenting the information, the students will have fun.
The second experience we went to a different community center with both teachers there (but, this time the students were ages 5-7). I watched and learned. I took notes on what the educators did for next time.
This coming week I will be starting to work more on my project for the summer, working more with Distant Learning, and, also, be working more with schools (and specifically pre-schools!). The museum is really starting to turn into my happy place.
Hi Asami...I love all of this! Sounds like we all need to meet and share what we learned with one another! I'm sure your unexpected presentation went better than you thought:) Sometimes it's the best way to get your feet wet and now you are ready for anything! Sounds like you are learning so much and I want to hear all about it. I hope to learn some from your experience as well.
ReplyDeleteAsami it was good to hear that you are finding out how many people have to collaborate to make things run successfully. I cannot express how important teamwork is in any job you have. I also agree with Leslie, you probably did a lot better than you thought. Everytime you teach if you think about what worked, what didn't, and even the dynamics of the class take that information and use it for next time you teach you can only get better!
ReplyDeleteHi Asami! I completely agree on feeling nervous and trying to get through the unfamiliarity of anything new. You are amazing and fearless!! Presentations are definitely nerve wracking. I agree with Candice about learning from each experience to see what works and what doesn't. I miss seeing you around but it makes me smile when I log into the computer and see your name pop out. Hopefully I'll see you at some point this summer!
ReplyDeleteOooh! That is a great idea, Leslie! Maybe I should have a potluck at my house so you can all get together and share what you've learned with one another in a different forum than the blog. When I get home, I will look at my calendar and see if we can do that before the school year begins!
ReplyDeleteGood for you, Asami! I can't believe you had to step in like you did... it is totally like the sitcom experience you described! I am sure you did much better than you think you did but am also glad to hear that you were able to take away things to make it a learning experience. You've done the worst part already... presented for the first time! It will only get better (and easier) from here :)