Using Museums As an Educational Resource: An Introductory Handbook for Students and Teachers

Museum educator Talboys presents a step-by-step guide for teachers on taking a class, from ages five through eighteen, to a day at a museum. He would prefer that this book be part of teacher education but it is also useful for those already in the classroom. Talboys covers both the pedagogical and practical aspects of the visit. He goes over booking the transport, reserving a place at the museum, getting parent permission and many other mundane preparations that are still essential. He then addresses the ways in which the teacher can engage the students in getting ready to understand the experience and benefit from it. The actual visit includes ways of interacting with the exhibits, encouraging students to express their thoughts about what they are seeing and doing and even suggesting ways to handle the inevitable disciplinary problems. Follow up projects to do back in the classroom close the book. Talboys's suggestions can be applied to any type of museum. This guide will be invaluable for teachers and museum educators alike. Annotation c2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Graeme K. Talboys has a degree in philosophy and education as well as a teaching qualification. He has considerable experience as a teacher, community education worker, and museum education officer.