Institute for Learning Innovation

Save the Date: Connected Audience 2025
Theater Strahl, Berlin/Germany
May 21-23, 2025

The next Connected Audience Conference will address the topic of cultural participation and engagement for young people. Active encounters with cultural activities, artistic and creative content are important components of healthy adolescent development, supporting young people's personalities and opportunities for a self-determined lifestyle. But what do we know about how to facilitate these encounters? What are the challenges and opportunities? Finding answers requires an understanding of young people's cultural practices and orientations, building on these and shaping processes together.

To explore and discuss this topic the Institut für Kulturelle Teilhabeforschung | Institute for Research on Cultural Participation (Berlin/Germany) in collaboration with the Institute for Learning Innovation (USA) will bring together young people, experts, researchers, and practitioners from the global cultural sector for debate and exchange.

Conference Design
The international biennial conference will provide inspiring discussions and productive interactions between its various participants and facilitators. There will be a minimum of “talking heads” and a maximum of interaction and participation. We seek to create a facilitating and stimulating atmosphere with a strong dialogical approach. We invite you to gain relevant experiences and insights both for your research and professional practice. Taking on more of a workshop feeling you will learn from experts and your colleagues from around the world.

More information and a call for proposals coming soon!

Join our Sr. Researcher, Debbie Siegel, and the team from the NSF funded project "Culturally Sustaining STEM" as they share their successful approach to creating engaging family workshops that connect STEM to local environments, cultures and communities.

This virtual session, hosted by the Visitor Studies Association (VSA) will:

Address how to design workshops that resonate with families' backgrounds, interests, and values.

Discover strategies for making science, technology, engineering, and math relevant to families' communities and natural surroundings.

Explore ways to strengthen bonds between families, the environment, and important conservation issues.

This is a great opportunity for those interested in making STEM education more engaging and culturally relevant for families and it's free for VSA members.

Learn more at: https://visitorstudies.org/component/civicrm/?task=civicrm/event/register&id=65&reset=1&is_past_events=0

National Science Foundation Awards $2.2 Million to SARRC and Collaborators to Expand Training of Informal Learning Educators - Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC) In 2020, SARRC’s research team embarked on a collaborative project with the Institute for Learning Innovation and the SciTech Institute to improve inclusivity of informal STEM learning settings like museums […]

ILI researcher Nicole Claudio teamed up with colleague Dorothy Svgdik to present at the 2024 Tennessee Association of Museums Conference this week!

Their "With Whom? Evaluation as Community Partnership" session addressed a critical question for museums: How can they strengthen ties with their communities through visitor studies, especially with limited resources?

Drawing on their combined expertise in museum evaluation, Nicole and Dorothy offered practical solutions to overcome common challenges like tight budgets and staffing limitations. Their presentation emphasized the importance of visitor studies as a tool for building stronger museum communities and charting a successful future.

The attached photo shows Nicole and Dorothy smiling at the conference.

Want to learn more about the research happening at ILI? Check out our project pages here:
https://www.instituteforlearninginnovation.org/our-work/

🎉Exciting news!

Our project, "Building Capacity for Inclusive Informal STEM Learning Opportunities for People with ASD," has received Phase II funding!

Read more here:

Newly Funded: Taking Inclusive STEM Learning to the Next Level with Building Capacity for Autism Phase 2 Project! : Institute for Learning Innovation   ILI is thrilled to share our latest venture: “Broadening and Sustaining Capacity for Inclusive Informal STEM Learning Opportunities for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder”, funded by the AISL program at NSF. After a successful first round where we teamed up with four museums and informal le...

Led by the High Desert Museum, museum practitioners from the Oregon Coast Aquarium, the Wild Center, the Caddo Mounds State Historic Site and their partners met with project team members from ILI, Reimagine Research Group, and the Rural Leadership Network for a 2-day PD workshop in Bend, Oregon as a community of learners.

As part of our project, we are collaboratively refining best practices for creating culturally sustaining STEAM programming for in communities. Because we know that the best opportunities are fun, we made sure to include that too!

(Evidence in comments)

Two members of our valued research team visited the STEAM Equity Conference in Denver this week. This event was hosted in partnership by The Space Science Institute and University of Denver. Conference participants spent 2 days showcasing real-world challenges and lessons learned from rural library staff across the U.S.

