Working Knowledge of Interpretive Planning and Principles, the Interpretive Techniques - Essay Example

Interpretive Strategies Introduction According to John A veverka, the definition of interpretation is a communication process, designed to reveal meanings and relationships of our cultural and natural heritage through involvement with objects, artifacts, landscapes and sites (John A. Veverka, 2006). 1 Presenting communications cannot be considered as interpretation. The specific communication strategy that can be used to translate the information from technical language to daily usage language of the visitor. Before analyzing and studying into the depth of the interpretation, it is to be learnt that it did not spontaneously appear one day. This has been considered as a wonderful mix of communication principles. For this purpose, the person who interprets should have basic working knowledge. The working knowledge should be about; journalism, marketing, psychology, non formal and adult education theory and presentation, business management and finances, reservation and tourism planning/ principles, media planning and design principles (John A. Veverka, 2006). 2. Working knowledge of Interpretive Planning and Principles The interpretive techniques and principles can be observed when we see an advertisement, magazine, television or a movie. The interpretation will depend on the reality used in the techniques of interpretation. The understanding of an interpreters about the knowledge and the view of the visitors will be helpful in the success of the interpretation. This cannot be termed as the truth in the interpretation. In the aforementioned context, the view expressed about interpretation is that the one which follows the views of the visitors. The truth lies in the interpretation if the interpreters consider the memory, recreational learning and learning experience of the visitors. This consideration of the interpreters may result in the truth in the interpretation. The learning of the visitor from the interpretation can be in the form of fun also. The methods like coin collecting, model making, studying aspects of history, bird watching etc. is involved with recreational learning. The persons learn from interpretation because they want to discover the pleasure of learning in the interpretation. Part 1 3. System Area Plan The system area considered here is information. It can be presented in many forms and as a result was selected as system area. The presentation of information may be straight facts, figures and dates, analyses and stories. A guide provides information to tourists almost without interpretation. A Writer provides information to the readers with information. For example, the environmental education in the form of a program or exhibit can be presented in either an informational instructional approach. These need interpretive approach. In all the above mentioned conditions, the communication nature of the interpretation should be taken into consideration. The education due to interpretation occurs, when the recipient receives the message and understands it. After that it needs the remembrance. The way of communication and the nature of interpretation also will regulate remembrance. The interpretation regarding the sensitive aspects of the human nature will make them remember the information conveyed for a long time. The listeners do not remember the information, if they do not understand the information conveyed. Though interpretation needs the resources, it is not resource specific. It can be considered as objective driven and audience focused process. It looks for results after using the marketing and advertising techniques. This can be termed as interpretation communication strategy. The communication need to provoke curiosity, attention and interest in the listeners or the learners. The absence of attention will not make them to stop before an exhibit. The strategy must be in a manner to provoke and create attention. For provoking and creating, the interpreter must think about the reasons the visitor wants information. The answer to the questions that arise by that thinking should be the models for the exhibits that attract the visitors' or learners' attention. The revealing part of the information tells the interpreter, the reason for the importance of the information to the visitor or learner. The striving for the unity of the message will be in the design, colors and costumes. These support the presentation of the message. Thus the planning for design, program, and service is necessary. This is necessary for the theatrical presentation. The presentation and interpretation involving environment needs theatrical exhibits along with presentations in other media. The big picture is important for any interpretation. The historic sites, tourism sites can be used for creating big picture about the information regarding environment. The big picture is to make the visitor to spend time before the exhibit, so that he will receive the information and remember it according to the level of enthusiasm, the exhibit created in him. To exhibit the information, the interpreters need to plan, organize, provide and supervise a number of interpretive facilities. The services and activities regarding those will assist in the operation of an assigned state park. By developing park interpretive programs can enhance the park experience for visitors. They plan and provide recurring and special events and activities including tours. The informational presentational living history will operate and manage a small park and visiting centers. Preparation and presentation of