I am posting this question to the list with the hopes of gathering as many 
resources and ideas as possible.

I am currently working on my thesis on "...making museums a curricular 
site.."

There are two main focuses of my research:
1. Two Surveys
One survey will be aimed at a museum staff group focused primarily on 
exhibit developers, curators and education program developers. The second 
survey will strictly focus on audience reactions to particular exhibits or 
educational programs.

2. Qualitative analysis based on surveys
Some of the questions I hope to answer are:
How do you plan an exhibit to appeal to an audience that greatly differs in 
both cognitive development levels, as well their contextual understanding of 
the subject? How much thematic or historical background should you provide?

Museums still often fail to "teach" the subject rather than simply display. 
They rely on the education department to teach through programs rather than 
making use of interpretive exhibition design. Exhibitions often lack enough 
layers to the curatorial voice to provide the individual with an option of a 
superficial or in-depth learning experience.

What type of exhibition tools do visitors feel convey to them the subject 
best? (documentary films, specific interactives, narratives, audio, etc.)
-------
Is anyone aware of similar research that has been conducted?

From the educator, curator, or developer point-of-view, is there anyone who 
wishes to participate in this questionnaire? If so, are there any questions 
you would like me to explore in particular?

Are there any exhibitions, displays or media that you have used that have 
elicited a particularly positive audience response?

NOTE: My research focuses primarily on social and historical exhibitions, 
but I am willing to include any art exhibitions that also explore the 
historical context of included works.

I would appreciate ANY input ANYONE has on this subject.
Please feel free to contact me off of the list if you wish.

Best,
Karen
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