學齡前兒童探索展示空間營運實務評量－以國立自然科學博物館“幼兒科學園更新案”為例

Operational Evaluation of Discovery Rooms for Preschool Children-A Case Study of Exhibition Renewal for "Children's Discovery Rooms" in the National Museum of Natural Science

劉德勝

《科技博物》 4卷6期 (2000/11) Pp. 31-45

https://doi.org/10.6432/TMR.200011.0031

並列摘要

Science is often regarded as synonymous with 'unfathomable', but it is actually a process of observing, identifying special characteristics, clarifying relationships, and seek answers. Thus the aim of the Children's Discovery Rooms is to maintain and stimulate the interest of children to wonder and explore throughout their lives.
The Children's Discovery Rooms in the National Museum of Natural Science was reopened to the public in mid-July 1998 following a renewal of the layout of the exhibit. The concept behind the design was to make the displays varied and interesting and make the both educational and entertaining. It involved how to lay out the software and hardware; how to use available space most efficiently, and how to make it all easier to manage.
Five variables were considered in a questionnaire evaluating the utilization of space: tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy. These questionnaires were given to parents visiting the museum, and their answers were collated and analyzed, showing that work was needed in these areas:
1) Tangibles-more frequent changes in the setting and the educational materials, and more complete educational materials
2) The work sheets should make parents aware of the main parts of the Children's Discovery Rooms to help them in their job of teaching
3) Employees must continue to be enthusiastic, helpful and quick to respond to visitors
4) Most respondents agreed that Employees in Children's Discovery Rooms were friendly and warm, something which should be maintained
5) In the area of empathy, respondents asked for more attention to be paid to 'varied educational materials', 'educational tools that kids like and need', 'educational tools that impart knowledge' and 'educational tools that are right for age groups in degree of difficulty'.
Other factors considered during the renewal of the exhibit were the activities and actions involved, safety and cost, as well as the overall atmosphere of the display, the needs of the children, and the educational mission of the museum. Other factors were how the exhibit is used and what type of activities are involved, and whether they add to the variety of the experience for children; whether the displays cover a broader range of subjects and make learning more fun; how the software and hardware are laid out; how efficiently the space is used; and how easy it is to manage.
Special development programs will be carried out for teachers of pre-school children and as a source of lifelong education. In the future, further revisions of the materials and exhibits will be made at regular intervals, and service will be maintained and upgraded as needed.