Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book reviews how reflective practice has been defined and why it is such a valuable tool for professional development. It describes a process they used—Team Based Inquiry—to review programs and approaches within a large national network of museums. The book discusses the Zoo and Aquarium Action Research Collaborative, a project designed to confront the lack of career ladders in informal science learning, staff turnover, and the isolation of line staff from decision-makers by piquing staff members’ professional curiosity through research. It examines how the REFLECTS project participants collaborated with families from non-dominant populations, focusing on ‘noticing’ the resources visitors brought with them and then responding appropriately. Portal to the Public fosters mutual respect, particularly by scientists of museum educators as well as the time investment that facilitates longer term commitment by scientists.