Debbie Siegel and Nicole Claudio joined forces (virtually and in person) and talked about their project “STAR Net STEAM Equity Project: Enhancing Learning Opportunities in Libraries of Rural Communities.

Their dedication to both libraries and lifelong learning shone through, emphasizing the important role and powerful impacts that libraries have in rural communities.

To learn more about the project visit: https://www.instituteforlearninginnovation.org/project/star-library-network-star-net-phase-3-enhancing-steam-equity-and-learning-opportunities-in-libraries-and-their-rural-communities/





Photo Description: Two researchers collaborate to present at a conference. One in person, with the other appearing virtually on screen. It is clear by their large and genuine smiles that they are happy to be working and learning together.

🔹 Honoring a Remarkable Achievement: Dr. John H. Falk Recognized as a "Blooloop 50 Museum Influencer."

We are thrilled to announce that our Founder and esteemed colleague, Dr. John H. Falk, has been recognized as one of "Blooloop 50 Museum Influencers."

This acknowledgment celebrates both his innovative approach and his remarkable contributions to the field.

Here at ILI, we consider ourselves fortunate to work alongside Dr. Falk each day. His vision, insights, and unwavering commitment to the advancement of free-choice learning continually inspire and guide our work in this field. His dedication to the protection and promotion of museums and cultural institutions and his creative and collaborative approach to preserving and improving these important learning spaces is second to none.

Dr. Falk's well-deserved recognition in the "Blooloop 50 Museum Influencer" list underscores the profound influence he has had on our organization and the wider museum community for over 30 years.

Please join us today in congratulating Dr. Falk on this outstanding recognition.

https://blooloop.com/museum/influencer/john-h-falk/

John H Falk John H Falk, blooloop 50 museum influencer 2023, Founder / Principal Researcher at the Institute for Learning Innovation.

This NSF IUSE-funded project (NSF 2106168) explored the potential of evaluation and learning assessment methods utilized in Free-choice (Informal) science learning (ISL) settings such as zoos, museums, and citizen science programs, to inform new approaches to Higher Education assessments.

Approaches to assessment in Higher Education (HE) Science classrooms are currently being reconsidered as assessment experts and classroom instructors seek more meaningful and inclusive methods of understanding what learning is happening, and how to make learning more apparent to students and instructors alike.

Bringing six recognized experts in HE assessment together with six experts in informal science learning evaluation and research for conversation and exchange resulted in the identification of key cultural differences between the two settings, new understandings of methods used in ISL assessment, and the development of ideas about how the body of knowledge of ISL assessment might inform improved HE assessment, with further study.

This final report includes a comprehensive review of the conference proceedings, an annotated bibliography of the preparatory readings, final recommendations for future investigation, and the conference evaluation report. Further dissemination through a shorter article and future conference sessions is planned.

Learn more and view our final report here:

https://www.instituteforlearninginnovation.org/project/intersections-in-assessment-conference-exploring-informal-science-learning-assessment-methods-to-improve-undergraduate-stem-education/

Project Team: Judith Koke, Elysa Corin Ph.D., and Davida Smyth

Intersections in Assessment Conference: Exploring Informal Science learning Assessment Methods to Improve Undergraduate STEM Education : Institute for Learning Innovation This NSF IUSE-funded project (NSF 2106168) explored the potential of evaluation and learning assessment methods utilized in Free-choice (Informal) science learning (ISL) settings such as zoos, museums, and citizen science programs, to inform new approaches to Higher Education assessments. Approaches...

This year the Visitor Studies Association virtual conference places a strong emphasis on fostering challenging conversations, welcoming new perspectives, and reflecting on our roles in addressing gaps that impact too many visitors.

By actively engaging in reform and consideration, we have the power to elevate the perspectives and experiences of diverse groups, ensuring that every visitor's well-being is valued and prioritized. This collective effort is not only significant for the immediate benefit of visitors but also for shaping the future of learning.

As our team members actively contribute to these discussions, we encourage you to share your takeaways and what aspects resonate with you the most.

