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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Major research papers, masters-level theses and doctoral dissertations
on education and interpretation in museums, science centres and historic
sites? What's going on here?

Do you know of a graduate student, doctoral candidate, or post-doctoral
fellow researching and writing about the theory and practice of museum
education? Perhaps you are a full- or part-time student yourself? The
MUSEUM EDUCATION MONITOR would like to know more about your research. We
are now compiling a list of ongoing research projects for the upcoming
DECEMBER issue to complement our section featuring completed theses and
dissertations. 

(As always, we will list research projects on issues related to museum
education and interpretation being conducted by staff and volunteers. So
keep us up to date on that work, too!) 

If you would like your research work to be noted, please send an e-mail
to [log in to unmask] that summarizes:

- name of project
- research question(s) [no more than 50 words, please]
- principal researchers
- site(s) where research is being conducted
- time span
- contact information
- key words to describe the project [no more than 4 or 5, please]

Deadline for submissions for this issue is Friday, December 10, 2004.

Our goal as a publication is to connect existing researchers with one
another and to encourage museum workers generally to undertake their own
investigations. The information will be shared initially with
subscribers to Museum Education Monitor, but may be circulated more
widely in the future as past issues of MEM are available for download on
the website.

Theses and dissertations noted in the April issue of MEM were:
- Ellenbogen, Kirsten M. 2003. From dioramas to the dinner table: An
ethnographic case study of the role of science museums in family life.
Ph.D., Vanderbilt University(US)
- Émond, Anne-Marie. 2002. The effects of viewing historical art and
contemporary art on cognitive dissonance and consonance as verbalized by
adult visitors in a fine arts museum. Ph.D. Department of Art Education,
Concordia University (Canada)
- Gray, Pamela Clelland. 2002. Public learning and the art museum:
future directions. Ph.D. University of Western Sydney (Australia)
http://library.uws.edu.au/adt-NUWS/public/adt-NUWS20030617.150139/
- Harington, Darrel G. 2001. The development and validation of a
learning environment instrument for CSIRO Science Education Centres.
Doctor of Science Education. Science and Mathematics Education Centre
(Australia)
http://adt.curtin.edu.au/theses/available/adt-WCU20031013.114200/
- McClafferty, Terence P. 2000. Visitors' use and understanding of
interactive exhibits and learning of scientific concepts. Ph.D. Curtin
University of Technology, Science and Mathematics Education Centre
(Australia)
http://adt.curtin.edu.au/theses/available/adt-WCU20020415.125603/
- Shaffer, Sharon Eileen. 2004. Preschool programs in traditional art
museums: A cross-case analysis. Ph.D. University of Virginia (US)

For more information or to receive a complimentary copy of the October
issue of MEM, please contact the editor at the address below.

M. Christine Castle, Ph.D.
Editor, Museum Education Monitor
[log in to unmask]    

For more information about Museum Education Monitor
http://www.mccastle.com

[Please excuse cross-postings.]

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