Full course description
Course summary:
Interpretive trainers support interpreters in connecting people to parks, museums, zoos, and other places. Trainers help interpreters to amplify their impact and enhance visitor experiences by ensuring they conduct interpretation effectively.
Training can take a variety of forms: formal training sessions, coaching/observations of programs, concept modeling, directed self-study, and group sharing. To be effective, the interpretive trainer must have a solid grounding in the techniques and theories of interpretation and training. They must also possess a clear understanding of, and responsiveness to, the training and developmental needs of their audience.
Course objectives:
After completing this course, learners should be able to:
- Describe the components of an effective interpretive training session.
- Discuss the importance of training.
- Recall the characteristics of adult learners.
- Describe the components of a lesson plan/training outline.
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.
Course topics include:
- Effective Interpretive Training
- Adult Learners
- Training Needs Assessment
- The Training Session
- Developing a Lesson Plan/Training Outline
- Gathering Feedback
Elements of the course:
- Informational text
- Engaging video
- 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 National Association for Interpretation and the Eppley Center for Parks and Public Lands at Indiana University.
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.