Assessing the impact of curricular collections use at a liberal arts college

• Published in: Museum management and curatorship (1990) 2017-01, Vol.32 (1), p.2-19
• Main Authors: Quave, Kylie E., Meister, Nicolette B.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: academic museum; Active learning; Curricula; Higher education; liberal arts; Museums; object-based learning; survey
• ISSN: 0964-7775; 1872-9185; 1872-9185
• DOI: 10.1080/09647775.2016.1201691

Research suggests that object-based, active learning enhances student experiences and learning outcomes. The Logan Museum of Anthropology has devoted significant resources to student-centered, inquiry-based learning. To determine if and how collections use was associated with enhanced learning across the curriculum of Beloit College, the museum's parent institution, we conducted two surveys of instructors and students. The purposes were (1) to define how deeply and intensely engaged students were with collections and (2) to evaluate the correlation of self-reported student learning outcomes with collections use in general and with deeply engaged collections use in particular. We found that enhanced student learning was associated with collections use across the liberal arts curriculum. Further, we found that positive learning outcomes positively correlated with deeper collections engagement. We also gathered qualitative student observations that provide examples of how collections use helped students understand course concepts, connect concepts between courses, and apply concepts beyond the classroom.