Docent Training Guide

# Docent Training Guide

Create a comprehensive training guide for docents (volunteer or paid) at [INSTITUTION_NAME], a [INSTITUTION_TYPE] (e.g., art museum, natural history museum, historic house, botanical garden) serving [VISITOR_DEMOGRAPHICS].

## Training Program Context
- **Training duration:** [DURATION] (e.g., 6-week program, weekend intensive)
- **Primary tour type:** [TOUR_TYPE] (e.g., general collection tour, school group programs, special exhibition)
- **Docent background:** [BACKGROUND] (e.g., community volunteers, recent graduates, retirees)

## Training Guide Contents

### Module 1: The Role of a Docent
Define the docent's purpose, responsibilities, and the difference between informing and engaging. Include the institution's mission and how docents embody it.

### Module 2: Subject Matter Foundations
Outline the core knowledge areas docents must master: [COLLECTION_OVERVIEW], historical context, key artists/artifacts, and current interpretive themes.

### Module 3: Facilitation & Engagement Techniques
Teach inquiry-based facilitation: open-ended questioning, Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS), handling difficult questions, and adapting for different age groups.

### Module 4: Tour Logistics
Cover practical tour management: pacing, positioning, group management, accessibility accommodations, and emergency procedures.

### Module 5: Handling Special Situations
Provide scripts and guidance for: the over-talkative visitor, controversial content, questions you don't know the answer to, and disruptive behavior.

### Module 6: Practice & Assessment
Describe the practice tour structure, peer feedback process, and the criteria for docent certification sign-off.

### Quick Reference Card
Create a one-page cheat sheet docents can carry during tours.