5 Case Study 1 - Leicester Research Archive - University of Leicester

Question 5: Does the podcast reflect a creative approach to learning in
museums?
In addition to aiming to break with the museum’s institutional voice of authority,
the podcast also reflects research on how learning works within the context of the
museum. In this respect John H. Falk and Lynn D. Dierking’s research needs to
be mentioned. Their research revealed that learning and meaning-making is
facilitated when visitors’ expectations are fulfilled and when visitors come into
the museum with some prior knowledge. 353 Moreover, according to Falk and
Dierking, a visitor who feels comfortable in the galleries, who can easily
orientate him/herself around the spaces, and has some sort of idea what to expect
in the galleries, will be more likely to understand the exhibition’s narrative and
as a consequence be able to take in more information, and make more meaning
out of this information. It is very likely that the author of the podcast never even
heard the name of Falk and Dierking. So, it is certainly not suggested that RF
makes direct references to constructivist or any other learning theories. What is
suggested, though, is that the over-all style and schema of the podcast, is
referencing ideas about what museums can do, so as to enhance visitors’
experience of the exhibition; in a sense that the podcasts gives listeners a brief,
informal introduction of what can be expected in the show.
Question 6: Does the podcast reflect novel ways of interpreting works of art?
RF phrases his interpretations by asking questions. Rather than describing the
work according to art historical conventions, RF asks the listener to feel the
work. Hence, as argued above, his way of talking is slightly more active than
reflective. The assumptions that are being made here is that the audience is not a
distant abstract entity of people who need to be lectured to. Rather, this manner
of approaching the audience simulates a kind of partnership in which meaning is
constructed in dialogue. Again, it is not suggested that RF draws upon any
specific discourses on how meaning making works in museums; but what it
353 John H. Falk and Lynn D. Dierking, p. 115-118.
236