interpretive and informational materials related to the natural sciences, history and state park system will enhance the learning of the visitors by the interpretive presentations. These can include catalog artifacts and documents, giving talks and show slides, videos and other audio visual presentations, guide tours and nature walks. These above mentioned activities will enhance the understanding capability about the interpretation. They can even review and criticize the interpretation with the help of above mentioned activities. This will enhance the capability of interpretation in future by the interpreter. Coordinating, overseeing the park's interpretive program can supervise permanent and seasonal staff as assigned. The recruitment, training, supervising the volunteers, managing the allotted resources and sales outlets, recruit guest speakers and publicize special events are needed to convey the information in the interpretive form to the visitors and learners (Department of personnel, 2005).2 The recruitment of guest speakers can help the exhibitors to convey the message they want to convey through interpretation. These speeches will able to enhance the scope of understanding of visitors and learners regarding interpretation of the exhibitors. The maintenance of statistical records will help in proving and establishing the facts involved in the information. The seeking of external funds to maintain the above mentioned activities is also considered as a necessity, when the funds are not sufficient for maintaining exhibits. The activities regarding information conveying and interpretation include the directions to assist the visitors and learners who respond to verbal and written inquiries. They must be able to make reservations, collect fees, administer emergency medical assistance and ensure compliance with established park regulations and policies. 4. Demonstrating Practical Skills in the Preparation of a Range of Media The demonstration of practical skills in the preparation of a range of media includes the analysis of information regarding anthropology. This information needed to be analyzed scientifically and it involves ethnography. The park affiliated communities can provide cultural experts to analyze. These analyses and interpreters of the information are responsible for the applied ethnography program. The agencies, parks, special centers, systems will assist the ethnographers apply the perspectives and tools of cultural anthropology. They need to strive to implement NPS mandates to preserve, protect and allow for public enjoyment of park resources. The usage of applied anthropology by interpreters will make their work appreciated by public. The cultural diversity will be preserved. These activities need legislative consultation with traditionally associated people. These consultations will make incorporation of the concerns of park associated groups into park planning, interpretation and operation possible. This type of interpretation involving ethnography is management oriented having goals of obtaining data on the ethnographic resources in parks and other places. The provision of accurate information for interpretation and identifying offices are needed. Here in this case the interpretation is resource oriented. The interpretation of ethnographer is resource oriented. No matter, whether it is true or false, the nature, quality and standard of the interpretation depend on the information provided by the sources. The anticipation of the source providers can be assisted by the interpreters. The legislative proposals, policies and guidelines that affect the communities associated new existing parks should take into consideration the people associated with it and learning on it. The study consultation, planning, monitoring traditional resources will use the assessing effects of park programs. Making inventory, reaching treatment decisions about traditional resources will use the assessing effects of the park and exhibit programs regarding information. Making an inventory will help to reach treatment decisions about traditional resources. The inventory of the information will help in making use of it in the course of interpretation.3 The eco systems management and natural resources programs that include biological diversity are capable to effect the interpretation regarding the above information. The consultation regarding the determination of lineal descent or cultural affiliations between past and contemporary natives and their associations can be considered for analysis and interpretation of the facts observed. It was established that the interpretation of the meaning of sites and information is equally important as the protection of the cultural heritage. The presence of charters, principles, guidelines about the cultural tourism and conservation of heritage sites also involve environmental and historical issues. The interpretation of the information should be in such a manner to make people understand the importance of the activities. The definition of basic objectives and principles of site interpretation in relation to authenticity and intellectual integrity, social responsibility and respect for cultural significance and context is needed. The recognition of the importance of the interpretation of cultural heritage will solve the contentious issues that acknowledge the conflicting perspectives. The interpretation should in such a manner to resolve the conflicts and avoiding that environment (ICOMOS ENAME CHARTER, 2004). Part II 5. Visual Information presentation In part I of this paper the presentations, exhibits, parks and other areas are discussed. These