LDonline,
My name is Christopher Sperl and I am a Doctoral Candidate at the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP). I am currently working on my dissertation and would appreciate your assistance in this process.
First, let me tell you a little about myself. After working as an elementary special educator in New York for several years, I arrived at UMCP to complete my Master’s Degree in Special Education with a concentration in Learning Disabilities. In 1994, I received my degree and at that time I decided to continue along my academic path. I am currently a doctoral student in Educational Psychology and have spent the past several years investigating museums as learning environments for children. Additionally, I have been working and volunteering for the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC for the past five years. My interest in museum learning is second only to teaching children with learning disabilities. Thus, in deciding on a dissertation topic, I have chosen to marry the two and examine families with children who are learning disabled within this informal learning environment.
Presently, there is no research that has been conducted to examine the effects of family visits to museums on children with learning disabilities. Most of the information that is available for individuals with disabilities deals with physical access to exhibitions and less to educational access. I would like to gain better understanding of how to maximize the benefits of museums for children with learning disabilities, and better adapt learning centers to the needs of these children. This research will be of great importance for families (with children with LD), museum practitioners, and the research community. I believe that this type of research might impact educational programs created by museums and in turn provide educational opportunities that have not been available up to this point for children with learning disabilities.
Here is where I need assistance — I would like to locate families with children (ages 7-12) with learning disabilities in the Washington, DC Metro Area and have them participate in this research study. Participation is fun and easy! Involvement will require one short visit to the National Museum of Natural History on an individually scheduled date and a follow-up interview. In return for your participation, your child will receive a museum poster, the children’s guide the the Smithsonian Institution and special privileges in the Discovery Room. If you would like to know more about this endeavor, do not hesitate to call me. You can reach me by phone at 301.314.3290 or by e-mail at [email protected].
Again, I truly believe that this research will benefit children with learning disabilities!
Sincerely, Christopher
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may the footprints that we leave behind
show that we’ve walked in kindness toward
the earth and every living thing.
- inspired by american indian philosophy
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Christopher Sperl
Doctoral Candidate
Phone: 301.314.3290
E-mail: [email protected]
Re: Learning in Museums
Dear Christopher-
I am only sorry that I live in California and can not help you.
I now that the trips that I have taken with my son to museums and state parks have sparked special projects and these special trips become creative fule. I point out information and he dictates to me what he feels is important to tell someone that might never get the chance to make the special trip.
The only complaint that I have every had is that it is not easy to find trained people on site to assist or present information to an LD child which makes it difficult sometimes. I try to find living history days where there are people to explain about activities and sometimes it includes being able to be involved in the activity for the child.
Best Wishes to You, You have an opportunity to make things better for many little people when you think of how to make it better remember to put yourself in their shoes first and then look at how you can help to make their lives easer. God Bless You on Your Path.
D.D.
Re: Learning in Museums
Christopher,
You may want to get in touch with the Special Services Department at the Capitol Building in DC. Julie Cardillo has worked there as the special services Director for ten years and has developed special Capitol building tour experiences for blind, hearing impaired, wheelchair-bound, LD, etc., visitors. She is a dynamo and I’d think there’d be some natural synergy of interests.
Julie taught special ed prior to this job. Her students were some of the luckiest on the planet!
Special Services Dept, The Capitol: 202-224-4355
Lori,
I have tried to reply to your e.mail several times without success - the e.mail keeps getting bounced back. Could you please send me another e.mail to respond to?
Thank you for your interest in this project!
Christopher