Full course description
Course summary:
A carefully crafted and well-executed interpretive talk provides visitors with a chance to explore what a site means to them. Providing visitors with the opportunity to connect both emotionally and intellectually to resource meanings deepens visitors' experiences and helps lead to resource preservation. This course will walk you through practical steps for creating an effective interpretive talk.
Course objectives:
After completing this course, learners should be able to:
- Identify methods to gather accurate information about the site and the audience.
- Identify techniques that are appropriate for the audience, resource (site), and the interpreter, including methods to engage with the audience and respond to changing needs.
- Recognize opportunities for visitors to connect emotionally and intellectually to resource meanings.
- Select goals and objectives that support site significance and personal relevance.
- Select theme, points, and transitions that cohesively develop a relevant idea.
- Identify strategies for evaluating delivery skills and improving program effectiveness.
Course creators:
This course was designed and developed jointly by the National Park Service and the Eppley Center for Parks and Public Lands atIndiana University.
Course topics include:
- Knowledge of the Resource
- Knowledge of the Audience
- Topics, Goals, Objectives, and Themes
- Assemble the Program
- Putting the Pieces Together
Elements of the course:
- Informational text
- Informal assessment quizzes
- Interactive practice activities
- Supplemental reference materials
- 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.
Recommended background
It is recommended that students taking this course have experience in interpretation. There are no required prerequisites, but it is recommended that students complete the free Foundations of Interpretation course prior to taking this one.
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.