Context of Problem

Working with Teachers, Administrators, Child's Play

Committee and Museum Staff, I am interested in

developing a program that will provide the most

efficient and effective teacher training in preparation

for students visits to the Museum during the Child's

Play exhibit. Through a theoretic framework of

hermeneutics, an evaluative methodology will be utilized.

My purpose is to set up a program that will open

communication between the entities involved so as needs

change the program can evolve in a way that is most

beneficial to all.

Background of Problem

Teachers having received efficient training appear to

have a good experience at the Museum with students.

Other teachers visiting the Museum with their classes

feel unprepared and unqualified to lead students

through. The discrepancy in training has led me to

question the effectiveness of the teacher training at

the Museum. The administration allows 5000 students to

tour the Child's Play exhibit which involves around 250

teachers. Due to the number of teachers needing

training, curriculum specialists were designated to

receive training at the Museum and in turn train

teachers at their home schools. Theoretically, teachers

receive packets and have access to a video that aids in

training. Some teachers reported only receiving packets

the day before touring and received no training. The

Administration recently has informed the museum printing

of these packets can no longer be handled by the

schools. Another method of dispersing materials will

need to be investigated.

Significance of Problem

My purpose is to develop a program that will be be

efficient and effective in training teachers for the

Child's Play exhibit. The benefits of this research will

hopefully impact other areas of education at the Museum.

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