The role of the museum in modern school education

Abstract

Museums play a vital role and serve an essential function for society as the narrators and transmitters of a people’s cultural, historical, and technological identity, encompassing both the past and the present. Museums reflect the diverse experiences that humanity has accumulated over time. Accordingly, museums directly contribute to education, and their role is becoming increasingly significant and emphasized within the modern educational landscape.

    In our presentation, we focus on school education and develop two main directions in this regard: first, the significance of the museum’s involvement in school education along with the current trends and challenges in this area; and second, why the role of the museum is important at all three levels of schooling, what functions it serves, and how teachers use the museum as a resource in contemporary education.

   The museum, above all, is both a verbal and visual medium that complements and enriches school education and knowledge. Moreover, teachers of various subjects use museums as tools to reinforce learning and enhance its impact. Museums are highly valued for their role in fostering practical, cultural, and historical awareness. They also help students develop a broader worldview and perspective. In addition, museums provide tangible experiences that facilitate the understanding and internalization of theoretical knowledge, while also promoting the development of critical and analytical skills. It is clear that beyond these functions, museums serve as creative and innovative spaces that nurture students’ creative abilities and inspire them.

   Museums, their themes, and specialized programs correspond to modern school curricula and educational standards across several subjects. Museums must be capable of addressing current challenges, foremost among them being inclusivity, to ensure accessibility for every student—including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEN and SWD). When a museum functions as an interactive, dynamic, and inclusive space that at least sparks curiosity, it naturally becomes an effective teaching method.