SCIENCE MUSEUM MEDIATORS' EDUCATION: KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES

ABSTRACT:

Despite the frequent use of human mediation in science museums, there is little investment in training professionals for the role. The present work analyzes mediatortraining in two science museums by understanding the knowledge comprehension mobilized in these processes. Data collection consisted of training courses for mediators' observation, interviews with professionals working in the studied processes and self-administered questionnaires with mediators. The mediator training included courses organized by the museums in question, but also prior academic training, practice and dialogue among mediators. The processes studied involved disciplinary, training and experience knowledge, with different emphasis in each case.

Keywords:
Science museums; Informal science education; Mediation; Mediator training.