Museums, Galleries and Heritage Sites - Their Role in Education - Essay Example

Museums, Galleries and Heritage Sites – Their Role in Education Introduction Almost since times immemorial, human beings have been having educationalpursuits in some form or the other. The educational practices, which were rather primitive in the remote past, are now synonymous with sophistication, courtesy not just the surge in technology but also the growth in human being’s intellect. The primary objective propelling all patterns of education is to acquire knowledge that plays a pivotal role in the eventual success of an individual, in their diverse pursuits that are an indispensable part of the existence on the globe. At this juncture, it also needs to be understood that, for the purpose of this paper, the term “education” would be encompassing both the formal academic education and also the general concept of the term, stating that life itself is a continuous process of learning. There are countless facets of the aspect of comprehensively educating an individual. But in this particular essay, the focus would be solely on understanding the highly important role being played by museums, galleries and heritage sites in the overall process of education. All the ensuing contents would be based on literature that can be classified as a contemporary one, and which is attributable to the relentless endeavors of experts who toiled in the field. This literature would be emphasizing on not just the strong relation between all the aforesaid locations and education, but also on elaborating the manner in which museums, galleries, etc, have evolved over the years. This paper, by covering some real instances, would enable in developing a thorough understanding about the fact that, irrespective of the respective social or intellectual backgrounds of visitors, museums, heritage sites and galleries do fulfill a significant part of their educational needs. The Educational Role of the Museum In the second and revised edition of the book “The Educational Role of the Museum”, whose editing has been done by Eilean Hooper – Greenhill, numerous key facets of the subject are encompassed, fully in conformity with all the related latest trends. This new edition includes many latest articles and findings that go on to further strengthen the already strong relationship between museums and the aspect of education. (1) The book includes highly relevant guidelines for museum visitors, hailing from diverse sections of the society. These (guidelines) facilitate the visitors in following a method apt for them, in making their visit to the museum as a highly educative experience. The book also has valuable advice for museums about the necessity for them in designing a solid pattern of communication with visitors. (1) As a matter of fact, it could be conveniently stated that, a thorough reading of “The Educational Role of the Museum” would make sure that the entire perspective of an individual pertaining to museum visits undergoes a positive transformation. At this point, it would be worthwhile in having a brief look also at another book penned down by the same author, in the year 1994. Museums and Their Visitors In “Museums and Their Visitors”, Greenhill emphasizes on the fact that, it is of utmost relevance for museums to rapidly adapt themselves to the changing circumstances, so that the needs of the visitors are successfully addressed. This book, which includes many real life examples, elaborates on the various modes in which the educational needs of the visitors can be fulfilled, by the museums. Also, in the book, Greenhill identifies the varying requirements of visitors pertaining to diverse backgrounds, and suggests the manner in which museums can design different communication patterns that are apt for each and every profile (of visitors). (2) The brief glimpse of the above two books effectively focuses on the highly relevant role that is being essayed by museums, galleries, etc, in the realm of education. The books also subtly suggest that, a visit to museum should not be viewed solely as a recreational one, and that the strong link that it (museum) has with education, needs to be aptly understood by one and all. Here, a glimpse at some more literature on “Museums and Education” would be of immense help in fully comprehending the significance of the subject. The Engaging Museum and developing museums for Visitor involvement In his book “The Engaging Museum and Developing Museums for Visitor Involvement”, the author Graham Black describes the various educational programs being implemented by various museums. One such program that has been highlighted by him is the one that adopts a didactic approach aimed at addressing educational endeavors with specific learning goals. Black also conveys that museums adhering to these formats design their exhibitions in a manner so that primary learning objective of them (exhibitions) is effectively communicated to the visitors. In this book, the author also emphasizes on the key fact that, curators of museums vouch for the near flawlessness of the aforesaid method in effectively fulfilling the educational needs of the visitors. (3) Museums and Community: Ideas, Issues, Challenges In “Museums and Community: Ideas, Issues, Challenges”, the author Elizabeth Crooke emphatically states that it is of paramount importance for museums to be relating themselves to history and culture of local communities. The author argues that when museums do establish this relationship, the local denizens are facilitated in attaining more knowledge about diverse facets that are directly pertinent to them. In the book, Elizabeth presents incontrovertible facts that go on to show the high levels of efficiency displayed by