The Science of Interpretation
Feb 21, 2016
The Science of Interpretation
Interpretation is a communication process that forges emotional and intellectual
connections between the interests of the audience and the meanings inherent in the
resource. National Association of Interpretation (2000)
“Environmental Interpretation” by Sam Ham (1992), first identified these key components in interpretive communication.
Purpose
Organized
Enjoyable
Them
atic
Relevant
You
Visual Learner
Kinesthetic
Learner
Auditory Learner
Verbal Learner
Ecophobia Fear of ecological problems and the
natural world. Global Warming Lyme Disease
Acid Rain Rainforest Destruction
So, mind your steps as you proceed…..
EmpathyAges 4-7
Cultivate connection
Animal relationshipsHome is their
world
ExplorationAges 8-11
Asking “How”Science
investigationsExpanding boundaries
Social ActionAges 12+
Asking “How can I”
Place-based efforts
Social boundaries
AST2HMA in Agenda Building
Audi
ence
Sett
ing
Them
e
Tim
e
Hea
d co
unt
Mat
eria
ls
Activ
ity fo
rmat
Elementary Ed.Grade 2-5, Scout LeadersGeneral Public
Indoor/Outdoor
Migration Madness! (Harm or Help?)
3-5 Minute Booth 3- Hour Workshop
Groups of 5/25
Light if off-site
Diversify and appeal to all learning styles!Hands-on, Reading, Lecture, physical, independent & Group
ConversePrior to activity introduction, begin conversation using vocabulary and
information from the activity Connect with something within the audience’s frame of reference Bridge the unfamiliar to the familiar with metaphors, comparisons
Play Transition directly from conversation into the active
component of the activity (without referencing the transition) Invite the audience to become part of the demonstration
Converse
Play
Reference
Reference After relating the conversation and active component, identify the
activity as a resource from the activity guide, grade level applicability, activity logistics.
The Accurate Delivery of your Message
Story-Telling
Telling Stories
Instilling Interpretive Intuition…
“Volunteers aren't paid, not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless”.-Anonymous
“You never get a second chance to make a first impression”. - Anonymous
Words are powerful too…
“Do not try to teach a great many things. Awaken people’s curiosity.
It is enough to open minds; do not overload them. Put there just a spark.
If there is some good inflammable stuff, it will catch fire”. Anatole France, as quoted in The Earth Speaks