Taking the fear out of inquiry-based teaching in the museum

In today's solo episode, host Claire Bown shares practical strategies for overcoming the most common fears about inquiry-based teaching in museums.

From handling uncertainty and awkward silences to managing participation and time, she guides you through simple, actionable ways to build confidence and make inquiry feel rewarding- for you and your participants.

Inquiry-based teaching works. It creates the kind of museum experiences where participants lean in, ask questions, and make personal connections with art and objects. But despite all these benefits, why do many people feel hesitant about giving it a go?

We’ll explore common concerns - like losing control, time management, participation, or not having all the answers - and I’ll walk you through strategies to move past them.

Here’s what I cover in today’s episode:

• Why understanding your own relationship with inquiry is the first step
• How to develop comfort with uncertainty and not knowing
• Why it helps to start small and build confidence gradually
• The role of flexible structures (like Questioning Practices) in supporting inquiry
• Practical ways to manage time, participation, and group dynamics
• Building your facilitation toolkit step by step
• Why practice and reflection are essential for growing your skills
• How to reframe “failure” as a valuable learning opportunity

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• The Art Engager: Reimagining Guided Experiences in Museums (my book)
• Episode 143: Uncertainty: Finding Wonder in Not Knowing with Maggie Jackson
• Episode 137: How to Use the Universal
• Episode 142: Building Trust and Psychological Safety on Guided Experiences in Museums
• Episodes 95 & 96: The Power of Silence in Guided Experiences
• Episode 66: 7 Ways to Improve Your Active Listening Skills
• Every single episode of The Art Engager podcast webpage: https://thinkingmuseum.com/every-single-episode-of-the-art-engager-podcast/

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✨ If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please consider supporting The Art Engager on Patreon. Or pick up a copy of my book, The Art Engager, for step-by-step guidance on creating meaningful, interactive guided experiences.

The Art Engager is written and presented by Claire Bown. Editing is by Matt Jacobs and Claire Bown. Music by Richard Bown. Support the show on Patreon.

Show notes

‘The Art Engager: Reimagining Guided Experiences in Museums‘ is now available worldwide through your favourite online platforms and retailers. Buy it here on Amazon.com: https://tinyurl.com/buytheartengager

The Art Engager book website: https://www.theartengager.com/

Support the show with a simple monthly subscription on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArtEngager