We interpret because we care!
REFLECTION TIME! Who were you before this course? If youâre anything like me you had a interest in nature (its why you took this course), but before taking this course I never understood the multifaceted nature of interpretation. As a science student, Iâve always thought the goal of interpretation was simple- get information out there. But this course has allowed me to realize the efficiency of information delivery and uptake is dependent on so many factors:
the audience
the topic of interpretation
the method of communication
available resources
associated risks of participation
the interpreterâs personal insight and beliefs.
My beliefs as an interpreter have been shaped by my childhood exposure to nature, recent backcountry camping experiences, and undergraduate courses in environmental science. One principle has remained relevant to me throughout this course: coexistence. As mentioned in my first blog post, I donât believe in conquering nature (whether that means camping or development), I believe in a human-nature coexistence. Nature is a strong constant that doesnât rely on humans to exist, in fact it would prosper without us. So this coexistence is not possible unless we learn about the delicate interactions that make up nature. Â
Unite all species through coexistence! Source: Change.org
Now that I have a better understanding of my personal beliefs and priorities that make up who I am as an interpreter, I want to address other themes we discussed in this course: understanding my audience and creating a meaningful experience.
Understanding my audience
Luckily this course has allowed me to add many other principles to my tool belt in order to make interpretation a meaningful experience. Before, the scientists in me would have talked at people about climate change or habitat fragmentation. Iâve realized the importance of knowing your audience. Iâm a tactile learner, so an approach I would really appreciate on a nature walk would be using a dichotomous key to identify species. Interactive learning is important to me, but I recognize that there are many different learning styles that may benefit from different types of teaching such as reading labels about species information or listening to an auditory explanation about a species. Its my responsibility as an interpreter to ensure that all different types of learners have access to information. Further, its ethical to ensure that people from all different walks of life have access to information, including those who speak another language or have a visual or auditory disability.
Interactive signs with pictures and words are effective! Source: Pinterest
I also ask myself what an audience needs to hear to be inspired. Through creating a podcast I have learned the importance of tailoring a message to different age groups. Children may need a more hopeful message, whereas adults may need to hear about the urgency of a situation (Beck et al, 2018). On that note, an important consideration is generational differences. Letâs consider technology. Something Iâve noticed at restaurants during the pandemic is you often have to use your data on your smartphone to scan a QR code in order to check-in or view a menu. My grandparents donât know what half of those words mean, and so if this restaurant was some sort of educational experience they would be completely lost. I can understand the value of technology in interpretation, but I think its more accessible to give the audience an ability to choose between it or more traditional methods for learning.
Technology is not for everyone! Different options should be available to avoid classic technical mistakes like using the calculator instead of the camera! Source: Tumblr
As an interpreter it is also my responsibility to acknowledge that privilege exists in society which influences peopleâs personal relationship with nature. We cannot speak to people as if they all are starting at the same place and have the same experiences. Additionally, there are risks in nature. Though risk can be objectively defined, the valuation of risk is subjective to each person. We must graciously consider this as a guiding leader in nature. An important ethical principle to me is that my audience does not feel excluded or in danger.
Inclusivity and safety in nature. Source: Reach or Miss
how can i make this experience meaningful?
I believe an interpretation experience can be meaningful when it is exciting, when it makes an audience question something they believed beforehand, or when there is an educational component that the audience carries with them in the future. A meaningful experience should promote an individualâs desire for human-nature coexistence. Iâve realized that scientific facts do not provide a meaningful experience for everyone. The addition of sociocultural factors can provide an important educational takeaway for our diverse audience. For example, visual arts can be a gateway into an undiscovered appreciation for the natural world. I realize the importance of this for visual learners or those who may better receive information through paintings instead of scientific literature. We may turn to arts in times like these, when parks may be closed or the natural world feels less accessible. Another way to make a meaningful experience is through the incorporation of music. As I learned through recording a podcast, music conveys tone and can spark feelings in listeners. I like to call this the âera of headphonesâ, we carry millions of songs in our pockets. Songs can create a memorable experience for people and may especially speak to auditory learners. Finally, providing historical context can make an experience with the natural world more meaningful for all generations. Learning the backstory behind an old tree, for example, can lead to the audience feeling a greater connection with it; hearing its backstory and everything that has changed in the world since it was planted can really get the audience appreciating its presence. Learning about natural history can also encourage the audience to think about the environmental problems we face in the future. Â
Children at a climate change rally. Source: TIME
Final thoughts
Tourism, which encompasses interpretation, has been shown to shape the world view of individuals (Mowforth and Munt, 2016). Iâve learned that I can use interpretation to promote the human-nature coexistence through a diverse array of teaching components and styles. Sustainability and conservation are contingent on people caring about nature. Interpretation is the vehicle which can promote individuals to feel inspired (Beck et al, 2018). Effective interpretation can inspire technological advances, policy changes, connections with Indigenous tribes, and future protectors of endangered species. We take so much from nature, through interpretation we learn how to give back, how to appreciate it.
Through reflecting and participating in this course, I have been provided with tools that I will gratefully add to my invisible backpack. These tools will help me with interpretation in whatever path I take in the future, even if its only talking to my family about nature in the little lake from my first blog.
Deer beside my house: Iâm forever grateful for my proximity and access to wildlife that has shaped my view on nature and allowed me to become the interpreter I am today! (taken by me).Â
Prompt: Using the tools youâve gained in this course, how would you interpret the idea of âclimate changeâ to a young generation that is the future of sustainability and conservation? I will respond to your post with my thoughts.
References:
Beck, L., Cable, T.T., & Knudson, D.M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage (First Edition). Sagamore-Venture Publishing LLC.
Mowforth, M. and Munt, I. (2016). Tourism and Sustainability: development, globalisation, and new world tourism in the third world (Fourth Edition). Routledge Publishing.
Hello Megan,
Wonderful blog post. It is bittersweet wrapping up this course.
Your discussion regarding your beliefs was very thought-provoking, and I found it quite interesting when you mentioned coexisting. Personally, my belief system is based upon the idea that everything in nature is essential. However, I truly resonate with the idea of coexisting to a greater degree. I have recently watched the documentary seaspiracy, and it truly made me realize that we have conquered and degraded a planet that was not ours to dominate. In todayâs society, people will often forget the implications of their actions and fail to understand the reliance we have upon nature.
Regarding your question, being an interpreter in todayâs day and age comes with the responsibility of educating others about climate change. While it is an urgent matter, it is often not one that many people would like to listen about. Rather often, people will turn a blind eye than face reality. While it is the interpreterâs goal to help individuals a sense of place, it is equally as important to leave them with the desire to preserve our planet. Like you, I would strongly prefer interactive learning as it instills a sense of reality in the audience. Therefore, I would most likely approach climate change in a very optimistic manner while giving examples along a walk of what would become impacted if conditions were to worsen. It can be something as simple as showing them a tree at risk due to temperature shifts. While climate change is often difficult to visualize, focusing on something in their surroundings can help link their understanding.
Have you watched the documentary seaspiracy yet?
Hi thanks for your response!
I appreciate you sharing your opinion of coexistence, and I understand your perspective there. I have heard A LOT about Seaspiracy from my friends both in and not in environmental science. Unfortunately I have yet to watch it but its definitely on my list once exams are done! Based on the trailer, there does seem to be a lot of dramatization, and so I think when I watch it I will try not to get caught up in that.Â
I see your point about approaching climate change from an optimistic point of view. I remember after Greta Thunbergâs talk about climate change hearing that many kids were experiencing âeco-anxietyâ which is essentially anxiety/depression related to the stress of impending climate change and related disasters. I came across a Washington Post article about it that you can check out below:Â
Kids in Crisis! Source: Washington PostÂ
At the same time, I think that its important to not to dilute or nullify the truth. I think climate change can be demonstrated while showing kids something relatable or easily digestible, like maybe an animal on a migration route, something that they learned about in school. The impacts may be seen in showing kids the challenges this animal faces as a result of climate change. However, its extremely important to also focus on the things they can do to make a difference and protect that charismatic animal.Â
There are many different approaches to teaching children. Can you think of more interactive approaches that may be effective in teaching about climate change?
Thanks, MeganÂ






