We extend our gratitude to our team for their dedication and contribution to making a positive impact in our field. Their active involvement exemplifies our shared commitment to prioritizing the well-being of visitors and creating transformative learning experiences.

https://www.instituteforlearninginnovation.org/for-immediate-release-new-study-measures-the-public-value-of-art-museum-experiences/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: New Study Measures the Public Value of Art Museum Experiences : Institute for Learning Innovation   Research project featuring unique, cross-sectional consortium of 11 museums across the United States explores how art museums contribute to well-being June 08, 2023—Following a large-scale, multi-institutional research project, the Institute for Learning Innovation (ILI) and a consortium of 11 ...

Do you own an Oculus VR headset? Help us and our partners at the University of Wisconsin to test out this VR experience! Play and fill out a pre/post survey on your experience and then we will send you a gift certificate.

To participate, please use this link: https://shorturl.at/ekE27.

For the questions, please email [email protected]

Dr. Falk talks with The Art Newspaper about some new and interesting findings.

US art museums generate $52bn in well-being benefits annually, study finds Every museum visit produces $905 in social benefits per visitor, according to a study conducted at 11 art institutions

On International Museum Day and just in time for AAM's (American Alliance of Museums) Annual Meeting & Museum Expo taking place in Denver, the English version of the ICOM (International Council of Museums) Dictionary of Museology is out!

Drawing on the expertise of an international editorial committee (including our Founder, Dr. John Falk), this collaborative work provides an overview of current cultural and disciplinary approaches to theory and practice in museums. By defining over 1,000 terms, the hope is that it will be a resource that encourages common language across the museum field.

In addition to Dr. Falk, ILI's Judy Koke and Lynn Dierking were chapter contributors. Keep an eye out for John and Judy at !

For more information about the publication:

Dictionary of Museology The internationally focused Dictionary of Museology reflects the diversity of cultural and disciplinary approaches to theory and practice in the museum field today. The museum world is changing rapidly, and the characteristics and social roles of the world’s approximately 100,000 existing museums ...

As we celebrate International day, several of our team members are headed to Denver to meet colleagues, friends, and partners at where our Founder, Dr. John Falk will discuss a new way of "Measuring and Monetizing Visitor Experiences". Looking forward to seeing everyone!

Today our Founder Dr. John Falk was the guest speaker at Conner Prairie's annual meeting. As one of the most visited outdoor in the country, they have a long of and crafting diverse experiences!

You can learn more about Conner Prairie here: https://www.connerprairie.org/

Photo Credit: Conner Prairie ( Twitter )

We're hiring!



https://lnkd.in/gYDn9pVX

In 2022, staff at Future Energy Systems (FES) and The University of Alberta participated in an in-depth train-the-trainer workshop with Portal to the Public. FES is now leading its own science communication training series using the Portal to the Public framework and resources. This is a great example of the Portal framework in action!

Energy Explorers return to TWOSE Future Energy Systems develops the energy technologies of the near future, examines their integration into current infrastructure, and considers their social, economic, and environmental impacts. We also contribute to the development of solutions for chal

Congratulations to our Sr. Fellow, Dennis Schatz!

The Enduring Achievement Award goes to… Dennis Schatz. 🎉

In his current role as Senior Advisor at the Institute for Learning Innovation he continues to serve as leadership for Portal to the Public, which connects the public with current science through conversations with local scientists and engineers. The Portal to the Public Network has been implemented at more than 60 organizations across North America.

See here: https://lnkd.in/gpUNMBJ7

Study shows that the wellbeing effect of Finnish museums is worth millions The Finnish Museums Association has published the results of a study mapping the perceived feelings of wellbeing from museum visits. Up to 99% felt that visiting a museum had positive effects on their long-term wellbeing. The value of the wellbeing experienced in one visit was 864 euros on average,....

This week we are pleased to welcome the Director of the Unizulu Science Centre and Visiting Fulbright Scholar, Dr. Derek Bruce Fish! We look forward to working with you!

DR. DEREK BRUCE FISH : Institute for Learning Innovation Derek began his career teaching high school Science and Math. Since then he has enjoyed running Unizulu Science Centre in Richards Bay, South Africa, for more than 30 years. He has presented science shows all over the world and attended all eight of the Science Centre World Congresses, on every cont...

How do you concretely demonstrate that museums provide genuine value and community impact? This is a question that all museum boards, directors, development officers, heads of education and exhibitions, evaluators and other senior staff find themselves struggling to answer these days.

