what are snapthoughts?

Originally developed by the Museum Queeries Cluster, SnapThoughts are brief reflections that capture first or lingering impressions of an exhibition, ranging from the analytical to the affective and personal. They can take a variety of forms, including writing, visual media, and audio recording. Pedagogically, SnapThoughts encourage researchers to engage critical thinking skills while experiencing the exhibit. They are particularly effective in guiding researchers to create concise expressions that focus on engaging with one aspect of an exhibit, rather than attempting a comprehensive overview. SnapThoughts can become kernels for larger projects.

snapthought creation process:

1. Attend an exhibit as a group. Group visits contextualize the visit as a research activity and they generate more discussion. They are an opportunity to connect with and learn from fellow students, Research Assistants, and others.

2. Actively engage with the exhibit. Observe and take it in. Take notes and take pictures if doing so will be a useful reference later. Discuss the exhibit with others. Ask questions of a guide or each other.

3. Discuss thoughts as a group immediately afterward to compare notes. This discussion can also be useful for ensuring the accuracy of factual information, such as names and dates.

4. Create the SnapThought. Go back over notes and observations. Reflect on it all before choosing what to focus on. Self-edit the piece. If you have critiques of the exhibit, make sure that you have a grounded explanation as to why in order to avoid issues in your critique. This part of the process may look different depending on your individual creative process; you may prefer typing, writing by hand, or recording on your phone.

5. Have someone else edit the SnapThought. SnapThoughts are edited for grammar, punctuation, and clarity to ensure that they say what the author intended and for diplomacy in the case of contentious statements.

• Pros:

• Getting a second pair of eyes on your writing, especially since they are for a public audience.

• Collaboration in the process. Sometimes edits and pointers add more nuance to initial impressions.

• Providing a second opinion on potentially contentious reactions, which could possibly harm research relationships.

• Possible cons: 

• SnapThought after editing is less snappy and more refined than an initial, unfiltered reaction. 

• Since this process takes place after some time has passed, rather than immediately after, it can introduce changes in thought and opinion.

6. Post online or share with others. Sharing SnapThoughts provides a venue for public interaction and continued discussion. It also provides feedback for the exhibit.

considerations for instructors + facilitators:

There is some preparatory work and framing that should occur in order to get the most out of an exhibit visit and the SnapThought creation process.

• Read articles/essays/texts that relate to the subject, when applicable.

• Do preliminary research on the exhibit. Check out the exhibition website. Locate any available reviews or critiques.

• Connect in advance with curators or staff of the space hosting the exhibit and arrange for a staff member, curator or knowledge keeper to lead an exhibit tour. Pay CARFAC or other fees where appropriate. 

• Create an environment of trust for people to experience their own potentially difficult emotions. Check in with students regarding triggering information and give permission if they need accommodations. Provide support of emotionally stressful experiences.

• Leave room for students or respondents to react and have their own individual experiences. Allow for a wide range of responses.

Transmissions

On September 22, 2022, Museum Queeries members visited the Winnipeg Art Gallery for a guided tour of “Transmissions” with curator Mariana Muñoz Gomez.

see below for example snapthoughts created by museum queeries research assistants:

for more information:

November 30, 2022

TTTM Workshops:

SnapThoughts How-to with Museum Queeries