Rethinking Docent Training at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts: A Pilot Project

Abstract

In 2014-2015, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) and Concordia University's School of Extended Learning conducted a joint pilot project with the objective of determining the effectiveness of a new approach for training volunteer museum guides based on a dialogic method. In this paper, we address: (i) the conceptualization of alternative training based on dialogic concepts; (ii) the development of a new course outline; (iii) the trial period during which volunteers took part in test training; (iv) and, finally, aspects of what we learned during this undertaking. This pilot project is important because it will influence future docent training at the MMFA and possibly elsewhere. from all constituents (the pilot project participants, the professional course instructors, the museum and university personnel). The MMFA is an acknowledged leader in fine art museum I