Module
220 -Benchmark
Competency Standard
Prepare
and Present an Interpretive Demonstration or Other Illustrated
Program
(NPS Photo)
Recommended
Pre-requisites: Foundations of Interpretation (formerly Modules 101) and Interpretive Talk (Module 103)
Context
An "illustrated program" is
planned from the outset to integrate slides, maps, demonstrations,
objects, or performing arts in order to enhance access
to resource meanings. Effective interpretive talks,
on the other hand, are designed for the narrative to
stand on its own. This makes the two serve different
needs and functions. Effectiveness of illustrated programs
depends on the integration of the illustrations and
the narrative; they are a package--interdependent media
and narrative. Remove the chosen media from an illustrated
program and it will require a fundamental change in
interpretive approach if it is to succeed. Likewise,
an interpretive talk does not become an illustrated
program by merely adding a demonstration, slides, or
other media. An illustrated program carefully integrates
illustrations and narration to effectively move visitors
toward their own intellectual and emotional connections
with the meanings inherent in the resource.
Illustrated programs make use of additional senses
and give the interpreter the opportunity to reach a
variety of visitor learning styles, creative/artistic
instincts and other avenues to take advantage of interpretive
opportunities. Illustrated programs use the illustration
or object to represent elements of the resource that
are not immediately present, or no longer exist. They
incorporate representations or facsimiles that substitute
for the "real thing."
An "interpretive demonstration" is
a specialized type of illustrated program. It includes
participatory activities such as water sampling, traditional
crafts, nature studies, and orienteering, performed
by the interpreter, by the visitor, or both. Demonstrations
must be relevant and carefully chosen to meet interpretive
goals. Demonstrations must integrate the chosen activity
and narration to create opportunities for visitors to
form their own connections with the meanings of the
resource.
Competency
Description
Requires
the interpreter to be able to plan, prepare and
effectively present a specialized program that uses
illustrations/objects/media and/or demonstration to
provide opportunities for the audience to make their
own intellectual and emotional connections to the meanings/significance
of the resource; and integrates the media, activity
or demonstration with the interpretive narration in
a way that cohesively develops a relevant idea or ideas.
Assessment
A
videotape or DVD recording of a complete illustrated
program or interpretive demonstration, developed and
presented by the interpreter before an on- or off-site
audience. View the Assessment
Standard. View the Submission
Guidelines.
Curriculum
The
curriculum components outline
the developmental learning elements that compose the
skills for this competency. 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
Download
Adobe
Acrobat Reader, a free software to read the complete
module in a .pdf format, including the components, submission
guidelines, and rubric.