museums of the US and the UK in successfully meeting the needs of local communities. She maintains that when museums and galleries manage to link themselves with the local residents and entities, the same would be motivating them for endeavoring to address various key social issues. (4) To add further strength to her arguments on “Museums and Communities’, Elizabeth Crooke cites two instances related to Philadelphia. Firstly, in the year 1995, the state witnessed the implementation of a program “Museums in the Life of a City”, and the same was succeeded by “Museums and Community Initiative”, three years later. Both these initiatives were propelled by the primary objective of strengthening the bond between museums and local communities, as elaborated by Elizabeth Crooke. (4) The UK – Initiatives Aimed at Developing Museums For about the past seven years the UK Government has been initiating many concrete measures playing a highly pivotal role in further development of the Kingdom’s Museum Sector. Here, it would be highly appropriate to be having a glance at two such programs of the UK. The British Museum Africa Program, which started in the year 2003 and continued for the next three years, was aimed at further consolidation of ties between the UK and various African countries such as Kenya, Tanzania and Mali, amongst others. The Program, which obtained monetary assistance to the tune of £500,000 from DCMS, includes many alliances for displaying of items related to African History and Culture, in the museums of the UK. These, along with various other key partnerships, are projected to strengthen the ties between the UK and various African Regions leading to a win – win situation for both. (5) SYNTHESIS, which was rated as being the globe’s biggest natural history institutions network, came into existence, in the year 2006. The network was constituted of the leading natural history institutions of the European Region, and was aimed at displaying a vast collection of diverse botanical, zoological and geological specimens. SYNTHESIS obtained a funding of about 13 million Euros from Infrastructure Program of the Sixth Framework Programme, the leading source of the European Union for funding activities of scientific research. The program was expected to enable exchanging of key information between the diverse zones, as well as furthering research in various related realms. (5) Learning from Museums: Visitor Experiences and the Making of Meaning In the book “Learning from Museums: Visitor Experiences and the Making of Meaning”, John H. Falk and Lynn D. Dierking thoroughly examine many vital issues related to museums. These issues are inclusive of understanding the primary purpose propelling people to visit museums, the actual learning experience of visitors, and the way to be followed (by museums) for serving the communities, to cite a few. (6) For effectively conveying their point, Falk and Dierking present research material related to diverse spheres such as psychology, education and neuroscience, amongst many others, and detail the precise pattern of learning experience in a museum. The book also contains highly relevant advice for the museums, about the measures to be initiated by them for further enhancing the ambience conducive for visitor education. (6) Owing to all the contents that have been discussed in this paper, up to now, it is clear beyond any doubt that the educational role of museums has obtained more recognition, in comparison with the corresponding scenario of the past. Museums and galleries are no longer being viewed as places that are just sources of entertainment and recreation. And it is highly heartening to be making a note that even governments are now coming out with many policies that strengthen the image of museums as learning centers, as is evident by a few programs mentioned earlier in the paper. Dr. Michael Fopp – The Author and The Curator Dr. Michael Fopp is the author of “Managing Museums and Galleries”, which was first published in the year 1997. The exhaustive information provided in the book is attributable primarily to the author’s personal experience as the curator of the Royal Air force Museum. In fact, Dr. Fopp would be retiring in June 2010, after rendering priceless service to the museum, for many years. The above – mentioned book is a perfect blend of both his working experience and also the knowledge from other sources accumulated by him over the period of his service. (7) As a matter of fact, it was Dr. Fopp who was chiefly responsible for the advent of the museum’s collection management systems, wherein; the public were enabled to view countless items related to the museum, through the Internet. In addition, he successfully addressed all the other aspects that are an indispensable part of the job profile of a museum curator. His book vividly describes the various solutions for the diverse management issues related to museums and galleries. (7) Even a superficial study of Dr. Michael Fopp’s profile would emphasize on the key role that can be played by a curator in enhancing the learning environment of a museum. In fact, based on the example of Dr. Fopp, it could be conveniently inferred that, more than anything else, the efforts of a curator are very much essential in technologically upgrading any museum. Museum Volunteers: Good Practice in the Management of Volunteers In “Museum Volunteers: Good Practice in the Management of Volunteers”, the authors Sinclair Goodlad and Stephanie Mclvor stress upon the relevance of volunteers in successfully addressing the diverse facets related to museums. The book, which could be conveniently considered as a practical guide, cites real instances from North America and the UK in conveying the significance of