{"title":"The Churches of Venice: Sacred Places or Museum Spaces?","authors":"Venelina Dali Saunders","doi":"10.1177/109258721401900205","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/109258721401900205","url":null,"abstract":"Many churches in Venice have become landmarks due to their artistic treasures. Their increased volume of visitors often has a primary goal of sightseeing rather than participating in religious services. Consequently, some of the churches have employed interpretation methods to satisfy the demand of mass tourism. The aim of the study is to investigate the role of current on-site interpretations of the churches and relate them to the visitors’ perceptions and experiences. The evaluation relies on qualitative methods such as case studies, visitors’ surveys, site observations, and interviews. The results are analyzed through the framework of the constructivist-learning theory, which affirms that people create their own meanings based on previous knowledge. The findings demonstrate that the interpretive methods on-sites present the visitors with experiences not usually associated with religious sites. The churches are experienced as tourist attractions rather then sacred sites—a perception that clearly interferes with their original purpose.","PeriodicalId":364431,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Interpretation Research","volume":"15 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"125425606","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Analysis of Best Practices for Interpretation Development at Public Gardens","authors":"Nate M. Tschaenn, R. Lyons, D. Miles, Jules Bruck","doi":"10.1177/109258721401900206","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/109258721401900206","url":null,"abstract":"Interpretation can be the most effective way for public gardens to communicate with their audiences. However, many public gardens struggle to understand interpretation and how to best develop it. A survey conducted of professionals at 174 different public gardens investigated various approaches to interpretation development and their effect on the perceived quality of interpretation and interpretation development practices of the organization. These approaches included staff and volunteer training, planning documents, evaluation, and staff composition. The results of this study revealed many interpretive development practices that are yielding significant benefits for public gardens. The data also revealed that the majority of public gardens have significant room for improvement with regard to interpretation development. For instance, organizations were more likely to be satisfied with the interpretive media that they routinely evaluated, but few routinely conducted evaluation. Recommendations that should help guide decision-making at public gardens resulting from this research are discussed.","PeriodicalId":364431,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Interpretation Research","volume":"94 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"123757707","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Manuscript Submission Instructions to Authors","authors":"C. J. Ward","doi":"10.1177/109258721401900207","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/109258721401900207","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":364431,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Interpretation Research","volume":"17 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"130662109","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Assessing the Needs of Interpreter Training in Japan","authors":"N. Yamada","doi":"10.1177/109258721401900204","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/109258721401900204","url":null,"abstract":"This research attempted to identify the needs present in interpreter training in Japan. Interviews with trainers and interpreters, and questionnaires administered to interpreters were employed to explore (a) the skills and abilities necessary for successful interpreters and (b) the challenges that trainers may experience regarding interpretive training in Japan. The results showed both consistency and inconsistency in the perceptions of interpreters and trainers. Interpretive design, communication and public speaking, and risk management are core subjects recommended for future introductory-level training programs in Japan. Managerial and training skills are suggested for new types of training programs. Several challenges to interpreter training in Japan were also identified.","PeriodicalId":364431,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Interpretation Research","volume":"14 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"125429788","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A Note from the Editor","authors":"S. Vermeersch","doi":"10.1177/109258721401900201","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/109258721401900201","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":364431,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Interpretation Research","volume":"1 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"128476991","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Assessing the Effectiveness of Artistic Place-Based Climate Change Interpretation","authors":"A. Barrett, A. Mowen","doi":"10.1177/109258721401900202","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/109258721401900202","url":null,"abstract":"This paper analyzed the effectiveness of an artistic place-based climate change interpretive program at Glacier National Park in Montana. Utilizing the framework of place-based climate change communication and the use of artistic interpretive methods, this study offered support for the efficacy of communicating climate change at a climate-impacted location. The survey instrument assessed emotional, intellectual, and stewardship response