Changing Museum Practice through Research (and Evaluation)

Suzy Letourneau, PhD, Providence Children's Museum & Brown University
Robin Gose, EdD, Thinkery
Jenni Martin, Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose

This session explored research partnerships between museums and universities/external researchers and how research findings influenced the museum practices. Much of it was focused on how data gathered helped inform design of exhibits and guest experiences.

Loving my stats and data, I was definitely interested to see what presenters had to share about their experiences. Three case studies were presented, highlighting different phases of research-

1. Gather information & defining questions
This includes utilizing existing research and seeking out partnerships when necessary.
Research is aided by defining desired oucomes at both the outset and throughout the development of the process.

Case study shared from Providence Children's Museum discussed the methodology that they used when exploring how to facilitate and then measure increases in children's metacognition (thinking about thinking). Museum partnered with university researchers and conducted interviews with caregivers as well as observational checklists and anecdotals to help inform the museum's practice and development of new exhibits.

2. Choosing methods, building capacity
Choosing research methods and focus can be a difficult area for a museum to determine. Is your focus on guest visitation stats, exhibit outcomes, etc.? It is important to make sure that data collected can actually be used to inform practice and provide direction for further progress.

Case study was shared from the Thinkery in Austin, TX, which the presenter jokingly referred to as a 30 year old start up. The Thinkery was previously known as the Austin Children's Museum and underwent massive rebranding a few years ago to reemerge as The Thinkery, with a large focuse on STEAM experiences. This case study resonated the most with me, as their circumstances are somewhat similar to ours! One of the main concerns in regards to data collection was to move away from reliance upon external reviewers (who can be expensive, time consuming, etc.) and shift to internal data collection by staff. The Thinkery utilized a number of easily accessible data tools, including survey monkey to gauge guest experience. They also colleccted email addresses, phone #, and age & # of children. They even required this at point of purchase for online ticketing- this caused guest complaints, but provided data for the museum about te age of attendees, which then informed the content of exhibits. Data provides a strong foundation to defend practices when used effectively (in this case, data to show the board in defense of keeping exhibits focused toward younger learners).

3. Interpreting findings-
Very briefly touched upon evaluation with a case study from the Children's Museum of San Jose. They partnered with a university reseacher and were heavily focused upon building knowledge regarding children's learning through parent/child interactions. This research was especially interesting to me, as it focused on the variation in explanations that parents provide, based upon child's gender. Pics of these findings coming soon!

To me, it was interesting to see the process of a young (ish!) instituition beginning the process of internal data collection as well as how findings can lead to adjustments in offerings- therefore providing a more positive experience for guests!

The power of data is undeniable and can lead to positive change, when utilized.

-Rina

10 Easy Ways to Be More LGBTQ Friendly

        Rina did a really great wrapup of this session, so I will just add on a few extra things that I wanted to share. 

           One of the main things that really resonated with me that Theresa shared is that some people or orgs tend to shy away from talking about LGBTQ issues because it is "too much of a politicized" topic, but at the core, it really isn't. It really is just about supporting families in our community, giving them a voice, and allowing their experiences to be shared and validated. 

          Another thing that Theresa shared was that her children look for the rainbow flag at places they frequent, and they get very excited when they see it. They yell "Look Mama! This place is for us!" And I definitely want every child to be able to walk into our building and immediately feel that sense of belonging.   

The White House lit up with rainbow colors in 2015 after the Supreme Court ruling in favor of same-sex marriage.

Responsible Screen Time in Museums?

                    This session talked about screen time and how museums are embracing its use with their visitors. There are various headlines and research that show how screen time can both harm or help kids (a case can be made for both sides), but the overall idea is that screens and technology are here and are already in use, so we need to talk about what kinds of media should be presented and what type of screen time is being used. 

Categories of screen time
-passive consumption (watching tv, listening to music)
-interactive consumption (playing games, browsing on internet)
-communication (video chat, social media)
-content creation (making digital art or music)

  The sum of all screen time is not necessarily the best or most useful measurement, since not all screen time is created equal. The AAP revised their position last year by now saying that "well designed media could be a tool for social interaction and learning." In a sense they are saying that it can be a good thing as long as the program, app, or show was thoughtfully chosen for a learning or social purpose, and the adult is there to monitor and engage with the child. A lot of people still hold the belief though that "screen time = BAD," so that can be hard for some organizations to navigate through, depending on the attitude of the stakeholders and decision makers.

This looked like a beautiful exhibit in New York. The whole room (floor and walls) is interactive and responds to touch! 

Some people wouldn't think of the above picture as showing an exhibit that uses "screen time," but obviously it does. That really shows the difference in how something can be well designed and educational, where the child determines what happens next, versus something that a child would just passively observe.

In this interactive exhibit, kids can choose which animal to race against on the short track (dinosaur, lion, etc.). Then the animal will race next to the child in real time!

  The bottom line is, there have always been attitudes around where people are reluctant to embrace what's new (phonograph, radio, television, etc.). But technology is here to stay, and it's important to show how to be responsible with it and learn how to become good media mentors for our community.

-Yolanda

Kids at Heart: Millennial Engagement in Children's Museums

Brief overview of this Workshop: Kids at Heart will present tools for children's museums looking to create engagement programs for Millennials. Many Millennials are becoming parents themselves, however, a large portion of the population is often overlooked by children's museums. With the largest transfer of wealth in history nearing, it is crucial to engage this population to ensure long-term sustainability. The session will be based on the launch of a successful pilot program at the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh and ignite a discussion about turning today's young professionals into tomorrow's major donors and unwavering advocates.

Who are millenials?

