Science communication strategies to diverse audiences: a study on the educators of nine science museums and centers from Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

This exploratory study aims to understand the profile of educators working in science museums and centers in Rio de Janeiro, the challenges faced in carrying out the activity, and the strategies they developed to communicate science to a diverse audience. Data were collected in September and October 2022 through an online questionnaire containing open and closed questions. Twelve institutions were invited to participate, facilitating access to their educators. We obtained 33 valid responses from educators from nine institutions. The results indicate that most of these professionals are young, between 20 and 25 years old, have completed or are studying higher education, have worked at the institution for less than two years, and receive a scholarship as a payment method. The school audience is the most frequent in their work, and the most challenging are people with disabilities. The data suggest that professionals undergo training courses at the institutions, but there is still a need for training to engage with people with disabilities. More than half of the participants feel safe returning to in-person activities after the COVID-19 pandemic due to their vaccine doses being up to date and the implementation of biosafety measures in the museums where they work. The information and reflections gathered in this study can contribute to the discussion on the professionalization of museum educators and the design of training programs for these professionals. This can contribute to enhancing diversity in science museums, science centers, and science education and communication.

Keywords

• mediadores
• educação não-formal
• museus de ciências