February 2020
Inquiry-Based Learning and Museum Education
Instructor: David BowlesCourse Dates
February 2, 2020 - February 29, 2020
Course Description
Spark curiosity! Contemporary museum teaching practice is evolving, centering the needs, interests, and curiosity of museum visitors. Inquiry-based learning is a pedagogical approach that invites learners to explore new content by posing, investigating, and answering questions.
This course is great for:
- emerging museum professionals interested in strengthening their teaching skills to support informal learning in art museums, historic houses, gardens, zoos, and similar institutions
- pre-service or current educators from all subject areas interested in using object-based learning in more traditional classroom settings
In a collaborative group atmosphere, we will explore the following key ideas through discussions, small group work, and independent research:
- Theories of Learning
- Object-Based Experiences: Curiosity and Interpretation
- Motivation and Flow Experiences
- Approaches to Inquiry: Conversation, Discussion, and Dialogue
- The Role of Questions and Information
- Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion
- Embodiment and Affordances
- Mindfulness and Reflection
Sign up for this course to succeed in museums or to strengthen classroom practice and:
- gain confidence in contemporary museum education practice
- build practical skills in teaching with objects
- improve group facilitation skills
- become familiar with trends and issues impacting the field
About the Instructor
David Bowles is an informal learning specialist with a record of effective team leadership, a passion for empowering museum visitors, and a knack for generating high-impact and inclusive experiences.
In his current role as Gallery Educator at the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles, he and his team conduct scholarly research in preparation for leading gallery conversations, lectures, tours, courses, and innovative educational programs for current and emerging audiences. David helps supervise all aspects of docent teaching in the galleries, supporting rigorous training modules for new docent trainees and contributing to ongoing continuing education through regular observations, guidance and mentorship.
Prior to this he led K-12 School Programs at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Rubin Museum of Art in New York City. He has presented at major conferences such as AAM, NAEA, and NYCMER, and has served as an IMLS peer reviewer for the Museums for America Grant Program, as well as a board member for NYCMER and NAEA, which publishes the Journal of Museum Education, the only American journal devoted to the theory and practice of museum education. David has an M.S.Ed from Bank Street College and a B.A. with Honours from McGill University.
How it Works
MuseumDev offers 4-week professional development courses for museum workers taught by experts in the field. Asynchronous courses allow you to finish readings, participate in discussion forums, and complete class assignments on your own schedule. Receive certificates of completion.