Inclusive museum and its impact on learning of special needs children

Inclusive museum and its impact on learning of special needs children

This study investigates the effect of learning in museums, an informal environment different from the traditional classroom, on children with special needs. The purpose of the project is to examine how the museum experience influences learning and socialization of children with developmental disorders. The author aimed to quantify and understand the value and impact of the museum experience through a mixed methods study design. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected through a standardized scale, observations, parental surveys, and pre‐ and post‐activity task evaluations. The results revealed a positive impact of the museum learning on knowledge acquisition and socialization demonstrated by increases in the total number of the participants’ information sharing and communication behaviors. The study contributes to improving our understanding of information and cultural needs of children with disabilities in an unconventional learning environment. It also raises public awareness of museums’ capacity to serve increasingly diverse user communities and provide wider access to cultural heritage.

Deng, Liya

Proceedings of the Association for Information Science and Technology, 52(1), 1-4

eng

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