volunteerism, which is yet to be given due recognition. The book thoroughly analyzes a specific form of voluntary activity, which it considers to be the most effective one in enhancing the image of museums as providers of education. (8) In the book, the authors have described in length the various programs of museum volunteerism, being adhered to in Canada and the US. The same is used to strengthen its (book) basic premise that emphatically speaks about the topmost relevance that volunteers hold, in transforming the museums as genuine educational centers imparting key knowledge to all the visitors. Museums in the Twenty first Century: Concepts, Projects, Buildings “Museums in the Twenty first Century: Concepts, Projects, Buildings” is a vivid reflection of the rapid and drastic transformation that the museums across the globe are undergoing. The authors of this book, S. Greub and T. Greub, clearly elaborate this constant change. They convey that in the nineteenth century, museums were solely for the purpose of enabling people in developing an awareness of both diverse cultures and also histories of various zones. (9) But with the advent of the age of technology, museums were necessitated to encompass many other activities and events such as lectures, films and concerts, etc, under their purview. They had to change into commercial entities running the extra mile for increasing the number of visitors. Consequently, marketing and other promotional activities have become an indispensable part of the museum operations, and the museums could no longer afford to confine themselves to the traditional mode of functioning. (9) The authors also argue that the design of a museum building is as important as the collection inside its precincts. For strengthening this point, they cite the example of the New York based Frank Lloyd Wright’s Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. The book focuses on eighteen latest buildings, which include both extensions to existing places and also new museums, whose design appeals to the aesthetic value conforming to modern standards. These new buildings are spread across Europe, the US, Australia and Asia. (9) Constructivism and Museums In “Learning in the Museum”, the author George Hein communicates about the importance of the learning pattern conforming to the theory of Constructivism, to be adhered to, by the museums. The theory of constructivism concentrates on the learning process if an individual, by providing for utmost flexibility and freedom to the learner. And perhaps, the most vital feature of this format is, it directly relates to the knowledge that the learner already has. (10) In November 2007, a workshop for twenty four students was conducted in New South Wales, where, they were queried on diverse issues pertaining to their usage of online technologies. These students also visited the museum, and had a thorough interaction with the technical personnel, along with attentively observing the entire premises. The resultant feedback from the students was highly positive, from the perspective of the issue of “Museum and Education”. The students stated that the knowledge gained from visiting the museum was perfectly complementary to the related information that they already were having. This workshop also threw light on another key factor – no one visits museums only for playing games, and that the primary objective is to learn something new. Additionally, the workshop emphasized on the fact that only those students who frequent the museums are actively involved in various internet – based activities. This again subtly focuses on the role of museums as houses of knowledge. (10) The points discussed in the previous paragraph clearly convey that the museum in question is meticulously striving to adhere to the constructivist format of learning, as is evident by the feedback provided by the students. And this in turn goes on to add further weight to the argument of George Hein that, a museum could do full justice to its role as a educational center, only when it follows the format of learning based on the theory of Constructivism. Museum Strategy and Marketing: Designing Missions, Building Audiences, Generating Revenue and Resources In “Museum Strategy and Marketing: Designing Missions, Building Audiences, Generating Revenue and Resources”, which has been penned down by the Kotler Brothers, Neil Kotler and Philip Kotler, the authors focused on the importance of a sound marketing strategy, for museums. The book convincingly conveys that an appropriate marketing plan is imperative for both the long – run growth and also the eventual survival of any museum. This is more so in light of the contemporary scenario where heightened competition is the order of the day, in all spheres of activity, with the museum being no exception. (11) As a matter of fact, many people from the Museum Sector including curators have given testimony to the highly valid contents of this latest work from the brothers. The book does not stop with just speaking about the relevance of marketing, but also goes on to give exhaustive guidelines for designing an apt strategy. These guidelines are the outcome of the relentless efforts of many professionals, and are entirely based on current trends and practices. That meticulous adherence to them (guidelines), in all likelihood, would consolidate the stature of any museum, notwithstanding the fierce competitive scenario, warrants no special mention. (11) New Museum Theory and Practice: An Introduction “New Museum Theory and Practice: An Introduction”, which has been edited by Janet Marstine, scrupulously analyzes the modernistic perspective of managing museums. The book is a compilation of various essays, each dealing with an apparently different