ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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I agree that storytelling can be an effective approach to education but I'm 
not sure if I'd want it to stand on its own. Inquiry-based learning seems to 
surpass all other "best practices" in promoting a real understanding and 
appreciation for subject matter. I believe it also promotes an excitement 
about science and the necessary ingredients to foster lifelong learning.

I base a lot of the material I create on the methods outlined in this book:

Inquiry and the National Science Education Standards: A Guide for Teaching 
and Learning
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0309064767/youngskeptics

Though the NSF has caved on several important subjects, like evolution.. and 
even astrology, they do have several excellent resources.

In all of my experiences I have never witnessed as much success then with 
inquiry-based learning. Putting the student in the position of 
"investigator" allows some form of empowerment and by doing the work 
themselves, they're far likelier to understand the subject matter. Sadly, 
the school environment is moving further away from being able to practice 
this method of teaching. The importance placed on test scores is seriously 
damaging a student's grasp of knowledge, in my opinion. Also, with the 
ever-expanding subject matter we want our children to understand, the 
existing system simply doesn't provide the time to learn everything. The 
curricula is so fast paced and constricted, and designed in such a 
non-creative way that it promotes the idea that learning is boring and 
difficult. It's almost as if the school system is set-up to steer people 
away from education. This is why I think museums are far more important in 
our societies. I gave up on working within formal education settings and 
chose instead the "informal" education venues.

Unfortunately museums require a bigger budget to create exhibits based on 
inquiry-based learning and exhibit developers must incorporate much more 
design, skill and creativity. This is where I see an important intersection 
between science and art. I do believe the greater degree of active learning 
and the important role visuals play in exhibits still surpass the methods 
used in schools to promote understanding. Perhaps a solution to advancing 
further towards our goal is to have more educators on the floor, more 
docents standing by particular exhibits engaging the public with dramatic 
storytelling and providing material and supervision for people to interact 
with the exhibits. I also think it important to consider adults equal to 
children in their need for learning experiences and I think the material we 
create for children is sufficient for adults as well.

Amanda

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