systems come under visual information and its presentation in the interpretive form. The demonstration of critical, professional and personal skills is necessary for the presentation of visual media presentation. These skills include independent thinking, communication skills like oral written and listening abilities, to work effectively within groups and commitment to continuous learning. This will make the interpretation in the form of visual information affective and adds the necessary aspects that attract learners' and visitors' attention. These skills should assist the creative thinking skills in the interpreter. The visual interpretation of the information will make us to understand cultural, racial and gender differences in education, business and industry and makes one capable to address the discriminatory practices. The communication and instructing with others in the network is needed by using the state of the art telecommunication technologies at multiple sites. This needs to think in an interdisciplinary way by drawing a holistic, critical and connective models and analysis. The oral communication will help in understanding the written communication regarding the contexts of human expression and behavior. The visual presentations regarding interpretation can enhance the understanding that happened due to oral and written communications. The visual interpretation needs thinking in an interdisciplinary way. The application of aesthetic principles of design and development are necessary to attract the attention of the listeners and visitors. The evaluation of apparel and other textile products as well as to the creation of aesthetic retail environments is necessary. This in some cases may result in creation of aesthetic retail environments also. This means that the visual interpretations need not to be restricted to environment or educational issues. They can be used in the commercial purposes like advertisement, feature films and cultural and amusement parks. The new and innovative trends in textile design, merchandising, production, distribution and consumption of textiles and apparel also need to use visual interpretive presentation. 4 Recognisig the relationships between aesthetic, cultural, economic, historic, psychological, sociological and technological factors as a basis for understanding trends in fashion are necessary for visual interpretation. The presentation should follow the relationships to attract the visitors' attention. The interpretation needs to involve logic in presentation. This will enable the presentation or interpreter to solve the analytical problems by locating appropriate supporting information and materials. The evaluation of the information and critical interpretation of results is needed. The application of knowledge of interrelationships among the factors like materials, design, quality standards, production methods, profitability, end use and consumer expectations should be taken into consideration. The fundamental principles of natural science, social science and mathematics, read the scientific literature and critically evaluate research findings should be involved to present the interpretation in a attractive manner. The usage of reference materials, empirical methods, statistical and computing skills to solve the occupational problems that detect and resolve the errors are needed. These will enable to develop test and validate new models in visual presentation of interpretation. In applying and involving all the above measures, the laboratory safety rules, policies and regulations, the unsafe conditions and correcting them is necessary. Instructing others in occupational practices and procedures can make decisions based upon ethical principles. The architecture and environmental design studies needed to be followed in the visual presentation of interpretation. The analysis of architectural and urban design problems and synthesize the solutions at different levels will enable the interpretation to convey information to the visitors and learners effectively. These methods include oral, written, graphic modes of communication for expressing research work and design efforts at different stages of the design process will enhance the attraction of the information. These processes and methods will make the people to think about the advantages of the information conveyed. The concepts of architectural history and theory can shape the buildings and cities. The other spatial environments also can be used to convey the information by the models and the shapes of the structures. The international traditions related to aesthetics, environment, society and human behavior will effect the interpretation. The interpretation that will not take into consideration the above mentioned aspects cannot attract the visitors and learners though it is of higher standard. The standard of the interpretation and presentation may not attract the visitors effectively, if it does not involve principles of human behavior. The human behavior and perceptions depend on the culture and the society the visitors and learners live. The integration of different human behaviors and responses need to be included in the presentation if the visitors and learners are from different backgrounds and societies. The visual presentation of interpretation can be case specific. The cases can be of different types. The basic principles that inform the design of the structural material, mechanical electrical systems and to assess, select and integrate such systems into a comprehensive building design is necessary to attract the people of different societies. The examining of