School at the museum: the learning experience from the pupils' point of view

Abstract

Living the school experience at the Museum for a week represented a unique and immersive cultural experience for the primary and secondary school students of the Istituto XX of ZZ. This study aimed at analyzing the students' point of view, in order to bring out representations, significant experiences, attitudes and learning that they recognise as connected to the week at the Museum. A questionnaire was proposed with three questions, two of which were open-ended and one closed with multiple answers. All three questions asked the pupils to reflect on the characterizing elements, experiences and learnings that can make the Museum a 'special' place, not so much in terms of enjoyment of the experience but in terms of learning for life. The answers to the questionnaires were analyzed through a purpose-built categorical model and showed a surprising awareness by the pupils. They stated that they better understood the connections between the study disciplines and remembered especially scientific experiences. The results also showed that the civic function of the museum was also appreciated.