Full course description
Course summary:
The purpose of this course is to help ABMC managers further appreciate their role as supervisors, coaches, auditors, and appraisers of interpretive programs and projects. Interpretive coaching and supervision are important responsibilities of ABMC supervisors.
This course will provide managers with the organizational insight they need to assist their staff in the development and implementation of interpretive themes and adhering to the Interpretive Guidelines described by the NAI Comprehensive Interpretive Guide Training by providing additional focus on the following:
- What constitutes great customer service.
- What constitutes an excellent interpretive program.
- The importance of the use of interpretive themes.
- Planning interpretive programs using the Interpretive Program Outline.
- The 5-M Model for Interpretive Planning (with specific emphasis on Management Intent).
Course objectives:
After completing this course, learners should be able to:
- Describe the importance of interpretation as it relates to the mission of ABMC cemeteries.
- Explain the relationship between customer service and effective interpretation.
- Describe the importance of interpretive themes in interpretive services.
- Discuss the value of interpretive auditing and coaching by ABMC managers for ABMC interpreters.
- Describe how to coach interpreters by applying a positive assessment strategy through verbal and written feedback.
- Describe how the ABMC Coach Interpretation Audit Form is completed and useful in developing in auditing and coaching interpreters.
- Compare and contrast the Coach Interpretation Audit Form and the Supervisor Interpretation Audit Form.
Course topics include:
- American Battle Monuments Commission
- Interpretation in the ABMC
- Interpretive Effectiveness
- Working with Interpreters
Elements of the course:
- Informational text
- Interactive practice activities
- Supplemental reference materials
- Informal assessment quizzes
- Final assessment
This course is self-paced, allowing learners the flexibility to complete the course as quickly or slowly as they need.
After completing all course content and activities, you will complete a final quiz to demonstrate your understanding of key course concepts. Upon successful completion of the quiz, you will be awarded a certificate of completion.
Course creators:
This course was designed and developed jointly by the American Battle Monuments Commission and the Eppley Center for Parks and Public Lands at Indiana University.
Recommended background
This course is designed to assist ABMC managers further appreciate their role as supervisors, coaches, auditors, and appraisers of interpretive programs and projects. Course users should have completed Foundations of Interpretation, Interpretive Talk, Roving and Informal Interpretation, and the Certified Interpretive Guide training through the National Association for Interpretation.
How to access:
Upon enrolling, you will receive instructions and the link to the Canvas course. Note: When you register, you will receive an email invitation. Be sure to accept that invitation, or Canvas will not allow you to open the course modules.
Enrollees can move through content modules at their own pace within the course timeframe.