Explainers, educators, facilitators, mediators, pilots, guides, helpers, science communicators, whatever their name is in the different institutions, these professionals have an essential role in science centers and museums, as well as in the informal learning programs of natural parks, botanical and zoological gardens, aquaria, etc. Often they are the only human, direct interface between the institutions and the public, so being the key element in determining the quality of visitors’ experience. Students and young researchers are employed in a similar role in science festivals and outreach activities of research institutes and universities, so that all around the world those human interfaces have a relevant impact on the whole of science and technology public engagement.
Explainers have a wide range of tasks: they greet the visitors; guide them through permanent galleries, temporary exhibitions, open-air promenades, or open-day stands; provide information and help people interpret...
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Rodari, P. (2013). Explainer. In: Gunstone, R. (eds) Encyclopedia of Science Education. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-6165-0_293-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-6165-0_293-2
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