measures, as well as climate change response outcomes. Regardless of the artistic program format (live music or poetry), visitors responded favorably to all three of the interpretive outcome domain measures. Statistical comparisons found a number of differences between interpretive outcome measures in regard to motivation and visitor characteristics. By utilizing artistic approaches, this study offers support for the growing body of research about the power of place-based interpretive messaging to engage the public on the issue of climate change.","PeriodicalId":364431,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Interpretation Research","volume":"32 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"117059065","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Manuscript Submission: Instructions to Authors","authors":"C. J. Ward","doi":"10.1177/109258721401900104","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/109258721401900104","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":364431,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Interpretation Research","volume":"23 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"120959626","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A New Interpretive Pedagogy","authors":"D. Knapp, Brian E. Forist","doi":"10.1177/109258721401900103","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/109258721401900103","url":null,"abstract":"One of the most prominent debates related to interpretation lies in the approach that this informal education process takes—in essence its pedagogy. At its core, personal interpretation's goal is to make the visit a memorable and meaningful encounter. It is an approach that if done properly, may be difficult to master, but one, that ultimately would increase the –success” of interpretation and improve its perception among those in the field as well as those outside the profession. This paper proposes a new pedagogic approach that focuses on the visitor more than the interpretive program. The more that can be learned about the constituents increases the ability to offer information that correlates to their lives and has far more potential to result in long-term impacts desired by our field. The notion of this new interpretation is to devote time and effort in the interpretive experience to learning who the visitor is and with that information, offer a message that would best resonate with participants.","PeriodicalId":364431,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Interpretation Research","volume":"34 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"133256457","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Colleen M. Bourque, A. Houseal, Kate Welsh, M. Wenger
{"title":"Free-Choice Family Learning: A Literature Review for the National Park Service","authors":"Colleen M. Bourque, A. Houseal, Kate Welsh, M. Wenger","doi":"10.1177/109258721401900102","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/109258721401900102","url":null,"abstract":"Grand Valley State University Learning in national parks often occurs in the context of family groups. Understanding the motivations, needs, and outcomes of family groups is critical to engaging a substantial portion of the National Park Service (NPS) audience. This literature review was prompted by an NPS initiative to improve lifelong learning. It explores research about the nature of family learning, factors that influence it, and recommendations for enhancing it. This review uses Falk and Dierking's (2000) Contextual Model of Learning as a framework for understanding personal, sociocultural, and physical factors that contribute to family learning outcomes in free-choice settings. Recommendations for improving family learning include: tapping into the motivations of family visits, helping families converse to construct meaning, and creating physical spaces for visitors of many ages to interact. The NPS can enhance visitors’ connections to parks if park programs, exhibits, and interpretive media are effectively and deliberately designed to engage families. National parks and similar sites need to thoughtfully design education programs and exhibits to engage learners of all ages in meaningful, relevant, and memorable ways.","PeriodicalId":364431,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Interpretation Research","volume":"47 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"129641482","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M. Stern, R. Powell, K. McLean, E. Martin, Jennifer M. Thomsen, B. A. Mutchler
{"title":"The Difference between Good Enough and Great: Bringing Interpretive Best Practices to Life","authors":"M. Stern, R. Powell, K. McLean, E. Martin, Jennifer M. Thomsen, B. A. Mutchler","doi":"10.1177/109258721301800205","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/109258721301800205","url":null,"abstract":"The purpose of this paper is to illuminate in both a quantitative and qualitative sense the practices that distinguish great interpretive programs from those that may merely be adequate to satisfy the visitor's basic desires to learn, be entertained, or spend time with a ranger. Great programs, like great works of art, have the potential to impact audiences in a deeper sense by providing memorable experiences that may influence multiple aspects of visitors’ lives. This paper draws on experiences from three months of fieldwork, observing 376 interpretive programs across 24 units of the U.S. National Park Service, to illustrate examples of program elements that distinguished what we considered to be the best programs we observed.","PeriodicalId":364431,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Interpretation Research","volume":"115 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2013-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"114494325","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}