Thematic interpretation
Encyclopedia
Thematic Interpretation is the practice of verbal and non verbal communication
, using illustrated and non illustrated techniques, used by interpretive naturalists, Natural and cultural interpretive specialists, tour guide
s and others to present complex and sometimes dry subject matter in an interesting and engaging way. The technique can involve using analogies
and stories that are relevant to the audience avoiding unnecessary details and presenting information on subjects with enthusiasm and appropriate humor. Several learning paradigms are used about interpretation models such as "E.R.O.T." (Enjoyable, Relevant, Organized, Thematic), and organizing talks around themes rather than topics. There is strong parallel between the field of interpretation as founded by Freeman Tilden and constructivist
educational theory, both cognitive (Piaget
) and social (Vygotsky).
The technique was popularized in the book Environmental Interpretation (1992) by Dr. Sam H. Ham (University of Idaho) and has become standard reading for many students of interpretive tour guiding. Prior to Dr. Ham's book, two additional contributors to the field of Interpretation are its founder, Freeman Tilden and his seminal book, Interpreting Our Heritage (1957) and Dr. Grant W. Sharpe (University of Washington) and his important foundation work, Interpreting the Environment.
Thematic Interpretation (TI) also refers to an event in some high school competitive speech leagues such as the California High School Speech Association
and the National Christian Forensics and Communications Association
. "TIers" present multiple "cuttings" from published works on a common theme; they can be of humorous and/or dramatic intent. The entire speech including an introduction and transitions should not exceed ten minutes. Contestants are judged based on the appropriateness of their selections and their portrayal of the characters. Another defining characteristic of Thematic Interpretation is the use of a single binder as a prop.
Communication
Communication is the activity of conveying meaningful information. Communication requires a sender, a message, and an intended recipient, although the receiver need not be present or aware of the sender's intent to communicate at the time of communication; thus communication can occur across vast...
, using illustrated and non illustrated techniques, used by interpretive naturalists, Natural and cultural interpretive specialists, tour guide
Tour guide
A tour guide provides assistance, information and cultural, historical and contemporary heritage interpretation to people on organized tours, individual clients, educational establishments, at religious and historical sites, museums, and at venues of other significant interest...
s and others to present complex and sometimes dry subject matter in an interesting and engaging way. The technique can involve using analogies
Analogy
Analogy is a cognitive process of transferring information or meaning from a particular subject to another particular subject , and a linguistic expression corresponding to such a process...
and stories that are relevant to the audience avoiding unnecessary details and presenting information on subjects with enthusiasm and appropriate humor. Several learning paradigms are used about interpretation models such as "E.R.O.T." (Enjoyable, Relevant, Organized, Thematic), and organizing talks around themes rather than topics. There is strong parallel between the field of interpretation as founded by Freeman Tilden and constructivist
Constructivism (learning theory)
Constructivism is a theory of knowledge that argues that humans generate knowledge and meaning from an interaction between their experiences and their ideas. During infancy, it was an interaction between human experiences and their reflexes or behavior-patterns. Piaget called these systems of...
educational theory, both cognitive (Piaget
Jean Piaget
Jean Piaget was a French-speaking Swiss developmental psychologist and philosopher known for his epistemological studies with children. His theory of cognitive development and epistemological view are together called "genetic epistemology"....
) and social (Vygotsky).
The technique was popularized in the book Environmental Interpretation (1992) by Dr. Sam H. Ham (University of Idaho) and has become standard reading for many students of interpretive tour guiding. Prior to Dr. Ham's book, two additional contributors to the field of Interpretation are its founder, Freeman Tilden and his seminal book, Interpreting Our Heritage (1957) and Dr. Grant W. Sharpe (University of Washington) and his important foundation work, Interpreting the Environment.
Thematic Interpretation (TI) also refers to an event in some high school competitive speech leagues such as the California High School Speech Association
California High School Speech Association
The California High School Speech Association, or CHSSA, is a speech and debate organization offered to all schools in the state of California. It is the governing body for local and state speech and debate competitions in California, with higher-level competition under the auspices of the National...
and the National Christian Forensics and Communications Association
National Christian Forensics and Communications Association
The National Christian Forensics and Communications Association is a speech and debate league for Christian homeschooled students in the United States. The NCFCA was established in 2001 after outgrowing its parent organization, the Home School Legal Defense Association , which had been running the...
. "TIers" present multiple "cuttings" from published works on a common theme; they can be of humorous and/or dramatic intent. The entire speech including an introduction and transitions should not exceed ten minutes. Contestants are judged based on the appropriateness of their selections and their portrayal of the characters. Another defining characteristic of Thematic Interpretation is the use of a single binder as a prop.