Hi Jim,

 

Fully appreciating that you are passing on these thoughts, which are not your own:

 

I am amazed we haven’t yet (?) had those involved in museum education coming forward to argue the case the other way here?

 

If we actually believe that “the average child - for whatever reasons - doesn't get anything out of the experience” then we might as well pack up Museum Education altogether!

 

This kind of statement which tends to generalize without hard evidence e.g. is “often spoiled”, “the average child”, “several encounters” is statistically meaningless and is not really a very useful basis for discussion.

 

Perhaps those of you who have some serious research statistics which they would be happy to share on the evaluation of museum education programs and the response of museum visitors to museums being “child inclusive”, we could debate this further?

 

It is an important issue but I think some hard evidence would be helpful.

 

The other point, as always, is that “it all depends” e.g.

 

Does the museum have an education program?

Does the museum hold collections which will be of specific interest to children?

Do the people raising the concerns have children themselves?

 

An interesting debate, for sure!

 

Regards,

 

Jerry Symonds Snr Internal Auditor

Historic Royal Palaces

Surrey

England

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of James Schulte
Sent: 07 July 2011 00:35
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Children in Museums

 

A close friend of mine (married, childless I should add) brought the following to the attention of another list serve . I thought I would share it and see how others deal with this or don’t. Let the controversy begin..

 

My wife and I visit historic sites, museums and events. It seems that the experience is often spoiled by the unruly behavior of children - from babies crying to adolescents being...well...adolescent!

 

The concept of exposing children to historic and cultural things seems wonderful in theory. Indeed, many sources for funding insist institutions include kid-friendly components as a requisite for consideration. But I have to wonder if in practice that the average child - for whatever reasons - doesn't get anything out of the experience and often only ruins it for the adults who actually appreciate the opportunity.

 

I know not every child is like this - I was always a history geek, even when I was little. But several encounters with both individual families and school groups at events and exhibits have made me question how we approach this.

 

Now don’t shoot the messenger, I have my thoughts as both an educator and museum professional. I wanted to see what others think or do. Then ill post mine in a few days

Peace

Jim