The future young guides of the National Centre RUSSIA learned about the importance of the guide’s portfolio
Another session of the Young Guide School, which began its work on February 1, took place at the National Centre RUSSIA. The lesson was dedicated to the guide’s portfolio — a special set of materials and visual aids that experienced guides use to support their tour programs.
The School’s instructor, leading guide of the National Centre RUSSIA Irina Alexeyeva, explained to the participants what the guide’s portfolio includes and why it is essential.
"The guide’s portfolio is essentially everything you hold in your hands while conducting a tour. It may contain photographs with reproductions of paintings or historically significant documents, geographic maps, product samples, and so on. These items are constant companions of a guide and help make any story more engaging and informative, adding new and interesting meanings," noted Irina Alexeyeva.
The expert outlined the key criteria for selecting visual aids for the portfolio. These include the appropriateness of use, uniqueness, and expressiveness of the materials. She paid special attention to the educational value of the portfolio’s contents — how each item can enrich the tour, making the presentation and narration more illustrative and accessible.
"For example, we all use money, but not everyone pays attention to the images on different banknotes and their significance. In the 'Journey Across Russia' section of our exposition, where the Far Eastern Federal District is represented, we will pass through a replica of the Russian Bridge in Vladivostok, and we have a 2,000-ruble banknote featuring this bridge. I also have an exclusive banknote issued for the FIFA World Cup. So why not show such interesting items to tour participants?" noted Irina Alexeyeva.
The instructor also explained to the participants how to prepare items for the portfolio, when, and in what order they should be presented.
After the lecture, the students visited the 'Journey Across Russia' exposition. Teacher Mikhail Sharayev, an experienced guide, shared fascinating facts about the exhibits, culture, and nature of the country. The tour captivated the schoolchildren, who admitted that they now want to conduct similar tours for visitors themselves.
The Young Guide School continues the tradition established at the International RUSSIA EXPO. The project involves students from Moscow and the Moscow region aged 9 to 17. The lessons immerse them in the world of history, art, and technology, introduce them to the country’s cultural legacy, and teach speech techniques and public speaking skills. The training will last three months. Upon completion, young guides will conduct tours of the expositions at the National Centre RUSSIA.
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