the relationship and influence of the visual arts in the historical and cultural context is needed for the exhibits and shapes of buildings. The recognition and evaluation of the relation ship an influence of the visual arts in any historical and cultural context can enhance the understanding of the interpreter about the sources of interpretation. The recognition will make contemporary studio practice in interpreting the history of art. The application of aesthetic judgment, perceptual sensitivity and critical thinking regarding arts and related issues and environments will make presentation an artifact. These principles and issues used in the interpretation will demonstrate the excellence in particular technical, conceptual and critical abilities within the media of presentation. The effective communication, in both written and oral formats on research and creative issues needed to be improved to achieve perfection in the visual presentation of information. The cooperative nature and individuality with an understanding of the professional practices maintained in the studio arts will help to interpret the fields of art history and art education effectively. 6. Actions The visual presentation of the interpretation can be used in aviation studies that are relate din the problems using knowledge, skills and aptitudes obtained in the program to assure productive outcomes. The visual presentation of the information in planning, organizing, conducting and complete a safe and efficient flight in single engine aircraft in accordance with all legal requirements is necessary for interpretation. The maintenance of professional and social relationships with others in developing, conducting and promoting safe aviation operations are needed in conveying information through visual presentation. The interpretation will add extra advantage to it. The above type of interpretation will help in solving the problems using knowledge, skills and aptitudes obtained in the productive outcomes of the study of the source. The visual presentation is not only limited to the aviation studies. It can be extended to biological sciences also and that enhances the understanding of the subject. This involves the interpretation of the sources. Understanding the scientific process as shown in designing and implementing of the experiments will enhance the interpretive skills of learners and visitors also. The evaluation evidence and differentiation between scientific facts and unscientific arguments can be done with accurate visual presentation of interpretation. The presentation of scientific information in oral and written formats is necessary for the development of visual presentations. The understanding of basic principles is necessary and this will be done with the help of oral and written evidences. The interpretation of the information visually will enable in applying knowledge of sciences to address a wide variety of needs and problems locally and globally. Another aspect and context to use visual presentation of the interpretation is business education. The demonstration of knowledge and understanding will be incomplete if the performance of visual presentation is not accurate. The application of the knowledge and ability in the interpretation of visual interpretation will make the learning and creating environment conducive for student learning. This needs professionalism in learners, visitors along with interpreters. The description of trends and issues in workforce education, including career technical education and other initiatives can be made easily understood to the visitors with the help of visual presentation of information. The accuracy and authenticity of the interpretation will depend on the excellence of the oral and written evidences used in the preparation of the visual presentation of the interpretation. The visual presentation of the interpretation cannot be limited to commercial and aesthetic issues. It can be used in scientific subjects also. Though every topic needs scientific evaluation, the topics such as physics and chemistry also need the visual presentation of the information to make visitor and learner to understand better the interpretation. The usage of visual representations of interpretations in child and family community services will demonstrate substantive knowledge in life span human development and family science that is based on the most current research and theory. This will emphasize the importance of developing collaborative partnerships to serve the needs of children, families and individuals across the life span of the visitors and learners. References 1. John A. Veverka, 2006, An overview of Interpretive Philosophy and Principles, John Veverka & Associates, ,electronic, 1-4-07, http://www.heritageinterp.com/whatis.htm 2. Department of personnel, 2005, Class specification, State of Nevada, ,electronic, 2-4-07, http://dop.nv.gov/specs/1/01-912.html 3. author not mentioned, 2005, ETHNOGRAPHY, nps.gov, ,electronic, 2-4-07, http://www.nps.gov/training/npsonly/RSC/ethnog.doc 4. ICOMOS ENAME CHARTER, 2004, FOR THE INTERPRETATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE SITES, icomos.org, ,electronic, 2-4-07, http://www.icomos.org/usicomos/Symposium/Ename_Charter/ICOMOS%20EnameCharter%20(3rdDraft)%2020-08-04.doc 5. Source: Planning for Interpretation & Visitor Experience (69 pages - 2MB - PDF). Harpers Ferry Center, 1998, pps. 33-39 6. http://www.nps.gov/hfc/products/imi/imi-docs.htm# 7. Department and Program Learning Outcomes, 2000, Sample outcome statements, SAAC, ,electronic, 2-4-07, http://www.bgsu.edu/offices/assessment/MajorOutcomes.htm Read More