6 benefits of using thinking routines with art and objects
02/09/23 • 23 min
1 Listener
I know thinking routines are a huge crowd pleaser.
I’m their biggest fan too - they have fundamentally changed the way I lead discussions around art and objects.
Used in combination with the other 7 practices of the VTM approach such as good questions, a range of facilitation skills, slow looking and more, you can create wonderfully engaging discussions in the museum about art and objects.
Used as part of a holistic approach, thinking routines will transform the way you work with objects and with audiences in the museum.
Thinking routines have wonderful benefits for the participants in your guided tours and educational programmes.
But I also believe thinking routines are incredibly useful and beneficial tools for you too - as a museum educator, guide, docent or teacher.
And so today I’m going to focus on you - and I’m going to share some 6 key benefits you’ll get from working with these magical structures with art and objects.
I going to talk about why routines are beneficial, the importance of structure, the flexibility of routines, how they help you to master sharing information and improve your questioning technique. And finally I’m ending with probably the biggest benefit of all - so stay tuned for that one!
Links
Download The Ultimate Thinking Routine List
Join the Slow Looking Club Community on Facebook
Download my free guide - how to look at art (slowly)
Curated newsletter by Claire Bown
Episode 3 - The Magic of Thinking Routines
Episode 62 - 7 Ways to be creative with thinking routines
Episode 12 - 6 Best Practices for Sharing Information
Episode 36 - Quick Ways to Improve your Questioning Technique
I know thinking routines are a huge crowd pleaser.
I’m their biggest fan too - they have fundamentally changed the way I lead discussions around art and objects.
Used in combination with the other 7 practices of the VTM approach such as good questions, a range of facilitation skills, slow looking and more, you can create wonderfully engaging discussions in the museum about art and objects.
Used as part of a holistic approach, thinking routines will transform the way you work with objects and with audiences in the museum.
Thinking routines have wonderful benefits for the participants in your guided tours and educational programmes.
But I also believe thinking routines are incredibly useful and beneficial tools for you too - as a museum educator, guide, docent or teacher.
And so today I’m going to focus on you - and I’m going to share some 6 key benefits you’ll get from working with these magical structures with art and objects.
I going to talk about why routines are beneficial, the importance of structure, the flexibility of routines, how they help you to master sharing information and improve your questioning technique. And finally I’m ending with probably the biggest benefit of all - so stay tuned for that one!
Links
Download The Ultimate Thinking Routine List
Join the Slow Looking Club Community on Facebook
Download my free guide - how to look at art (slowly)
Curated newsletter by Claire Bown
Episode 3 - The Magic of Thinking Routines
Episode 62 - 7 Ways to be creative with thinking routines
Episode 12 - 6 Best Practices for Sharing Information
Episode 36 - Quick Ways to Improve your Questioning Technique
Previous Episode
Why inclusive language matters with Margaret Middleton
I’m talking to Margaret Middleton today about what inclusive language is and why it matters.
Margaret Middleton is an American independent exhibit designer and museum consultant currently based in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
With a degree in industrial design from the Rhode Island School of Design and over 15 years of experience in the museum field, they work at the intersection of design and social justice.
We know museums aim to be welcoming places for everyone, but the ways museums communicate can unintentionally exclude and alienate visitors.
Likewise, when we’re working as museum teachers, guides and educators the words we choose when we communicate can hide unconscious biases and assumptions, especially about subjects like “family.”
10 years ago, Margaret created a tool called the Family Inclusive Language chart which helps us to choose words that avoid labelling and making assumptions about the identities and relationships between museum visitors.
We discuss:
- the ways you might use the Family Inclusive Language chart in the museum
- how certain words, phrases and tenses can have a positive or negative effect on a group.
- why choosing the right words is just as important as avoiding the wrong ones.
- how we can be more intentional about the language we use and can train ourselves to not automatically default to words that may not be inclusive.
This chat will make you more aware of the language and the words you use when you’re with visitors in the museum. And you’ll gain useful insight into how thoughtful word choices have the power to create connections and include everyone.
Links
Join the Slow Looking Club Community on Facebook
Download the NEW resource - how to look at art (slowly)
Curated newsletter by Claire Bown
Episode webpage (+ transcript)
margaretmiddleton.com for Family Inclusive Language chart, helpful articles, and other free resources
Welcoming Young Children into the Museum: A Practical Guide - Sarah Erdman, Nhi Nguyen, Margaret Middleton
Next Episode
How neutral do I have to be as a museum facilitator?
I often get asked about neutrality as a 'stance' for museum facilitators of discussions around art and objects. So today I'm addressing the question: How neutral do we need to be as a facilitator in the museum?
Facilitation is a key part of creating engaging and interactive discussions around art and museum objects.
As a facilitator, you are guiding the process, creating participation and activating the learning and engagement.
But do you have to be neutral too?
If you look at the general definition of a generic facilitator you will often see the word ‘neutral’ or ‘impartial’ used.
What do these words actually mean? And what should we be neutral about? Is it even possible to be neutral as a museum facilitator?
Neutrality is a tricky concept and this subject is always quite a thorny one in my classes and trainings. Listen to today's new episode to find out what I recommend.
Links
Download the Ultimate Thinking Routine List
Join the Slow Looking Club Community on Facebook
Curated newsletter by Claire Bown
Episode 5 - The Art of Facilitation
Episode 44 - The 4 Elements of a Great Introduction
Episode 84 - Why Inclusive Language Matters with Margaret Middleton
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