I am developing a peer-to-peer explainer training program for the
recently opened Techmania Science Center (Czech Republic) and was
hoping people could share any ideas, information, or frameworks. For
example, evaluation forms – if you use them, what criteria do you
study, how you use the data, and any other tips you may have picked up
over the years.
In particular, ideas for how to get the program started are greatly
appreciated, as one of the difficulties I'm finding is the lack of a
knowledge base and core group of well versed explainers from which
others could seek out information and guidance. Currently, most
workers are quite new and tend to stick around certain topics they
know or enjoy and shy away from all others.

Explainer training program is different in each SC. Each developed some unique approaches on the base of good and bad practices. We often use the "learn from mistakes" method. One of such experiences was when we wanted explainers to do the training course for other explainers. It did not work out. It was like the children's game of "telephone" where one whispers a word to the next person's ear, and then this person to the next person's ear and so on ... Information got lost.

In Hiša eksperimentov we have two persons responsible for the initial, continious training of demonstrators (explainers), following and evaluating their work.

Miha

In some science centres they are used to organize weekly (or monthly) meetings, in which the explainers share knowledge. For example: "My best of", in turn the explainers present something they think they do/or know at the best; etc. Those are not exactly training courses, but sort of in-service training, very informal, but very effective in order to create a peer-to-peer community. Usually who don't like it are the managers, because it costs! The explainers should be paid for those extra hours.

I will try to think how to help you.