topic, but all of them going on to address the aforesaid issue of the contemporary approach to museums. The first essay of the book very clearly throws light on the new trends and the challenges that the modern – day museum is now confronted with. The essays are inclusive of research findings of Eric Gable, Julie L. McGee and Moira G. Simpson, all of whom are prominent names in the avenues related to present – day museums. (12) The essays convey the serious challenges that are being faced by the modern museums, in their attempt to strike a perfect equilibrium between the conventional and the modernistic modes of functioning. The book also states about the various possible unpleasant political implications that could result from interpretations and analyses of foreign cultures, by the museums. It (book) includes a portion strongly implying that some museums even go to the extent of tampering some objects on display, just for the purpose of avoiding any of the above unwanted situations. To put the matter in a nutshell, the essays project a very candid picture of the present sphere of museum, and the same might not be appreciated by all the readers. (12) New Visions for Museums in the 21st Century In the book “New Visions for Museums in the 21st Century”, the author V. Middleton elaborates on the contemporary role of museums, with the same being in stark contrast to the one related to museums of the bygone era. He focuses on the fact that the Tourism Sector is one of the leading ones of the UK, and goes on to add that museums and galleries are an integral part of it (Tourism Sector). In this book, which was published in the year 1998, Middleton projects that by 2001, about £5 billion related to lottery would be attributable to the avenues of heritage and arts. The author also estimates that the total number of tourists in the UK, visiting galleries and museums, would rise to about 98 million, by the year 2002. (13) Using these very projections as the basis, Middleton goes on to strengthen his argument that the museums would be rendering yeomen service to the UK’s Industry of Tourism, by expanding the scope of their operations, as per the dictates of the contemporary scenario. The Anderson Report Since a long time, importance has been attached to the educational value of museums. But with the passage of time and with the advent of the technological era, museums were entailed in seeking the latest patterns of learning. Mr. David Anderson, who was the Director of Learning in the Victoria & Albert Museum, came out with his highly emphatic report in the year 1997, and the same was modified two years later. (14) The report candidly stated that the museums were yet to function to their full potential, in terms of providing knowledge. Anderson categorically added that, museums could successfully meet the needs of all segments of the society, when they utilize the full potential. The report stated that for the realization of the above objective, it is imperative for the Museum industry to run the extra mile in expanding its resources. Anderson enumerated many guidelines and methods that would be assisting the museums in transforming themselves as much bigger sources of knowledge and information. (14) After the publication of the Anderson Report and over the subsequent years, many opinions voiced by it (Report) have become the uniform standards for all the museums. Many measures were initiated, based on the recommendations of Anderson, and consequently, the level of education in museums displayed a noteworthy rise. (14) Together, both the DCMS and DIES made investments in various programs aimed at enhancing the children’s educational experience, in museums. The program “Inspiring Learning for All” was introduced in the year 2004, for the purpose of facilitating all museums of the UK, in bringing out sound learning practices. (14) The above paragraph includes just two of the many related initiatives that almost immediately succeeded the Anderson Report, and played a pivotal role in enhancing the image of the UK Museums as learning centers par excellence. Inspiring Learning for All – The Portal The portal, inspiringlearningforall.gov.uk, enables, inspires and enhances the learning experience, by providing a support system for places such as libraries, museums and archives, to cite a few. The services offered by this website, which has been designed by MLA (Museums, Libraries and Archives Council) of the UK, have been put to good use by many reputed entities such as English Heritage and BBC, etc. The portal enables the relevant entities in developing the most appropriate form of learning. It (website) also provides valuable assistance in identifying various groups and organizations, with which an alliance can be formed for furthering all the pursuits of learning. (15) At this juncture, it would be highly apt in having a look at two of the museum projects that have been successfully implemented, courtesy the services of inspiringlearningforall.gov.uk. mimacast: This project was propelled by the objective of providing eLearning, by bringing about an integration of services related to children’s welfare and culture. As a part of the project, which evidenced the efficiency of the Museum sector in functioning in coordination with various regional teams, children were encouraged to make podcasts that were eventually made accessible on a website. The Project, as suggested by its name, was based at Mima and it included a social gathering comprising of not just the participating children but also all their respective friends and family members. (15) Make the Link Break the Chain: To commemorate the completion of two centuries, from the time when transatlantic slave trade was abolished, the International