Identification and Validation of Touring Competencies for Volunteer Docents in Art Museums

• Main Author: Bleick, Charles F.
• Other Authors: McCarter, R. William
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: North Texas State University 1979
• Subjects: pedagogical touring competencies; volunteer tour guides; art museum tour guides; art museums; docents; Art museums > Educational aspects.; Tour guides (Persons); Volunteer workers in museums.
• Online Access: https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc332350/

The purpose of the study was to (1) identify pedagogical touring competencies needed by volunteer docents in art museums, (2) catalog the competency statements into major competency categories, (3) validate the list of competency statements, and (4) compare priority designations awarded each statement by the individuals within the two major subgroups: museum staff and volunteer docents. In conclusion, many of the needs represented by the highest ranking competencies in each category are seldom addressed in the traditional volunteer docent training program. This study showed that abilities to help the child feel comfortable in the museum and combinations of abilities to help the docent make judgments regarding the presentation of the material require attention and, at the very least , special training. It is recommended that training personnel in art museums identify the needs of volunteer trainees and design training programs less on traditional guidelines and more on the specific needs appropriate to the task.