ABSTRACT
Real learning about incredibly complicated topics would truly take place, and the exhibition would change the lives of children and adults as well as solve the dismal problems of teachers and inner-city school administrators. Over time the author have created a metaphor for the way she think learning takes place in museums—and in the rest of life as well. This metaphor has to do with the stringing of beads. It seems that because of fiscal pressures and the perceived need to be relevant to broader audiences, some museums may be evolving into something related to, but pointedly not, community centers. Since education in exhibits is a highly personal event for the visitor—based on what he or she brings to the exhibit as well as what the exhibit provides—it stands to reason that the richer the bead choices available, the more likely we are to tap into visitors' individual learning styles and abilities.
