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Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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Charles,

As several folks have suggested make sure you provide a written policy statement ahead of time that includes rules for behavior and COSEQUENCES. If the group signs a contract for the visit rules should be included. And don't be afraid to challenge the behavior.  That can sometimes be hard for the floor staff, especially volunteers, to do. So have a plan of action in place so the floor staff know who to go to in such an event. Visitors mat shrug off a volunteer telling them to chill out but if the Executive Director shows up they may think again. Keep in mind that the bad group can spoil the experience for everyone else visiting that day and can not be tolerated.

And we have all seen the bad group visit. I've found knots of teachers outside smoking, I've seen teenage chaperons beating up younger kids and I have repaired way too many exhibits because no one was paying attention.  

I believe the best defense is engagement. No more "run and scream" field trips. Groups are led by staff and have pre-planned activities. Also, unless you are well-staffed never let an un-announced group in the door.


---- charles eldermire <[log in to unmask]> wrote: 
> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
> *****************************************************************************
> 
> Hello-
> 
> Due to the relatively small size of our visitors area, we ask that  
> visiting groups of students/teachers schedule their visit in advance  
> so that we can have an optimal number of groups on any given day,  
> along with mandating a chaperone/student ratio.  This seemed to work  
> fine, and groups did a good job of self-policing behavior until  
> recently, when we've had a rash of lackadaisical chaperones/extremely  
> rambunctious kids.  My question is: does your institution provide a  
> set of guidelines or expectations to visiting groups before they visit  
> to try and have an accountable baseline to hold them to once they  
> arrive? If so, what are your guidelines or expectations?
> 
> We're considering drafting something that focuses on personal  
> responsibility and behaving in a way that doesn't interfere with the  
> ability of other visitors to enjoy our institution, but I wondered  
> whether other folks had encountered a similar situation.  Thanks in  
> advance for the suggestions!
> 
> 
> charles.
> 
> 
> 
> ******************************************
> Charles Eldermire
> Public Education Outreach Associate
> Manager, Sapsucker Woods & Johnson Visitors' Center
> Cornell Lab of Ornithology
> 159 Sapsucker Woods Rd.
> Ithaca, NY 14850
> (607) 254-1131
> (607) 254-2111 [fax]
> <http://www.birds.cornell.edu/>
> 
> ***********************************************************************
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--
Erich Rose
Exhibit, Environmental and Industrial Design
807 The Living End
Austin, TX 78746
512-626-9930; [log in to unmask]

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

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