Salt Lake City Observatory / Clark Planetarium
We [our staff] all learned different phrases or ways to ask our guests questions. More staff are aware of their body language. Staff are more conscious of how guests are interacting with the materials. They notice more when the guests are struggling and are now able to provide reassurance of the process of learning. For example, we now have staff state upfront that ‘this activity might be tricky so you may want to try a couple different approaches’ and let the guests learn by working through materials rather than providing step-by-step instruction. There can be more than one way to do things and expressing this as part of the process allows flexibility in learning. It also allows us to model our own struggles and failures as we engage. (Lead Facilitator)
One Failure Moment or Challenge
One failure moment during the professional development process was managing the logistics of recording and reviewing sessions. Finding time for everyone to be filmed, holding workshop meetings to discuss the footage, and dealing with technical issues proved challenging. Some staff were hesitant to watch their full recordings or share feedback to one another. at first.
What did We learn?
We noticed a shift in language and empowerment among their team members. This work allowed them to focus on their practice, bring in more reflection and mindfulness about their interaction, thinking through themselves as educators and how they want to grow. We also noticed our staff felt more empowered to modify an activity or lesson rather than just implementing it as written. There was more pre-thought about how to set up the classroom, engage with guests, and new ways of doing things to support their guests. Educators also began talking amongst themselves discussing strategies and working through something when it’s not working.
About us
MISSION: Clark Planetarium’s mission is to inspire and engage curious minds by connecting people to the wonder of the universe.
