ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
*****************************************************************************

For a group that so often argues about the important differences between "informal" museum experiences and "formal" classroom experiences, I find it ironic how vociferously the benefits of summative evaluation are stressed --- and how often we are reminded that funders will only give money to enterprises that can demonstrate "impact." 

I can't help but hear echoes of the "need" for standardized testing in schools --- most often tied to educational funding, as well.

There is something in a creative enterprise (which I sincerely believe the making of exhibits to be) that resists experts and data, and I can't help but think that the world of books and movies and art, and, yes, even classrooms and museums, are better for this tension.

Of course, I don't have any longitudinal studies to support my position ... ;-)

----------------------------------------------------------

Paul Orselli, President and Chief Instigator

Paul Orselli Workshop (POW!)
World Headquarters
1684 Victoria Street
Baldwin, NY  11510

(516) 223-1043

POW! website
<http://www.orselli.net>

Exhibit tips + tricks at the ExhibiTricks blog:
<http://blog.orselli.net> 

***********************************************************************
For information about the Association of Science-Technology Centers and the Informal Science Education Network please visit www.astc.org.

Check out the latest case studies and reviews on ExhibitFiles at www.exhibitfiles.org.

The ISEN-ASTC-L email list is powered by LISTSERVR software from L-Soft. To learn more, visit
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html.

To remove your e-mail address from the ISEN-ASTC-L list, send the
message  SIGNOFF ISEN-ASTC-L in the BODY of a message to
[log in to unmask]