Download BAROČNO SLIKARSTVO

Intergenerational learning and volunteering in museums:
a Slovenian example of an educational project between the
Third Age University and museums
VALUE Conference, Ankara, 8–9 June 2011
Rajka Bračun Sova, Independent educator in culture, Ljubljana, Slovenia
(1) Museums, lifelong learning and volunteering
In Slovenia, older people have been targeted as
museum audiences only recently.
In 2007 the Third Age University started the elderlycentred programme Cultural Mediators.
Less than half (43 %) of museums involve volunteers.
The Third Age
University of Slovenia
1984 1 study circle
1986 1 university
2011 a network of
45 universities in
43 towns
Community learning and voluntary work,
aimed at personal growth and social inclusion of the elderly.
An intergenerational activity, involving individuals
from youth to old age.
We engaged U3A students as cultural mediators
in museums on a voluntary basis.
Museums, culture, mediation
connecting subject and object in a museum
transforming museum experience in terms of meanings
democratizing access to museum collections
(2) Building partnership
National Museum of Slovenia (2007) + U3A Ljubljana
Architecture Museum of Ljubljana (2007) + U3A Ljubljana
Škofja Loka Museum (2008) + U3A Škofja Loka
Radovljica Museums (2008) + U3A Škofja Loka
Dolenjska Museum Novo mesto (2009) + U3A Novo mesto
Natural History Museum of Slovenia (2009) + U3A Ljubljana
Technical Museum of Slovenia (2009) + U3A Ljubljana
Slovenian Etnographic Museum (2009) + U3A Ljubljana
...
(3) Age-related cultural agenda
In a contemporary society, alongside ethnicity, race,
gender, family, job, religion and health, age is becoming
an increasingly important cultural identity system.
Like other age groups, older people have certain
characteristics: developmental and socio-cultural.
Older generation is not homogenuous.
Mannheim in Field et al. 2008
Jelenc-Krašovec & Kump 2010
Research into motivation of older adults
(U3A students) for volunteering
U3A students would volunteer:
1. To do something good for himself/herself and others
2. To learn
3. To contribute knowledge and skills
...
According to museum staff older people would volunteer:
1. To contribute knowledge and skills
2. To become included in society again
3. To learn
4. To cure loneliness
...
“Knowledge, professional skills and attitudes
displayed by those dealing with adult education, their
ability to motivate adults to go on learning, are often
decisive for their destiny. In post-modern times adult
educators need different competencies from those
they have needed so far.”
Findeisen (2004)
Thank you for your
attention.
[email protected]