MUSEUM EDUCATION

MUSEUM EDUCATION- Using museums as a resource in teaching and learning (6-day/ 7-day course) Limassol

Learning is not limited to the classroom. Museums are important educational environments and offer a considerable learning potential. Pupils enrich their learning in various fields and gain experiences in a new setting.

Museums are important educational environments and offer a considerable learning potential. Collections exhibited in museums provide pupils with a tangible connection with time, places, events, or people and allow them to experience the evolution of human history and cultural heritage. Learning in museums helps pupils understand the historical value of objects, respect diverse cultures and understand multiculturalism. Exploring museums gives students the ability to engage actively in the process of acquiring knowledge and to express thoughts and emotions. Effective use of museums can lead to multifaceted learning, development of critical thinking skills and acquisition of lifelong learning skills of 21^st c.

This 6-day course gives participants theoretical background about Museum Education, as well as practical guidelines to integrate activities and implement programmes across the areas of curriculum and school life. Discussions, site visits and group work will enrich sharing ideas and exchange of practice between participants. There is also the possibility to extend the course to 7-day.

The cost for 6-day course is 480 euro and for 7-day course is 560 euro. It includes course fees, course material, entrance to museums and tours.

Objectives

During the course, participants will:

be informed about the role, objectives and benefits of Museum Education
study the educational role of the museum
study the framework of Museum Education (characteristics, approaches and techniques)
examine the steps of implementing school visits and organizing activities in museums, galleries, monuments and archaeological sites
examine the use of ICT tools for collecting data; for sharing data and communication; for doing creative activities
get in touch with educational programmes in museums and archeological sites in Cyprus
visit sites, museums, monuments etc. and plan activities/ programmes
take part in activities in museums and archaeological parks
practice a variety of activities in museums, cultural places, art galleries, archaeological sites
examine examples of good practice from participants’ schools.

Methodology

The working methods that are used are highly practical and participatory. The experiential method is used to encourage the search for contemporary pedagogical theories and teaching approaches. The hands-on approach is used to examine real examples, case studies, surveys and simulations. The group activities foster mutual learning, cooperation and collaboration between participants. The discussions encourage sharing ideas, intercultural dialogue and the exchange of good practices between the participants. Social, networking and cultural activities give participants the opportunity to establish professional cooperation and links with teachers, staff, schools and organisations in Europe. At the end of the course, participants fill in an e-questionnaire for evaluation.

Preparation

After confirming registration, participants will be informed about the details of the course (arrival, daily programme etc.). Participants will be able to introduce themselves and bring a few examples of activities/ programmes in museums and archaeological places implemented by their school/ community.

Course Schedule

DAY 1

Museum Education: A new way of teaching & learning
Benefits of Museum Education
Museum Education & lifelong learning skills
Activities for team building
The Museum and its mission
The Museum through the ages
Visit to Kourion archaeological site
Discussion about activities in archaeological sites.

DAY 2

Visit to Limassol Old city center, Carob Mill Museum, Medieval Castle & Museum and other monuments.
Doing activities in the city center.
Data collection for the group work
Tools for collecting data
ICT tools for sharing data & communication

DAY 3

The educational role of the Museum
History of Museum Education
Framework of Museum Education
Steps for planning learning activities in museums
Activities in museums & cultural places
ICT tools for creative activities

DAY 4

Approaches for Museum Education
Learning from objects
Activities in art galleries
Activities in archaeological sites & open air cultural places
Orientation Activities
Museum Education programmes in Cyprus

DAY 5

Visit to the Cyprus Theatre Museum, Limassol Archaeological Museum and Municipal Garden
Data collection for group work.

DAY 6

Techniques for Museum Education.
Activities for cultural awareness and expression.
Participants complete the group work, presentation of group work, review of the course, certificates.