Our Principal Researcher Dr. John Falk, has suggested that knowingly or not, the business of museums has always been to support and enhance the public’s personal, intellectual, social and physical well-being. Historically, these kinds of benefits were seen as vague and intangible, but we’ve developed a unique approach to directly measuring and monetizing these benefits.

Our final report details findings from a year-long research investigation of eight Finnish museums that measured and monetized the value thousands of randomly selected museum visitors reported they gained from their experiences.
Results indicated that the public overwhelmingly perceived that a couple hours spent immersed in a museum experience resulted in feelings of enhanced well-being that lasted, on average, several days, and for many, weeks and months.

The financial value of the enhanced well-being created through a typical museum visit was equal to 864 € ($900)/person, with a cumulative, overall annual value of each of these eight museum’s public offerings totaling in the hundreds of millions of EUROS.

Learn more about this project and view the final report here:

Measuring the Public Value of Finnish Museum Experiences : Institute for Learning Innovation The premise of this year-long research study was that if one had the ability to communicate the value of museum experiences to the public as well as the decision-makers and policymakers who support and fund museums, using an approach that directly spoke to how they themselves define value, then it w...

This powerful graphic supports an important conversation informing one of our recent projects.

Over the past several months our team members Judy Koke, Lynn Dierking, Debbie Siegel, and Marcel Robitaille have been working on a fascinating project with the (ROM) Royal Ontario Museum, in Toronto Canada.

The museum’s strategic plan underscores the importance of acknowledging and adapting to the changing world museums operate in today:

"Contemporary culture has altered dramatically. Digital technology is now a seamless part of daily life. Our global community is increasingly integrated and connected. Democracies are wrestling with equity and inclusion. And urban communities—Toronto in particular—are now more culturally diverse than ever before."

In partnership with ROM staff, they've been considering ways to shape family learning experiences with a commitment to supporting both playful learning and honoring multiple worldviews.

This project has highlighted the importance of honoring Canadian Indigenous knowledge and lifeways in Canadian museums and imagines moving away from ‘discovery’ learning with intentional learning outcomes and towards playful learning, in which intergenerational groups are directed by their own learning agendas.



Source: https://www.popatplay.org/post/can-teaching-and-learning-during-a-pandemic-be-playful

We're proud to support the important work that Art Bridges Foundation is doing to build our field's capacity to engage diverse audiences. This is an excellent opportunity for an intern seeking to gain valuable experience with skilled and wonderful professionals.

Internship Program - Art Bridges The Art Bridges Internship Program offers the opportunity to gain experience and exposure to a variety of aspects of the arts field. We have a variety of internship opportunities available.

Let's go to the South Pole!

Tomorrow, Wed. Jan 18th at noon (CST), join one of ILI’s NSF Polar project partners live from the South Pole! Elaine will be answering questions and giving you a live perspective of the South Pole. This event is free and open to all so feel free to share far and wide!

https://www.polartrec.com/polar-connect/register

Anyone with an e-mail address can register, and both registration and participation are FREE!

Congratulations to our New Board Chairman, Nik Honeysett. As we begin an exciting new year, It’s our pleasure to introduce you to the talented, accomplished, and dedicated group of professionals who make up our Board of Directors!

https://www.instituteforlearninginnovation.org/board/

We're happy to be a part of this terrific effort.

Today we share with you a very special project origin story that began in Phoenix Arizona back in 2018.

A high school student named Shreyas Hallur suggested to the Southwestern Autism Research and Resource Center (SARRC) that museums could be a lot more inclusive and supportive of the ASD community. From there, SARRC then contacted Dr. Jeremy Babendure of SciFest in Arizona, and a Senior Fellow here at ILI– and a project was born.

Today we share the news that the brilliant and inspiring Shreyas was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship to study at Oxford. Congratulations Shreyas!

https://today.duke.edu/2022/11/two-duke-seniors-win-rhodes-scholarships

Learn more about the project here: https://www.instituteforlearninginnovation.org/project/building-capacity-for-inclusive-informal-stem-learning-opportunities-for-people-with-asd/

Building Capacity for Inclusive Informal STEM Learning Opportunities for People with ASD : Institute for Learning Innovation The number of individuals and families dealing with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is increasing every year, and many museums, zoos, and other free-choice learning spaces are developing specialized programs for individuals with ASD individually and locally. A coordinated effort that builds on the le...