Long-Term Recollections of an Environmental Interpretive Program

Doug Knapp, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Recreation and Park Administration
133 HPER
Indiana University
Bloomington, Indiana 47405
dknapp@indiana.edu

Gregory M. Benton, M.S.
Research Assistant
Department of Recreation and Park Administration
133 HPER
Indiana University
Bloomington, Indiana 47405
gbenton@indiana.edu

Introduction
Recent interpretive publications have noted the importance of memory and recall. In discussing cognitive effects of interpretation, Webb (2000) suggests that, “While learning is the input, memory is the output—we assess learning only through memory” (p. 22). Chawla (1998) notes that memory-related research associated with formal and informal events (such as interpretation) can provide rich information. “When it comes to the broad outline of life events and their significance, memory’s reputation fares much better [than other media]” (p. 387). In the textbook, Interpretation for the 21st Century, Beck & Cable (1998), suggest that interpreters’ first principle should be to not only relate information to the visitor but also help retain that information. “Effective interpretation produces external stimuli that trigger existing (cognitive) maps, thereby allowing the audience to get it and store the information in relation to other information they already possess” (p. 16). Although the field notes its importance, few studies have been conducted to assess long-term recollections of interpretive programs. Therefore, this project investigated aspects of an interpretive program that were recalled two years following the actual experience.


Partnerships in Education and Interpretation

Karyn McDermaid
Senior Research Specialist
karynk@uiuc.edu

Introduction
College natural resource programs have a challenge to provide students with a broad background of ecological theory and applied practices while also satisfying general education requirements. The study of natural resources is inherently broad, and our program of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign struggles to provide this balance to students. Opportunities for students to learn how to employ and apply ecological principles while managing natural resources are essential. However, it is often difficult for programs to provide these opportunities. Shrinking state dollars have resulted in substantial budget cuts, staff reductions, and unfilled faculty positions. Restrictions on the use of funds often make it difficult to fund non-traditional and/or new initiatives. Teaching field-based courses also presents a range of obstacles that inhibit faculty from devising such courses. The development and instruction of field-based courses consumes a disproportionate amount of time that is not always equally considered during tenure review. Instructors of such courses must also possess a unique skill set that differs from traditional classroom instruction. They must possess a mastery of the applied techniques being taught. Logistics such as site procurement and transport of students are time-consuming and often prohibiting, and normal class periods are not long enough to accommodate travel to a site.


A 20 Years Overview and Prospect of Graduate Interpretive Research in Taiwan: 1984-2003

Homer C. Wu, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Graduate Institute of Environmental Education
National Taichung Teachers College
140, Min-Sheng Road
Taichung City, 40306, Taiwan, R.O.C.
hcwu@mail.ntctc.edu.tw

Wei-Li Jasmine Chen, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Graduate Institute of Environmental Planning and Design
MingDao University
369, Wen-Hua Road
Peetow, Changhua, 52345 Taiwan, R.O.C.

Abstract
The year 2004 represents a landmark for interpretive research in Taiwan—it has been 20 years since the completion of the first academic thesis examining the topic of interpretation in 1984. Fifty-six completed masters’ theses signal a boom in resource interpretation research. Within the past two decades, the scope of interpretive research has expanded from general to specific, from resource-based sites to diverse settings, and from a “service orientation” to “management tool orientation”. This analysis of interpretive research in Taiwan attempts to (1) compare and contrast what research topics related to interpretation and guiding have been conducted on “the other side of the world,” (2) understand the range of theories employed in the studies, (3) recognize how interpretation relates and contributes to the development of the leisure and recreation industry in Taiwan, and (4) highlight the potential long-term cumulative effect of interpretation to Taiwanese society as a whole.