Inquiry Workshop Evaluation

The Fresno Metropolitan Museum (FFM) contracted with Wendy Meluch of Visitor Studies Services to design and conduct an evaluation of its Inquiry Workshop (workshop) which took place in April of 2005. All workshop participants completed Pre- and Post-workshop Surveys (13 and 12 respectively). Nine teachers also participated in a follow-up focus group in June of 2005. By all measures, the Fresno Metropolitan Museum's Inquiry Workshop is resounding success for participating teachers. They become energized about teaching and credit the workshop with making them better teachers across the board. They are enthusiastic about their experiences using the inquiry method in the classroom and the impact it has on students. Students become excited and engaged, meaningfulness of curriculum and student depth of knowledge are increased as they participate in observing and questioning rather than simply listening to the teacher.