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Linda, I think that reviewer must indeed like reading books on walls.  Not
a typical visitor.  But then there probably isn't such a thing as a
typical visitor.  We each have our own styles of learning, and one of the
great things about ISE is that it can accommodate a great variety of
learning styles.  Our reviewer discounted what kids could learn when they
are having fun, but that's the same kind of mistake we make sometimes when
we assume that nobody reads any text beyond the titles.  Fortunately ISE
organizations (like the Shedd) have learned how to accommodate multiple
learning styles throughout their exhibits and programs.  Some use layers
of text, with smaller typeface for the finer details, and some use audio
tours, guides or explainers, publications, podcasts, QR codes, and iPad
on-screen texts for those who do indeed want to probe more deeply than
other visitors.

We know enough not to try to present information as if every visitor were
like our reviewer or Professor Dawkins, or that every visitor is
completely allergic to printed words.  So I think reviewers like Dawkins
and Rothstein, while certainly entitled to their own opinions, do us all a
disservice when they assume that everyone learns the same way they do.  I
can understand reviewers like Rothstein not crediting the value of hard
evidence like visitor studies, but I don't understand how a scientist like
Dawkins can issue his opinions without at least trying to look at
evaluation and other evidence for learning, both cognitive and affective,
in ISE.  I'm looking forward to learning from the exploding custard myself.

Alan
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On 4/1/13 12:13 AM, "Wilson, Linda" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:


>Alan, I was struck by your statement about the reviewer preferring
>exhibits with long texts.  Our studies have consistently shown that
>content, whether on a graphic panel or the amount of information
>presented in a program, can easily overwhelm a visitor, and less content
>presented at any one time is more impactful and is retained longer.
>We've progressed so far from 'books on walls'.  I wonder if your reviewer
>really enjoyed standing for long periods, reading allo that <grin>
>
>Linda Wilson
>Sr. Director, Impact Assessment
>John G. Shedd Aquarium
>Chicago IL
>[log in to unmask]
>________________________________________
>
>
>Interestingly he seems to have softened his views in recent years, and
>even had nice things to say about the Exploratorium in later reviews.
>Still I've noticed that long texts in any exhibit is an excellent
>predictor of how favorably Mr. Rothstein will review it.  The exhibition
>he liked best at NYSCI was our oldest one, with the most text.  We do
>indeed have our work cut out for us.
>
>Alan
>

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