Chapter 5:
We’ve often discussed the importance of interest in learning, but Chapter 5 pointed to the importance of interest tied to identity. Those who are novices, or explorers, and those who are experts, will have different learning experiences at museums and other informal learning environments. Their identities related to their level of expertise and their personal interest are important factors in their learning choices. Gabe Schwartzman was passionate about the environment and his interest and identity—as a someone who was interested in the environment and may have had some knowledge of it, but wasn’t an expert or a scientist—led him to start the biodiesel fuel project. He abandoned the project after realizing that biodiesel fuel wasn’t the most efficient fuel source for drivers in metropolitan areas, but not before actually creating his own biodiesel fuel and using it for a while. Although he abandoned the project, Gabe—as a fellow tree-hugging greenie, I feel like Gabe and I would be on a first name basis— was glad he took on the project and learned a lot.
Chapter 8:
Surrounded by Science cited research done by Guy McKhann and Marilyn Albert that presents evidence that humans constantly generate new neurons and form new neural connections, which shows “that learning is truly lifelong” (152). I am a firm believer in lifelong learning, but I know that there are people who become discouraged by their age when it comes to learning. Older people I’ve met claim that “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” and they say it so often to other people and to themselves that they come to believe it. While it may be harder to learn as one gets older, it certainly isn’t impossible. There are older folk who feel they can’t learn anymore or are discouraged by their slower learning ability and they let those feelings keep them from learning; they let the fear of striking out keep them from even attempting to play the game, which makes me sad. Museums that create exhibits that cater to the needs of the older generation should also publicize the findings of McKhann and Albert’s research to encourage the more seasoned to continue learning and adding new spices and flavors to their life and store of knowledge.
