New Cultural Playgrounds for Young Children and Families

Identification of Social Problem

In recent years, the role of small communities in cultural heritage transmission has diminished, and there has been a decline in intergenerational dialogue. Cultural markets regulated by mass media target children and families. In response to this, our multidisciplinary research group, consisting of university educators, museologists, and museum educators, has developed and is currently developing new experiential museum (play) spaces. The innovative methodology we have created and its implementation respond to social needs, such as strengthening local connections, creating enjoyable lifelong learning experiences, and facilitating intergenerational dialogue. It aims to establish innovative solutions by socializing participants into new cultural behaviors, making it a form of social innovation.

Result of the Research

A methodological handbook has been completed in both English and Hungarian.

Presentation of the Method

Museums that apply the methodology designed for preschoolers' developmental characteristics (ELTE-TINLAB Museum for the Little Ones) experience an increase in the number of child and adult visitors. The growing museum visits provide opportunities for intergenerational dialogue, self-cultivation, and facilitate positive emotions. Initial measurements (DES scale) and interviews conducted with children and adults confirm positive changes in mental health. The method offers the possibility of implementing placed-based and community-based education, expanding children's attention beyond preschool and school to the real world and actual events, and fostering the development of local connections. Other positive aspects of social innovation include the transmission of enjoyable and value-conveying methods of culture and self-cultivation, preparation for lifelong learning, interdisciplinary learning methods for children, educators, university students, and parents, preservation and creation of values, and active shaping of child culture in a museum environment. An essential part of social innovation is the integration of public education and higher education in the field of public culture.

Contact

Nedda Kolosai (Eötvös Loránd University Faculty of Primary and Pre-School Education)
E-mail
More about the 2022–2023 phase of the research