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Fulfilling the NPS Mission 101
Informal Visitor Contacts 102
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Conducted Activity 210
Interpretive Demonstration 220
Interpretive Writing 230
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Planning Park Interpretation 310
Interpretive Media Development 311
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Planning Park Interpretation Curriculum-based Program Interpretive Writing Interp. Demonstration Conducted Activity Interpretive Talk Informal Visitor Contacts Fulfilling NPS Mission IDP Homepage Interp. Media Development Leading Interpreters Interp. Research Interpretive Writing Curriculum-based Program Planning Park Interpretation Interp. Media Development Leading Interpreters Interpretive Research Interp. Demonstration Conducted Activity Interpretive Talk Informal Visitor Contacts Fulfilling NPS Mission IDP Homepage

 

 

 

 

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Additional Developmental Module

Module 110: Visitor Needs and Characteristics

The need to understand the publics we serve, and have yet to serve, is basic to the successful management and operation of NPS areas.

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Recommended Pre-requisite: Module 101

Context
The need to understand the publics we serve, and have yet to serve, is basic to the successful management and operation of NPS areas. This philosophy is essential to effective communication and stems from Stephen Mather's and Horace Albright's earliest efforts to cultivate public support and understanding of America's National Parks and the issues facing them. This module explores the concept that visitor motivation is self-generated, and whatever their perspective or interest, they are potential stewards if they become concerned and interested in the site's resources. Interpreters should incorporate this philosophy into their duties to respond to immediate needs, serve greater publics, and foster a foundation of stewardship.

Description
Module 110 presents foundational information about the needs and characteristics of park audiences. This module, like Module 101, underpins and informs all other modules. An understanding of these concepts is essential to successful interpretation at all levels and will assist interpreters in meeting certification in the ten benchmark competencies.

Curriculum
The curriculum components outline the developmental learning elements. From these outlines, 1) employees and their supervisors can determine learning needs and strategies, 2) instructors can develop sessions and lesson plans. Each component also contains a list of useful references and developmental activities.

Training and Development Opportunities

Download
Use the menu on the top of this page and block-copy selected elements into WORD or other word processing software or use Adobe Acrobat Reader to download the complete Module in a .pdf file, including the components, submission guidelines, and rubric.

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Last module update: August, 2003
Editor: STMA Training Manager Interpretation

 
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