Educating the Public about Illegal Wildlife Trade: Commonalities in Investigating Messages for Visitors

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: Educating the Public about Illegal Wildlife Trade: Commonalities in Investigating Messages for Visitors
Language: English
Authors: Rank, Shelley (ORCID 0000-0003-2097-1165), Nageotte, Nichole L. (ORCID 0000-0003-4401-1871), Pletcher, Nette (ORCID 0000-0002-5246-9084), Jackson, Mary
Source: Journal of Museum Education. 2023 48(3):315-328.
Availability: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 14
Publication Date: 2023
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Crime, Laws, Wildlife, Museums, Recreational Facilities, Teaching Methods, Informal Education, Audiences, Semantics, Language Usage, Vocabulary, Cultural Awareness, Cooperation, Conservation Education
Geographic Terms: Ohio (Cleveland), California (Fresno), New York (New York), Washington (Seattle)
DOI: 10.1080/10598650.2023.2166732
ISSN: 1059-8650
Abstract: The illegal wildlife trade (IWT) is a serious issue that threatens many species worldwide. Zoos and aquariums are in a prime position to educate visitors about this issue and work to reduce the impact of IWT. This article describes the work of four zoos across the United States that tested different ways to engage with visitors and broader communities regarding the topic of IWT. While each zoo used unique techniques to engage with the public, the authors identified common lessons learned that are relevant to all informal learning institutions interested in messaging complex topics to their audiences. The authors describe three commonalities that should be considered in the development of educational tools and messages: semantics and word choices, message framing, and the need for cultural sensitivity and respect when discussing challenging topics.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2023
Accession Number: EJ1399211
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:The illegal wildlife trade (IWT) is a serious issue that threatens many species worldwide. Zoos and aquariums are in a prime position to educate visitors about this issue and work to reduce the impact of IWT. This article describes the work of four zoos across the United States that tested different ways to engage with visitors and broader communities regarding the topic of IWT. While each zoo used unique techniques to engage with the public, the authors identified common lessons learned that are relevant to all informal learning institutions interested in messaging complex topics to their audiences. The authors describe three commonalities that should be considered in the development of educational tools and messages: semantics and word choices, message framing, and the need for cultural sensitivity and respect when discussing challenging topics.
ISSN:1059-8650
DOI:10.1080/10598650.2023.2166732