RUSSIA 
2007
Volgograd
April 16–19,
2007
Seminar - “The Educational Role of Museums”.
Susan Nichols, Lunder Education Chair at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and Sonnet Takahisa, Co-Director of the New York City Museum School, and their colleagues from four Russian museums traveled to Volgograd to present a four-day seminar entitled “The Educational Role of Museums”. Forty-five attendees stayed for the full four days, participating in a series of activities and discussions focusing on knowledge and learning in museums, with a focus on the visitor experience in general, and the importance of focusing on the needs of target audiences specifically. Sessions illuminated the design of visitor-centered exhibits and programs, the use of technology in museums, the importance of outreach and communications, and the benefits of external partnerships and collaborations.
Designed as a learning laboratory, the seminar leaders offered lectures and group exercises that focused on teaching about, from and with objects, and allowed participants to practice and apply strategies for object-based learning using the collections of the Art Museum of Volgograd. Participants worked in small groups to consider the planning, implementation and evaluation components that comprise an effective museum education program. At the conclusion of the seminar, participants designed and presented prototype museum education programs to meet the needs of a specific audience or museum constituency.
The seminar also included presentations by colleagues from four Russian museums about their exemplary programs. A highlight was the opportunity to experience the award-winning interactive Leonardo exhibition recently installed by the Volgograd Art Museum. The participants appreciated the introduction of specific pedagogical approaches to museum learning, and understood the application of the articulated skills to a variety of audience needs and potential activities. Similarly, the case studies and examples of particular programs, particularly with regard to the use of new technologies, was something participants found intriguing.
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