There are many ways of imparting education and facilitating learning with the use of innovative teaching strategies. One such strategy of sharing information with a large group of people is exhibition. There are multiple numbers of audio and visual aids that are used to complement the teaching process, the combination of various av aids at one place under one roof and on a specific theme is called exhibition.
In british english the word “exhibition” is used for a collection of items placed on display and the event as a whole.
Exhibition is a planned display of models, charts, specimens, posters etc., to present the public view for instruction and to put in a competition, advertising or entertainment”. (Gilbert)
Types of exhibition
1. Educational exhibition
These are conducted usually by students of an educational institute. These exhibition are planned to educate audience regarding a particular theme. In nursing the educational exhibition are conducted for the purpose of imparting health education among community people regarding the prevention, early detection and management of prevalent disease condition.
Example: Exhibition conducted by nursing students for educating people about the prevention of HIV AIDS on World AIDS Day.
2. Consumer exhibition
In consumer exhibition products of different industries is put on display. This type of exhibition is usually planned by different industry owners to meet the requirement of target consumers. The exhibit is generally of small products which can be organized on small scale and the selling and purchasing occurs hand to hand.
Example: Display of various products for nurses, nursing equipment, and books etc. during a national conference for nurses.
3. Trade exhibition
This sort of exhibition is generally framed for meeting the needs of specific type of business. These are different from consumer exhibition as they are organized on a very large scale which involves display of large product. The selling and purchasing is a time consuming process which initiates only after the proper seal of deal between the buyer and consumer company. Trade exhibition invites only the representatives of target companies for sale of products.
Example: An exhibition conducted by a surgical instrument manufacturing company where medical product like ventilators, medical equipment etc. are on display for target hospitals.
Purposes of exhibition
1. To offer maximum sensory stimulation for strengthening the learning
As exhibition comprise of different modes of teaching and a.v aids hence the learner gains sensory stimulation at higher rate as compared to traditional classroom teaching. This increases the learner’s ability of grasping and retaining information.
2. To boost the habit of team work:
An exhibition requires great deal of effort and group harmony for its success. Various student committees serving different purposes are created for execution of exhibition. The committee members had to coordinate with each other and keep harmony for planning and organization the final exhibition. This leads to the development of team spirit among students from a very young age.
3. To develop leadership quality among students:
Students while working under separate committees are guided by the student leader of the committee. The student leader work as a communication bridge between organizing faculty in-charge and committee member. This position allows student to learn management and develop leadership quality.
4. To facilitate interest:
Exhibition consist of various av aids and modes of teaching hence it tends to bind audience interest efficiently. Other than audience organizing people also show interest as it gives them opportunity to mix their individual talents with learning situation.
To provide opportunity to clarify doubts and learn at own pace:
In exhibition audience can go through various display stations and can learn about specific topic according to their own pace. Audience can clarify the doubts with the one who is teaching at display station.
Advantages of exhibition
- It is suitable for illiterate people also.
- It facilitates maximum sensory stimulation.
- It develops interest among audience as well as the organizers.
- It develops team spirit and leadership quality among students.
- It gives opportunity to students to escape from the traditional teaching scenario.
- It gives opportunity to students to showcase their creative skills.
Disadvantages of exhibition
- It is a time consuming process.
- Its arrangement requires more money.
- It can’t substitute the traditional classroom teaching and is less frequently used method of teaching.
- It requires careful planning and expert guidance for successful execution.
One of the main functions of nurses is to provide health education and exhibition is a great way of providing learning opportunity with wide variety of aids at one place.
When planned carefully and under expert guidance exhibition can go places in terms of imparting education but, lack of funds, time and proper planning can become barriers to its success.
