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Trade-off between direct instruction and independent exploration


http://medicalxpress.com/news/2011-06-dont-trade-off-independent-exploration.html

Kudos to Boston for partnering with research.

I found the article fascinating.  It supports both sides of the never- 
ending-debate on this list-serv as to the function of exhibits:  are  
they props for learning (and exploration and...), or do they exist to  
teach?   I am a member of the former camp and would argue one thing  
most centers don't engage in is the one thing they could do to that  
would be most valuable:  teaching/modeling the process of engagement.   
Give me an exhibit that is short on explanation and rich in  
possibilities and I am interested.  On the other hand, give me an  
exhibit that has lots of text and intends a singular outcome (whether  
other variables can be manipulated or not) and I lose interest  
quickly.  I realize this is a personal preference and I am not  
intending to disparage those in the other camp - in fact, this one  
study, albeit limited, suggests that centers should provide both.
	



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