During both tours, I found the students to be quite challenging to manage. Only 1 to 3 students actively participated in the close looking activities, while others were scattered around, examing different art objects, doodling on their clip boards, or simply observing quietly.
However, the students seemed to particularly enjoy the “Guardian Room”. The artist was present, and they eagerly identified the creatures depicted in his work, as well as the person holding the turtle shell. The artist shared his personal story about how the art project was inspired by his experiences; after an accident where he fell off a cliff, he lost some of his memories. He explained that the way the art lights up to reflect an image symbolizes his ability to take on thoughts, activities, and information from work or school to compensate for his lost memories.
Additionally, the students enfaged in activities like sketching and writing postcards about what they saw in the “Ten Symbols of Immortality” exhibition. These hands -on activities rather than the close looking conversations, allowed them to explore their thoughts about the artwork.
In sharing about the Qlin, the being who makes an appearance only during reign of just rulers symbolizing prosperity and imminent prosperity, a student stated that Qlin would never appear in the US!
I was not able to follow the route, 4 zones , in an efficient manner due to the difficulty managing the group and the room blockage .
USC PAM Docent Blog and Resource Site 
Thank you for sharing the challenges! Every group is different which is why it is a good idea to have a variety of strategies in our toolbox to which we can pivot. How fortunate for you and the students that the artist of the Guardians was there! I hope he will be available when I have my next tour; I think his perspective is valuable and interesting to the students.
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