Slavery Museum was opened, in the year 2007. Almost at the same time, NML (National Museums Liverpool) allied with schools in Brazil, Senegal and Sierra Leone, among many others, to aptly convey the adverse impacts that slavery exercised on various communities. (15) As a part of the above event, a program “Make the Link Break the Chain” was also conducted. The Program provided the ambience of an Internet – based virtual community, where the students carried out a study of different aspects of slavery, and came out with their respective responses. This program, along with enhancing the students’ understanding of the topic of slavery, was also successful in honing their diverse skills. It needs to be mentioned that the students got an excellent opportunity for displaying their artistic creativity, too. And it needs to be noted that, this particular program was bestowed the international award, by “the UK Museums and Heritage Awards for Excellence”. (15) Summary and Conclusion This paper carried out an exhaustive study of the manner in which the museums have evolved, over the years, as providers of education. The past scenario of the museums and galleries was dwelled upon, and the same has been compared with the latest challenges and issues that are being addressed by the contemporary Museum Industry. The research paper also encompassed a brief study of various books, websites and other literature pertinent to diverse facets of museum management. Probably, the most important part of this paper is the study of the real instances, where museums have faced the aforesaid challenges and swiftly adapted themselves to the rapidly changing scenarios. The fact that all these initiatives enhanced the position of those museums, as topmost learning centers, warrants no special mention. The paper also focused on the all – important fact that when respective governments do initiate some prompt related measures, the same would be of immense help to museums and galleries, in fortifying themselves amidst the constantly rising competition. Here, it won’t be out of place in recollecting the various positive trends of the UK, with not the least amongst them being the website and the programs discussed in the preceding section. Notwithstanding all the contents discussed in this paper, it needs to be conceded that, worldwide, there are still some museums that are abiding only to the conventional mode of working, and hence are lagging behind as sources of education. And the same could be attributable to many limitations. In light of the contemporary global trends, it is highly essential for all those museums to be upgrading themselves accordingly. Inability to initiate prompt corrective actions by them, in all probability, would jeopardize their very survival. This is so because, in the present – day World and in all sectors, it won’t be too long for an entity to vanish, if the needs of the customers are not properly met. And the customers of a museum are the visitors and their primary need is to obtain educative knowledge. The topic “Museums and Education” is a highly exhaustive one, where all the relevant points cannot be encompassed in a brief paper such as this one. Yet, a sincere attempt has been made to cover all the important points. SOURCES 1) “The Educational Role of the Museum”, routledge.com/books/details/9780415198271/, Internet, Routledge Taylor & Francis Group, 2010. 2) “Museums and Their Visitors”, routledge.com/books/details/9780415068574/, Internet, Routledge Taylor & Francis Group, 2010. 3) “Investigating online museum exhibits and personal cognitive learning preferences”, ascilite.org.au/conferences/auckland09/procs/alwi.pdf, Internet, Asmidah Alwi and Elspeth McKay, 2009. 4) “Meeting the challenges of the future?”, recollections.nma.gov.au/issues/vol_2_no_1/papers/meeting_the_challenges_of_the_future/, Internet, Kylie Message, ND. 5) “International Strategy 2006”, webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/+/http://www.culture.gov.uk/images/publications/internatonal_strategy_revisedOct06.pdf, Internet, Department for Culture, Media & Sport, October 2006. 6) “Learning from Museums: Visitor Experiences and the Making of Meaning”, amazon.com/Learning-Museums-Experiences-American-Association/dp/0742502953, Internet, amazon.com, ND. 7) “ROYAL AIRFORCE MUSEUM”, rafmuseum.org.uk/cosford/media-enquiries/press-release, Internet, ROYAL AIRFORCE MUSEUM, January 19, 2010. 8) “Museum Volunteers Good Practice in the Management of Volunteer”, informaworld.com/smpp/title~content=t727476435, Internet, informaworld.com, 2010. 9) “Museums in the 21st Century: CONCEPTS, PROJECTS, BUILDINGS”, fristcenter.org/site/exhibitions/exhibitiondetail.aspx?cid=685, Internet, fristcenter.org, 2009. 10) “INFORMAL LEARNING AND SOCIAL MEDIA”, audience-research.wikispaces.com/file/view/Kelly+Museum+3.0+paper.pdf, Internet, Lynda Kelly, February 2008. 11) “Museum Strategy and Marketing: Designing Missions, Building Audiences, Generating Revenue and Resources”, amazon.de/Museum-Strategy-Marketing-Generating-Jossey-Bass/dp/0787909122, Internet, amazon.de, ND. 12) “New Museum Theory and Practice: An Introduction. Janet Marstine”, scholarworks.iu.edu/journals/index.php/mar/article/viewFile/85/167, Internet, Laura Peers, 2006. 13) “The embodiment of the social roles of modern museums – A Study on space and body in the modern museums”, intercom.museum/documents/1-5Huang.pdf, Internet, HUANG Hsu, ND. 14) “Museums and the education agenda”, museumsassociation.org/publications/8122, Internet, MUSEUMS ASSOCIATION, ND. 15) “Inspiring Learning”, inspiringlearningforall.gov.uk/, Internet, MLA, 2008. (Kindly note that wherever information has been taken from sources, I rephrased in my own words, so as to avoid plagiarism.) Read More