-Born between 1980-2000

-75.4 million millenials in the US

- $300 billion annual spending

- Will make up 50% of the workforce by 2020

Misconceptions about millenials

- Generous and cause-focused

- Likely to be involved with more than one cause at once

- Demand transparency and want to see impact

- Consider time, talent and treasure to be equal

- Look for unique experiences that create value

Presenters expressed that millennials look for communications through different channels: social media and other professional groups.

They encourage organizations to invest in the millennials! Think of them as the next generation coming up the new front. Think of them as an audience to cultivate.

Many millennials look to reconnect with what brings them back to their childhood, so this museum focused on how to translate that love and experience from the museum visit from the beginning.

They wanted to connect this generation to their program, so they created the Museum Ambassador Program.
Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh Ambassadors: Kids at Heart

AN ORGANIZATION OF PROFESSIONALS, ARTISTS, EDUCATORS AND ENTREPRENEURS, WHO SHARE THEIR TIME AND TALENTS TO SUPPORT THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF PITTSBURGH. WE ARE AN ALLY OF THE ARTS AND CHILDREN IN OUR COMMUNITY. WE ARE KIDS AT HEART.

- Mini grant started with a pilot program to engage with younger audiences with their cause.

- It provided networking opportunity for young professionals to dive into the field of art, education, and love of children in their community. As of right now, they currently have:

52 members

76% Female

24% Male

Average age: 30

21% Parents

5 couples

The executive leadership team consists of 10 members, and within the 10 members, they created five subcommittees:

- Event planning

- Community Outreach

- Development

- Marketing and Communication

- Social and professional development

Each subcommittee is in charge of certain roles in their organization. They will usually help with putting on exhibit openings and art events, contribute to cultural resources in their community, and all while having fun during the whole process.

To join this team, there is a rate, which can be found at their website here: https://pittsburghkids.org/support/kidsatheart

Their goal is to help young professionals feel connected to a bigger community.

The presenters expressed that their success is found given smaller projects with the group, and to give them something structured so that they feel that they can call a small part of your organization their own.

Although this was a great program, some of the challenges they face include: fluctuating in involvement, lack of diversity, light attendance at meetings, they grew too big too fast, and couldn't maintain that amount of members in their group, and had limited involvement with board and staff.

They mentioned that they are still in the process of improving their organization since it started only a couple years ago, but nonetheless enjoyed having young professionals help out their community for a great cause.

Overall, this was a fun presentation. Christina and I enjoyed some of the interactive exercises they had us do in the beginning of the session, which we would definitely try out with some of our own staff!

-Megan

10 Easy Ways to be More LGBTQ Friendly- and Why It Matters

Katie Slivovsky, Chicago Children's Museum

Theresa Volpe, One Million Kids for Equality

Robert Hadaway, Duluth Children's Museum

Inclusion of all families is a common theme among most organizations that serve children in families, so it was great to see that children's museums are working to create inclusive environments.

Presenters shared their experiences and perspectives on inclusion, with a nod to developmental best practices (which made me extremely happy!).

While Katie & Robert both work directly for CMs, Theresa Volpe had a more personal story to share-she describes herself advocate interested in educational development. Lesbian with longterm partner and children. She had a defining negative experience in children’s hospital when 18 month old son had near-death medical experience and was blocked by medical staff when trying to see her son, because his other mother was already present. Involved in marriage equality case in Illinois. Self-described “accidental activist.”

10 Easy Ways-

1. Smile & be nice! 

2. Show signs of welcome

Image from Chicago Children's Museum: http://www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org/images/uploads/10_Easy_Ways_to_be_LGBTQ-friendly--Handout.pdf

3. Use good customer service with unhappy parents 

4. Use inclusive images 

5. Include LGBTQ-friendly children’s books in your spaces 

6. Avoid gender binary which categorizes everyone as male/female, man/woman/ girl/boy. See Genderbread graphic below-

All of these occur on a spectrum ( or with a good amount of fluidity!) 

Gender Identity 

Gender Expression 

Biological Sex 

Sexual Orientation 

Gender binary includes referring to groups as “boys and girls” Move away from this by using general terms, “Friends” Remove gender specification on forms. 

Strive to facilitate gender exploration! All colors are for everyone. Tutus are for everyone.  

Provide gender neutral toys or access to all toys. 

Watch your assumptions- sometimes what you perceive may not be true to what is. 

If a child shares their preferred gender pronoun with you, go with it! Be a safe person to provide child validation for their preferences. 

7. Ensure EVERYONE has a safe place to potty : restrooms are an opportunity for activism.  

Consider that we make ADA accommodations- can we work to accommodate our LGBTQ patrons? *all gender, family restrooms, etc. 

8. Connect with your LGBTQ community- search out opportunities to meet and serve the LGBTQ community.*Pride festivals 

1. Outreach to an underserved community 

2. Shows that you are open & welcoming to the community 

3. You may be able to reach a population beyond your city (regional/national audience) 

4. Marketing opportunities 

9. Show your pride at your community’s pride event. 

10. Keep Learning! 

If you'd like to know a little more, feel free to browse my thoughts below or check out the CCM website, with many more resources (links at the bottom of the webpage)

http://www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org/index.php/about/lgbtq-pride-events

Why is it important to send a message of inclusion?

We provide information access and services to all. At RCPL we definitely maintain the idea that every patron is a VIP and deserves a positive experience at our Library! With that in mind, it is important to remember that we are in a unique situation to provide children the opportunity to feel that their families are welcome, valued, and included, whatever their family structure.

A great tidbit from Disney was shared-

It is important to provide examples of LGBTQ characters on screen- regardless of whether or not someone disagrees. Before consumers were adults, they were children who may not have been able to see themselves in anything, which creates a sense that you are not okay or acceptable.

In an ideal world, a young child should not have that experience.

-Rina